With AI tools, online startups, an entire internet’s worth of local and non-local competition, it’s easy for the humble freelancer to feel a little putout. Securing clients alone, developing a brand, and curating a reputation for a job well done may seem harder for those starting out than it ever has been. However, these tightening parameters are worth being aware of if you intend to become a freelancer or sustain your personal career as one. There are many advantages to doing this, but it’s better to take nothing for granted when you’re unsure who your next client will be. That’s why following these 4 steps, aimed at newcomers, we hope you can feel more confident in becoming the best freelancer you can be.
By Team Savant
Image: Tobias Tullius
Start Your Small Brand As A Registered Entity
The truth is that being set up as an official entity can make a big difference in how seriously clients take you. It shows that you mean business (literally) and with an expert federal EIN filing help you can begin appropriate bookkeeping and tax records immediately. You don’t have to start with a big, complicated structure. Even just registering as a sole trader or LLC can help you feel more organized and ready to take on clients, especially if you have experience in the field and you’re not starting solely from scratch. If you are, get a few clients under your belt before doing this.
Immediately Curate The Best Portfolio You Can
If you don’t have a lot of material yet, you can create some mock-up projects just to show off your skills, but make sure it’s appropriately presented on a clean, simple website that can be referred to by anyone. The goal here is to show clients that you know what you’re doing and that you’re ready to tackle their projects. It will help you avoid pitching constantly unique and long bids and instead let your work do the talking.
Use Helpful Digital Marketing Methods
Marketing yourself online is one of the most important things you can do if you’re hoping to be a little more notable than the other guy, and luckily there are many tools available to help you out. You don’t need to be a marketing expert, but getting familiar with platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, or even a simple website can really help get your name out there, especially if you follow some pages, like some businesses, and interact with others (you don’t have to be fake or post long promotional statements on LinkedIn to do this).
Underpromise/Overdeliver
The common wisdom is that clients love it when you go above and beyond what they asked for, especially if they weren’t expecting it, but they’ll be disappointed if you promise something you can’t deliver on. So, aim to be honest and upfront about what you can do, then overdeliver with a little extra to sustain their interest. If you can repeatedly secure them as a client then you’ll be able to feel more confident when pitching again.
With this advice, we hope you can feel more confident as a freelancer, no matter what.