Have you ever wondered about entering the world of freelancing? Perhaps you’ve pondered it but feel as though it doesn’t necessarily offer full-time income potential. If so, the notion of building a freelance business has likely caused some hesitancy on your end. However, if becoming a freelancer is what you genuinely want to do, then you’re in luck. How can you earn a full-time income as a freelancer? Let’s dive in!
If you have some skill, dedication, and motivation, you could thrive by earning a full-time income as a freelancer. There are plenty of opportunities out there just waiting to be harnessed. By the end of this article, I hope you’ll feel confident to take charge of your freelancing career.
Define Your Reason For Freelancing (Your ‘Why’)
So, why are you interested in becoming a freelancer? Make sure you have this question answered before you begin. Perhaps you just want a side hustle to earn extra cash each month. Or maybe you want to eventually build that extra cash into a full-time income as a freelancer.
Whichever category you fall into, it’s important to note that freelancing is a tough business. While it does have its perks, it also takes a lot of hard work and a willingness to learn. I suggest mapping out a plan of attack early on and highlighting your ultimate reason for freelancing.
Your mission should be clear from day one. Your preparation is key in becoming a successful freelancer. Your reason for freelancing in the first place will guide you through any hiccups along the way.
Define What Success Means To You
Typically, individuals have different ideas of what a successful career looks like. For some, it’s solely the amount of money you make. For others, it’s the income potential versus quality of life. Freelancing offers a great opportunity for both income and lifestyle that’s hard to find elsewhere. Keep in mind, nothing is guaranteed except the fact you must work hard to achieve your goals.
Find Your Freelancing Niche
There are a plethora of avenues to take on a freelancing adventure. I’m here to provide the shortcuts that will enable you to utilize fundamental principles to achieve your goals. For starters, finding your freelancing niche is essential.
You must figure out which abilities from your skillset you’d be most inclined to offer other individuals. Not everyone can do everything, right? I recommend working diligently to hone a few skills that you are confident in deploying from your freelancing arsenal. Eventually, you could start branching out to other services that you might feel more confident showcasing down the road.
Remember It Takes Time To Build-Up
This is, without question, the most crucial aspect to understand in the world of freelancing. I recommend starting your freelancing career as a part-time side gig, mainly if you’re already employed elsewhere. The reason for this is quite simple but often overlooked. It does take time to build up as a freelancer, regardless of your talent and work ethic.
Some freelancers could take several years before achieving what they deem as a success. Others, it could take a much shorter window of time. The more situations you are in, the better chance you’ll have of attracting clients. So, make sure you put yourself out there by submitting as many proposals as you can.
Potential clients are unlikely to hire someone that doesn’t have a decorated work history. It’s a real challenge to stand out among other candidates that do have past experiences. So, what do you do?
Think Big But Start Small
Sure, it might sound a bit frivolous at first, but trust me, starting small is the best way to ensure freelancing success. For example, a college student needs their term paper looked over to make sure it’s free of errors. They could only pay a fixed price of $10. What should you do?
You should submit a proposal for this job. And if the client contacts you, take this job! And not only take the job but take pride in it as well. Try to complete it as quickly as possible while not sacrificing your quality.
Also, be highly communicative in whichever project(s) you do land. It would help if you remembered that your communication is how you sell yourself and your talents. Mastering the basics is as important as the skill you’re offering. Starting small and completing the jobs you are fortunate to land early on is crucial to your future success.
Remember, that one job could land you a great review. That review encourages other clients to give you a shot for different projects. Then, the first client may come back and need you again. And so on and so on.
Suddenly, you’ll be six months to one year in and turning down jobs due to time constraints.
This is how it happens. This is the cycle a new freelancer must go through to eventually earn a full-time income.
Compile A Portfolio Of Work
Showcasing your abilities will undoubtedly aid your overall marketing mission. One simple but effective way to do this is through a portfolio. For example, an aspiring freelance writer should draft a few short stories, essays on random topics, resumes, and much more. This way, when a client responds with their request to see some sample work, you can provide it.
Take your time with these pieces. This is your chance to shine with zero added pressure while crafting them, so definitely take advantage of that aspect. Master the art of attention to detail. Clients want to feel extremely comfortable putting their project into your hands.
How To Get To The Full-Time Income Threshold
Remember that the cycle of starting small and building up is how to earn a full-time income as a freelancer. The good news is that it will work. Your commitment will be tested at numerous points early on.
Achieving a potential full-time income as a freelancer requires all the steps listed throughout this article. It takes time, dedication, motivation, and a real passion for what you are doing.
The beginning will likely be challenging. Push through that, especially if you love your freelance work. At that point, you will be on your way to earning a full-time income as a freelancer.
Also Read: 7 Tips for How to Improve Your Resume