The traditional 9–5 office employment model is collapsing, and flexible business options like freelancing are exploding in popularity, and if trends continue, over half of Americans will freelance by 2027. Some of those are full-time freelancers, others in their free time while working full-time on a 9-5 job.
The proliferation of such part-time and freelance work has people talking about a new kind of labor market: That’s The Gig Economy.
That popularity — combined with the low barrier of entry for most digital professions, and the global reach of remote working — has created a competitive market that makes gaining traction as a new freelancer very challenging.
In this article, we will show you five easy steps to start a freelancing business while working full-time. So this is how to start a freelancing business while working full time.
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What is a freelancer?
A freelancer is a self-employed person who offers freelancing services online. Freelancers usually make money on a per-job basis, charging hourly or daily rates for their work.
While a freelancer is not officially employed by any company, it can be subcontracted by other businesses. It is common for freelancers to work on several different jobs or projects at the same time, but some freelance contracts may restrict who else the freelancer can work for until they complete their project.
Some of the most common freelance jobs are within creative industries such as graphic design, copywriting, or website development. However, freelancers can work in almost any service-based industry, like translation, consulting, or catering.
Best Freelancer Services
Every freelancer offers different services. Just think about what you are good at and make sure you personalize your offer based on your skills.
The best thing you can do, especially when you are starting out, is to specialize in a niche and offer your service to a type of business. By becoming an expert in your niche, you will also be able to get paid more per job in the long run.
A few examples of services you can specialize in are:
- Blogger
- Copywriter
- Social Media Manager
- Graphic Designer
- Logo Design
- Copy Editor
- Voiceover Acting
- Naming and Branding Consultant.
- Wellness Coach
- Nutrition Consultant
- Programmer
- Photographer
- Illustrator
- Tutor
The list goes on and on!
How To Start A Freelancing Business
1. Determine What Services You Will Offer as a Freelancer
This is the first step you will need to consider doing, You need to really understand why you are doing this in the first place. Is it because you have had enough office work? Or do you just want to have that freedom of being a freelancer?
You should have a clear idea of what you are passionate about, and what are your strengths and weakness. so sit with yourself grab a pen and paper, and find out what you want to do, Do you have the skills or not?
Even if you don’t have experiences you can learn from others. the easiest and fastest way to get started with any new skill or business is to learn from someone who’s done what you want to do.
2. Set Up Your Pricing
Everyone wants to know how much a freelance writer makes per hour? and the answer is:
The potential for earning revenues as a freelancer is unlimited. Because, you are pricing yourself based on the value you deliver — not based on what your competitors are charging. Don’t charge too far above your value, but don’t ever undervalue what you’re doing for your clients.
In the beginning, when you are just starting out, you might need to build up your portfolio with positive reviews to drum up business from clients willing to spend significant amounts of cash per hour on your services.
Your prices may be too high (or too low) for the types of clients you are targeting, but if you do your homework in deciding who to pitch your services to, you will be selling exactly what your clients need — for a price they can justify. They are going to hire someone to assist with their projects, so it is just a matter of showing them you are the right person to help.
Price becomes a secondary concern if they are already convinced that you are the best person for the job. It is business and they will make it work, or it was not meant to be.
3. Create a Website and Social Media Presence
Creating a website and social media presence is a critical component of starting a freelancing business. It is essential to have an online presence to showcase your work, attract potential clients, and build your brand.
To start, you need to choose a domain name and hosting provider for your website. Once you have your domain name and hosting set up, you can design your website. It is crucial to have a professional-looking website that is user-friendly, visually appealing, and reflects your brand. You can either hire a web designer or use a website builder to help you create your website.
Search engine optimization (SEO) is also an essential factor in driving traffic to your website. Make sure your website is optimized for keywords related to your business, and that your content is high-quality and relevant.
In addition to a website, social media can be a powerful tool to market your services and build your brand. Choose the social media platforms that are most relevant to your business and target audience, and create accounts on those platforms. Make sure your profiles are optimized with professional photos, descriptions of your services, and links to your website.
4. Get Your First Client
Getting your first client as a freelancer can be a daunting task, but with the right approach, it is possible to land your first job and start building your business. Here are some steps to help you get your first client:
- Leverage your network: Start by reaching out to your network of family, friends, and colleagues. Let them know that you are starting your freelancing business and ask if they need any services you can provide. You can also ask them to refer you to others who may need your services.
- Use online job boards: Job boards such as Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr can be a great way to find freelance work. Create a profile on these platforms and start applying for jobs that match your skills and experience.
- Offer free services: Consider offering your services for free or at a discounted rate to gain experience and build your portfolio. This can help you build a client base and get referrals for future work.
- Attend networking events: Attend local networking events and conferences to meet potential clients and network with other freelancers in your industry.
- Be proactive: Don’t wait for clients to come to you. Reach out to potential clients directly and offer your services. Show them how you can add value to their business and solve their problems.
- Provide excellent customer service: Once you land your first client, make sure to provide excellent customer service. Deliver quality work on time, communicate effectively, and be responsive to their needs.
5. Build Relationships and Scale Your Business
The number one way to build a sustainable, full-time freelance career is to build quality professional relationships with satisfied clients who love to refer you to their friends and colleagues. you can also ask them for a review or testimonial and use that to your advantage to grow your business.
Building a strong reputation is easier than you may think. All it takes is committing yourself to provide your client with as much value as you can possibly give, over and over again on every project you do. So choose clients with who you can connect. You want to be building partnerships, not just doing jobs.
The bottom line
Starting a freelancing business while working full-time can be a challenging but rewarding endeavor. With the right mindset and approach, you can turn your side hustle into a thriving business that provides you with the freedom and flexibility you crave.
By following the five steps outlined in this article, you can set yourself up for success. Begin by identifying your skills and passions, then create a clear plan for your freelancing business. Next, build a strong online presence, establish a network of clients and collaborators, and set realistic goals for your growth.
Remember, freelancing requires hard work, dedication, and a willingness to learn and adapt. But with perseverance and a commitment to your craft, you can build a successful business that allows you to live life on your own terms. So take that first step today and start building the freelance career of your dreams.
😉 Good luck!
