A Guide to Getting Freelance Projects

Freelancing has taken over the world, especially during the current pandemic. One of the main reasons employable individuals prefer freelance projects over regular jobs is the amount of flexibility they get.

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Freelance workers, also known as freelancers, do not have to sit at their desks from 9 am to 6 pm; they can start and finish the work when they want, as long as it meets the client’s deadline. Freelancing also prevents individuals from working too much and not getting paid for the same. In fact, freelancing is one of the most sought-after roles in 2022.

Tips to Get More Freelance Projects

● Get in touch with earlier clients who you shared good relationships with. Call upon them to know their whereabouts and enquire about their general well-being instead of asking for work directly.

● It is often a good idea to start working with an experienced freelancer to learn the tips and tricks of the trade. This strategy works well in the case of a freelance photographer or writer.

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● Remember that you set foot into the world of freelancing to maintain a work-life balance while earning a reasonable amount of money. If the amount of work is too much and does not give you time for yourself or your loved ones, remember to say no. Clients need to understand that you value your space and time.

● Keep checking on networking websites such as LinkedIn for new freelance gigs. Use # to look for suitable freelance opportunities.

Remember to write grammatically correct and courteous emails to clients, irrespective of whether you expect them to give you business.

Realities of Freelancing

With the amount of freedom it offers, freelancers may feel that freelance projects are easy. Being your own boss comes with its share of responsibilities. Here are some of the realities that every freelancer has to handle at some point in time.

1. Rejection is part of the learning process.

As a freelancer, you may have to work with multiple clients simultaneously, juggling various tasks. This often leads to a diminished sense of stability. Client needs may frequently change based on company requirements as per budget or skills or the existing client-freelancer relationship.

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Rejection may be frequent, but the trick to surviving is not to take any such situation to heart. Try to incorporate the positives from the relationship and move on. With more body of work, it’s a question of time before people start talking about you.

2. Join freelance communities

Find a community of similar freelancers for support and accountability. Engaging with some communities will give you the guidance and the motivation to soldier on.

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3. Highlight your skills

A large percentage of companies hire freelancers to plug the skill gaps of their full-time staff. If the job description of your latest gig specifies a particular set of talents and you possess them, be sure to emphasize them in your correspondence with the company.

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4. Constantly build your pipeline.

The freelance industry is primarily a numbers game, where freelancers must send pitches, introduction letters, and make cold calls to get freelancing projects online. Even if your schedule is packed, and the business is healthy, it is crucial to keep expanding your pipeline.

For example, experienced freelancers fine-tune pitches and brainstorm fresh ideas even while working on numerous projects. You must also remember to keep highlighting your presence on social media through new ads.

5. Think beyond local

Freelancing allows professionals to work from remote locations, which means it is no longer necessary to be in the same geographical area as the company. Better talent becomes available when companies start looking beyond the local economy. If you as a freelancer are more qualified than another person in an area close to the office, you will not lose your job.

6. Maintain documents

While working for yourself, you are not only responsible for supplying services but also for bookkeeping. Organization can assist you in avoiding errors and blunders along the route, especially during tax season.

Apart from bookkeeping, keep records of the latest files being sent to clients without depending on emails for everything. Buy extra storage space such as external hard disks, if necessary. Written documents as freelance projects will constitute a portfolio that can be sent to a client.

Importance of Consistent Workflow

Having decided to become a freelancer alongside or by letting go of a full-time job, it is important to get a steady source of income. A consistent flow of work does not just provide regular income but also helps build long-term client relationships. You do not need to spend five or more hours and money running ads. Instead, marketing and networking need to be included in your daily activities.

You may also start your own community. It would be helpful to have a group of people as stalwarts or newbies in the same profession to fall back upon. It may be challenging to start the community initially, but the rewards are excellent once done. After all, isn’t job satisfaction one of the reasons to take up a freelancing role?

In the End

Although freelancing is a role that gives a person freedom and work-life balance, it comes with its own challenges. For any individual, it is essential to know about the ups and downs of freelancing before taking it up.

And once you do, do not forget to network with your peers, clients, and others consistently. This is a sure-shot way to get a regular inflow of work.

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