11 Simplified Freelancing Hacks that You Should be Doing
Updated: Apr 21
The world of work is changing rapidly and more people are opting for freelancing as a career option. Freelancing offers great flexibility, allowing you to work from anywhere in the world, choose your own clients, and set your own rates.
However, it is important to note that freelancing is not for everyone. In this blog post, we will explore the world of freelancing and provide some tips to help you succeed as a freelancer.
Here's what you need to know about freelancing.
Freelancing is a real job with its own challenges.
It's not just a way to make money on the side. Freelancers are entrepreneurs who work for themselves, have their clients, and earn an income based on their skills, time, and effort spent working. Some people might think that only artists can be freelancers, but this isn't the case at all!
Freelancing is a popular option for those looking for flexibility or who need extra money to supplement their income from traditional employment.
Freelancing is a job in which you are self-employed and not employed by any company. You can choose to work for yourself or another company, but either way, you'll be working on your schedule and setting your hours. Freelancers typically work from home or in a co-working space, which offers flexible leases so that freelancers can come and go as they please without committing to long-term contracts.
Freelancing has become increasingly popular in recent years as technology has made it easier than ever before for people who want flexibility over their careers (and lifestyles) while still making money at something they enjoy doing--whether that's freelance writing articles or as a virtual assistant!
You might be thinking, "Isn't freelancing a real job?"
The answer is Y-E-S! It's a REAL job.
You're working for yourself, which means you have more control over your time and how much money you make. You can travel anywhere with the opportunity of remote work.
And if you're doing it right, there are lots of ways that freelancing could lead to financial freedom in the future--like having enough money saved up so that one day when something bad happens (like getting sick or having the car trouble) won't ruin everything for your family like it would with just one income coming in from someone else's company instead of multiple streams from various clients throughout the year.
How do I start working as a freelancer with no experience?
It's not easy to start freelancing without any experience. You have to prove your worth and show that you can do the job well.
The best way to do this is by starting a personal project. If you want to be a web developer, build a personal website. If you want to write, start drafting blogs and articles on topics that interest you.
Or by starting out with small jobs that pay less than you’d like. You can find these on sites like Upwork and Fiverr. Once you have some experience and positive reviews, you can start charging more for your services.
Here are 11 Simplified Freelancing Hacks that Separate Doers from Thinkers
Hack #1: Decide whether you are suited for freelance work.
Freelancing is not for everyone. It requires a lot of discipline and self-motivation. You need to be able to work without the structure of an office job, which can be difficult at first if you’re not used to it. You also need to be able to manage time effectively, so that you don’t get behind on your projects and end up missing deadlines!
For example, you might think that you’re a good fit for freelancing because you have a lot of experience in your field. But if you need to be around other people and like having the structure in your day, it could be difficult for you to work from home on your own.
If you're freelancing, you have to be responsible for your taxes. You also need to pay for health insurance and retirement planning on your own. If you don't have enough savings in the bank, that could be a problem--especially when it comes time to cover rent or mortgage payments.
Hack #2: Identify your skill and your niche.
You need to identify what your skill set is, and how it can be applied in the freelance world. For example, if you are good at creating content for websites and blogs, then you could consider becoming a freelance writer.
If you’re not sure where to start, try doing some soul-searching and research online and see what skills are in demand. If you have a background in technology or software development, then it might be easier for you to find work as a freelance developer.
If you have no experience with this kind of thing but want to give it a shot, there are plenty of resources out there on how to get started.
You may also read: Niche Down: Your Only Way to Go Up and Stay Ahead of the Crowd
Hack #3: Choose a platform and create your profile for your online presence.
Build a social media presence. An essential part of any freelancer's toolkit. It can help you connect with potential clients and build a reputation as someone who knows what they're doing. If you are just starting, consider using Twitter or LinkedIn to connect with like-minded professionals in your field.
Hack #4: Start networking and meeting people.
Go to events in your area and get to know people who might need your services. Start a blog or website where you can showcase your work and build up an online presence that makes it easy for potential clients to find you!
Hack #5: Create an online portfolio to display your work.
Slowly start building up a portfolio of your best work, and make sure you include photos, videos, and examples of any write-ups you've done. This can be as simple as setting up an online folder on Google Docs that people can access or creating a website for yourself with your portfolio as the main feature.
Create a website or blog. This will be the hub for all of your work and help you build a brand around yourself as an expert in your field. It will also help you find new clients and make it easy for people to contact you with questions or requests for work.
Add some content to your site. Consider adding a blog section so that people can read about your experiences and learn from them. You can also offer tips, tricks, or advice on how to solve common problems in your field—this will help build up an online presence that makes it easy for potential clients to find you!
Hack #6: Determine your negotiables and non-negotiables.
When you’re ready to negotiate with a client, it helps to know what your non-negotiables are. These are things that you will not budge on—they must be met before you enter into any kind of agreement.
For example, if your clients have been asking for a particular service and you don’t feel comfortable providing it, make sure that is clear from the very beginning so there are no surprises later on down the road!
You may also read: Win-Win Negotiables: Making You Money While Making Your Clients Happy
Hack #7: Prepare templates for your cold emails, proposal, and contract.
It can be difficult to write a cold email that will get clients’ attention. The easiest way to do this is by creating a template that includes all of the information you want to convey and then filling in the blanks as needed.
A proposal template will help ensure that all of your important points are covered while keeping each client on the same page throughout their project. And finally, a contract work template helps protect both parties from unforeseen circumstances so there aren’t any surprises down the road!
Hack #8: Start small, don't rush. Find a small project or two to start with.
Do your best, but don't stress too much if it doesn't go perfectly. You'll learn from your mistakes and be better equipped for future projects. Enjoy the process and don't stress. You'll get better with time.
Once you've done your first few projects and are starting to see how things go, it can be very rewarding—and fun—to take on more clients.
Hack #9: Consider it as a side hustle then go full-time.
If you’re just starting out as a freelancer, it can be hard to make ends meet. So if you're thinking about quitting your day job and going full-time with your side hustle, take it slow. Start by doing one project per week on the weekends or evenings while still working your 9-to-5 (or 7-to-3). Once you've done that for a year or so and feel comfortable taking on more clients during the week, then go for it!
Hack #10: Find the ideal client.
Look for clients who are willing to pay you what your skills are worth and can give repeat business once they see how great of a job you do!
Let’s say you have a background in marketing and social media. You could offer your services to local businesses that need help with their website, SEO, or general marketing strategy. You could also offer your services to individuals who need help with their social media presence or just want some guidance on how to use it effectively.
Whatever you decide, make sure that the client fits into your ideal client profile. Sign-up for a job board: a website ( Indeed and Glassdoor) used by employers to advertise their job vacancies to job seekers.
Hack #11: Focus on building client relationships.
Instead of focusing on the money, start by building rapport. This can be done through regular check-ins or video calls and making sure that you're always available for questions and feedback! Once they trust you and see how great of a job you do, chances are they'll be willing to pay even more for your services.
Here are three bonus hacks to boost your preparedness and confidence:
Bonus Hack #12: Don't do the job for free
Cheap is the enemy of good.
You don't want to devalue your work by doing it for free. Doing so can hurt you in the long run. If you do a job for free, someone else will have to pay for it later on down the road—and that means they'll expect better quality or more services with their money than if they'd hired someone who charged them upfront.
Pricing your offer can be a challenging task, especially if you are new to the business world. However, there are a few key factors to consider when determining the price of your product or service.
Here are some tips to help you price your offer effectively:
1) Know your costs: Before you can determine your pricing, you need to know your costs. This includes the cost of materials, labor, and overhead expenses. Make sure to factor in all of your costs to ensure that you are making a profit.
2) Research your competition: Look at what your competitors are charging for similar products or services. This will give you an idea of what the market is willing to pay and help you determine a competitive price.
3) Consider your target market: Your target market will influence your pricing strategy. If you are targeting a high-end market, you may be able to charge a premium price. If you are targeting a more price-sensitive market, you may need to offer lower prices to remain competitive.
4) Determine your value proposition: What makes your product or service unique? What value do you offer to your clients? Your value proposition can help you justify a higher price point.
5) Experiment and adjust: Pricing is not a one-time decision. You may need to experiment with different price points to see what works best for your business. It's important to track your sales and adjust your pricing strategy accordingly.
When it comes to setting your rates, it is important to be realistic and competitive. Do some research on what other freelancers in your field are charging and tailor your rates accordingly. It is important to remember that your rates should reflect your skills and experience, but they should also be reasonable and within the client's budget.
Remember that pricing is not an exact science and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. It's important to balance your costs with what the market is willing to pay and what value you offer to your clients. By considering these factors and staying flexible, you can find a pricing strategy that works for your business.
Which one should I choose first a skill or a niche?
The answer to this question depends on your personal goals and what you want to achieve.
If you want to build a sustainable business that makes money, then you need both skills and a niche.
You can't just rely on one or the other because they are equally important.
Choosing whether to focus on a skill or a niche first ultimately depends on your personal preference and career goals.
If you already have a specific skill set and are confident in your abilities, it may be beneficial to choose a niche that aligns with your skill set. This can help you market yourself as an expert in that particular niche and differentiate yourself from other freelancers.
On the other hand, if you are not sure what skill set you to want to develop or are interested in exploring multiple options, it may be more helpful to choose a niche first. This can give you a clearer picture of the type of work you want to do and the skills you need to develop to be successful in that niche.
Ultimately, both skills and niches are important to consider when building a successful freelancing career. It's important to find a balance between developing your skills and focusing on a niche that aligns with your interests and strengths.
Which skill is best for freelancing work?
Here are the top 32 freelancing skills based on market demand and growth potential (Source remotechest.com):
In-Demand Skills in 2023
Process Automation
Cloud Computing
Digital Transformation
Metaverse
Search Engine Optimization
Self Management
Internet of Things
Communication
Online Security
Video Editing
Voice Over
Copywriting
Excel Management
Social Media Marketing
Photography
Tutoring
User Testing
Delivery Service
Career Coaching
Editing and Translation
Audio Transcription
Competitor Research
Market Strategy Development
Business Planning
Cash Flow Management
Operational Management
Survey Taking
Illustration/ Graphic design
UX/UI
WordPress
Content Writing
Lead Generation
Independent Sales
Marketing Research
Customer Service
Administrative Support
Working with People
Videography
Motivational Speaking
Cyber Security
The skillset you choose to freelance with will depend on your interests, goals, and what you're good at. If you want to make money and have fun doing it, then by all means choose a skill that interests or excites you!
If you are just starting, I would highly recommend choosing something that you enjoy doing. If you choose a skill that doesn't interest or excite you then chances are your work will suffer because of it. It's hard enough to get clients without having to work on something day in and day out that bores the pants off of you!
Now that you have the skills, what's next? Are you going to settle for only one skill or multiple skills? How are these skills valuable to other people? What can you offer your clients that they can't get anywhere else?
If you don't know what your unique selling proposition (USP) is, then now is the time to find out.
This leads to my next point — Do you want to provide your client with a service or product that no one else can offer?
Bonus Hack #13: Then you try upskilling.
Why should you upskill?
There are many reasons why you should consider upskilling, but here are a few of the most important ones:
1) You can make more money If you have the right skill set then you'll be able to charge more for your services. This is especially true if you're starting, as there is often a gap between what newbies charge and what experienced freelancers charge.
2) You'll have more job security When you have the right skill set and can attract clients that need those skills then you will have more job security.
3) You'll be more employable If you have the right skill set then it will be easier for you to get a job.
4) You'll have more freedom When you can make money doing what you love then that means you have more freedom in your life. You can travel the world, spend more time with family and friends, and do whatever else you want.
5) You'll have an easier time finding a job If you don't have a degree then it will be much harder to get a job in your field.
6) You'll be happier When you make money doing something that makes people happy (like helping them sell their house or business), then that makes you feel good about yourself.
Bonus Hack #14: Consider to niche down.
By niche down, I mean narrowing your focus to a specific area for example in real estate.
For example, instead of just being an "agent" you could be an agent that specializes in selling homes in the $500,000-$700,000 price range. If you have experience then you can even specialize further (like specializing in a certain neighborhood or type of property).
1) You'll be more focused by narrowing down your niche, you can focus on helping a specific group of people. This means that when you're looking for clients, it will be easier to identify who they are and how to reach them.
2) You'll have an easier time marketing yourself When you don't have to worry about getting clients in every industry out there, then it's much easier to find the right people (your ideal client). This means you can focus your marketing efforts on a small group of people and you'll be more effective at it.
3) You'll make more money by specializing When you know what your niche is, then it's easy to figure out how much money you'll need to make each month. Then all you have to do is find clients who will pay that amount or higher.
4) You'll have a better chance of succeeding Specializing is no guarantee that you'll be successful, but it increases your chances. When you're an expert in one area, then people will come to you for help with that specific problem.
5) It's easier to find clients when you specialize When you're an expert in one area, then people will come to you for help with that specific problem.
6) You'll be able to charge higher rates If there's a certain type of person who is willing to pay $500 per hour for your services, then why would they only pay that much if they need help with every type of task?
What are the best freelancing websites?
There are many different sites where you can find freelance jobs, but here are some of the most popular:
Upwork
Linkedin
Freelance.com
Guru.com
People Per Hour
HubStaff
Task Bullet
OnlineJobs.ph
Virtual Angel Hub
RemoteStaff.ph
Virtual Coworker
Virtual Staff Finder
Remote Workmate
Virtual Angel Hub
VirtualStaff.ph
Freelancing is a real job with its own challenges.
There are financial and emotional challenges, for example. You must be self-motivated and disciplined to succeed as a freelancer.
Freelancing is an amazing opportunity to work on your terms, but that doesn't mean it's easy. It takes a lot of hard work and determination to successfully freelance--and even then, there are some challenges that you'll face along the way.
I've had my fair share of struggles as a freelancer. Sometimes I feel like giving up because there are times when it feels like no one cares about my work or wants me around; other times I get discouraged. After all, I can't seem to find clients who will hire me regularly (or at all).
But then again...I also have days where everything goes smoothly; I land great gigs with awesome clients; and make more money than ever before! So even though things aren't always easy as a freelancer, overall we still have plenty of reasons why we should stick around despite all this uncertainty.
Conclusion
Freelancing is a great opportunity to work on your terms.
You can choose when and where you work and what projects you take on. It's important to remember that freelancing has some downsides, such as not having benefits or steady paychecks like traditional employment offers.
However, if you're willing to take risks with your career path, becoming a freelancer might be right for you!
Only by taking action, you can see results, and knowing how to perform a task does not guarantee success, whereas applying what one already knows can make a freelancer stand out from others.
Only those freelancers who practice their knowledge to get things done will be successful over time.