Getting Started as a Freelancer
Facilitated by Suzy Bills
How to Find Clients
- Start with your current network. Let family, friends, acquaintances know that you’re available to complete freelance work.
- Include info in your email signature.
- Develop a portfolio website.
- Use social media, particularly LinkedIn.
- LinkedIn is designed to help you find work, so use it!
- Have a professional photograph, and fill out all parts of your profile.
- In describing what you do, focus on how you’ll help potential clients. Speak from their perspective.
- Use the search feature to see what freelance projects have been posted.
- Ask clients for referrals, particularly after you’ve completed a project and the client has expressed gratitude.
Contract and Invoices
- Contracts are vital for establishing the terms of service and when you’ll be paid. Using a contract helps you avoid nonpayment, protects you in a court case.
- A lot of online tools are available for developing and sending out contracts and invoices, as well as receiving payment.
Document Storage
- Archive emails; back up files on an external drive and with a cloud service.
Productivity
- Learn computer shortcuts.
- Try out computer and phone apps to find which ones help you work faster.
- Try the Pomodoro Technique (intensely focus on work for a specific amount of time, and then take a brief break).
What to Charge
- Use project fees instead of hourly fees.
- Check with other freelancers/organizations to see how much they are charging for a specific type of project. Going rates depend on the industry.
- Experiment with increasing your rates.