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Whether you're just starting to go freelance or you've been working for yourself for a while, it's always helpful to have a checklist of things to do to make sure you're setting yourself up for success. Here are eleven things every freelancer should think about:
1. Create a portfolio of your work
If you're just starting out, this can be a simple website or online portfolio showcasing your work. As you get more clients and projects under your belt, keep adding to your portfolio so potential clients can see the range and quality of your work.
2. Set rates and expectations with clients
It’s important to set clear rates and expectations with clients from the beginning—this includes letting them know right away what they should expect to pay and what might cause this number to increase (additional features, more time, etc.). This way, there are no surprises down the road and you can avoid any disagreements about payments.
3. Develop a billing and payment system
One way to keep your business running smoothly is to develop a system for billing and payments that works for both you and your clients. With all your other work, it’s beneficial to make it as easy as possible for you to bill clients and for clients to pay you—no one wants to spend time generating invoices and chasing payments.
4. Look for opportunities to upsell
As a freelancer, it's important to always look for ways to increase revenue. One way to do this is by upselling your services to clients—for example, if your business is web design, you might offer additional services such as social media management or copywriting.
5. Network with other freelancers
One of the best things about being a freelancer is that you're your own boss—which means you have the freedom to network with other freelancers to collaborate on projects, share referrals, and generally help each other out. There are lots of great online communities for freelancers, so it’s easy to get connected.
6. Market yourself
To build your client list, you need to market yourself and your services effectively. This could involve anything from writing blog posts and free eBooks to speaking at events or attending networking functions.
7. Build your platform
If you want clients to find you over the internet, having a strong online presence is vital. This could include anything from a website to a social media profile or even just a great portfolio.
8. Never stop learning new skills
As a freelancer, it's important to keep learning new skills and stay up-to-date on trends so you can offer the best possible services to your clients. This may mean taking courses online or in person, subscribing to newsletters, or reading blogs in your field.
9. Make sure your benefits are taken care of
If you're used to working for a traditional employer, one thing you'll need to do as a freelancer is make sure your benefits are taken care of. This includes things like health insurance, dental coverage, and retirement savings. Freelancers may also want to consider getting life insurance to provide their loved ones with financial security if something were to happen. Business owners looking for lifelong coverage and additional features may even consider permanent life insurance like a universal life policy.
10. Take care of yourself
Freelancing can be both rewarding and challenging, and it's important to take care of yourself both mentally and physically. This means making time for things like exercise, relaxation, and meeting up with friends.
11. Take time off for yourself
When you're self-employed, it can be hard to pull yourself away from your work. But it's important to take some time off for yourself—even if it's just a few days here and there. This can keep you from burning out and will help you recharge and come back to your work with fresh eyes.