Feast or famine? If you’re a freelancer, you may be familiar with both options.
But it doesn’t have to be that way. While the freelance life is a challenging one, you can make it easier on yourself in a few ways.
Here are some freelancing tips on how to be a successful freelancer.
Find Your Clients
One of the biggest challenges of being a freelancer is finding clients. There are a few different process of doing this. First, ask your existing connections if they know of any potential clients.
Another way is to attend networking events, both online and offline. Meetup is a great way to do local networking and connect with potential clients. You could also try using a coworking space and meeting others that way.
Also, don’t forget to diversify your clientele. If not, you’re putting all of your eggs in one basket, and when that client goes away, so does most of your revenue. Find clients big and small to ensure a steady income.
You Are Your Own Brand
As a freelancer, you are your personal brand. You’re selling yourself and your services. Make sure your social media is professional and highlights your skills and abilities.
There are also industry-specific social media sites that you should join. If you’re a developer, GitHub is a good start. Flickr and Vimeo are great choices for photographers and videographers.
Finally, if you freelance long enough, you’re bound to run into difficult clients. Don’t lose your cool. Do each assignment to the best of your ability, and consider cutting difficult clients loose.
Understand How Taxes Work
One issue all freelancers struggle with when first starting out is taxes. You need to figure out how taxes work in advance. Don’t wait until it’s tax time next year.
Freelancers in the U.S. are required to pay estimated taxes quarterly. If these taxes are not paid, you will owe money to the IRS and may incur penalties. That’s just for federal tax; local and state taxes may still apply.
Many freelancers hire a certified public accountant (CPA) to help them with their taxes. Not only can they answer any questions you may have, but they can also save you time.
Don’t forget your deductibles too. Common deductions freelancers can claim to include home office space, internet bills, travel expenses, hardware, and software. A tax professional can help you better understand what can and cannot be deducted.
Use Project Management Software
As a freelancer, you’re going to be juggling multiple projects at once. It’s the only way to make any real money and find freelance success.
When it comes to project management for freelancers it helps to have something specific to freelance work. Your project management software should be customizable, easy to use, and help you visualize your deliverables.
Ready to Start a Successful Freelancer Career?
Now that you know how to be a successful freelancer, check out some of our other articles on business and finance. Then you can take your freelance career to the next level.
