7 pieces of career advice every freelancer needs to hear right now

Freelancing is one of the most popular forms of self-employment today. As a freelancer, you can choose to offer your skills and services to clients on a project-by-project basis rather than being in long-term employment with one client. Freelancing is very common in industries such as writing, marketing, graphic design, photography, web development, and so much more. However, a freelancing career is not for everyone. You need to have strong self-motivation, discipline, and business acumen for a successful freelance career.

Here are 7 pieces of career advice that you must hear today as a freelancer:

Before everything else, define your niche

You can be a freelancer in almost any trade. But which trade are you really good at? Are you an excellent digital marketer? Or do you give superior legal consultation? Or maybe you are an excellent wedding photographer. Whichever the case, ensure that you select an area where you are an expert.

Create a superb portfolio for yourself

Potential clients won’t be impressed until they see your excellent work. Create a digital portfolio of your best pieces yet. If you are an architect or fashion designer, you can even create a physical portfolio that you can take with you when you visit your clients to let the textures of your designs come through.

Establish your boundaries and your goals

What are your career goals? What things do you want to achieve by the end of five years? Having a clear goal for where you want to go can make your journey much easier and more purposeful. Boundaries are just as important as career goals. Define your work hours, client expectations, and project types early on. That way, you won’t get blindsided when a client asks for NSFW artwork and you haven’t decided on an appropriate response.

Market yourself, and keep networking

Social media is a great tool to market your services to the right crowd and connect with your professional network. Always keep expanding your customer base and your network as a freelancer. Use LinkedIn to build your personal brand online. Maintaining an active online presence is always good for your business.

Communication is key

Ensure that you communicate with your clients clearly and promptly. Responding to client inquiries on time will secure you many sales opportunities. If you are working on complex projects, keep your clients updated on the projects’ progress on time.

Use strategic pricing for your services

You don’t want to be the most expensive photographer in town. You want to be the one getting all the weddings. Fair and competitive rates will keep you in business for years to come. There are several factors you must consider when pricing your services, such as the complexity of the project, market demand for the skill, your expertise level, and the income you desire. Never undervalue yourself to get more clients.

Get your contract and invoicing system set up

Getting paid on time is sometimes tough when you are a freelancer. The best way to ensure that your clients trust your credibility is to set up a proper contract that outlines project details and payment terms. Your invoicing system will determine the timely payment of clients.