Freelancing is starting a business. Just as you wouldn’t open a shop without first figuring out the basics, you shouldn’t jump into a freelance career on a whim. Planning is key. You need solid freelance career options to win business and not lose your mind in the first few months of freelancing. Discover how freelancers are a great option, for startups and all companies, including the largest ones.
Overview: Freelance Career Options
Being a freelancer means working independently and not having a full-time job with a single employer. As a freelancer, you have various freelance career options to choose your projects, schedules, and rates, as well as run your own business. Being a freelancer today means surviving the constant competition and standing out among that sea of talent. It is not enough to be good, you must go further, and you must know how to sell your skills, manage your business, and maintain a constant flow of projects. Here are seven essential tips to succeed in this competitive field.
What is freelance?
The term “freelance” refers to a professional who works independently, offering their services to different clients rather than being tied to a single company. Freelancers are usually hired for specific projects or for set periods, which gives them flexibility in terms of their schedules and the ability to work on multiple projects at the same time.
Difference between freelance and self-employed
You may be surprised, but for practical purposes, there are not many differences between the two. In fact, for legal purposes, these professionals are equal in Spain. This means that they have the same tax obligations.
A freelancer usually works on a project on a one-off basis and for a limited period. On the other hand, self-employed workers have a more stable activity and usually work full-time.
Furthermore, the former tend to be dedicated to professions linked to new technologies, while the self-employed focus on more traditional activities such as plumbers or electricians, among others.
How to Create a Plan for Your Freelance Career
The idea of quitting your job and starting your own freelance business can be overwhelming. From changing financial situations to things like how much to charge and finding clients, there are a lot of questions to sort out at first. What’s the best way to calm the anxiety? Start planning.
1. Three months before starting a freelance business
As soon as you decide to become a full-time freelancer and start to gather the courage to quit your job, start asking yourself the following questions:
Review your current contract: It is important to understand all the clauses in your current employment contract, such as those relating to working for competitors or seeking clients, in case this affects your plans.
Notice period: Giving your notice of termination is one thing, but what does your contract say about the notice period? And, if you need to, can you negotiate a reduction in the period? Freelance start date: It may seem exaggerated, but setting a start date on the calendar will make everything more real and exciting.
2. Two months before starting a freelance business
Calculate your monthly expenses: This is one of the most important steps in preparing to become a freelancer. Analyze and accurately assess your monthly expenses to know how much money you need to earn each month to live comfortably. It is also important to take into account other costs, such as vacations, pension plans, sick leave coverage, social security contributions, and a technology financing fund (for example, in case your laptop breaks down).
Do some market research: Calculating your freelance rates in advance will give you time to think about and establish other aspects of your business, such as your niche and ideal client profile. The easiest way to find out the going market rates for your services is to ask fellow freelancers – just join, find an online group, or attend a networking event and chat with other freelancers in your industry.
Update your brand: As a freelancer, you’ll rely heavily on your brand and client referrals. Make sure you have your website, LinkedIn profile, and portfolio up and running before you officially start. Take some time to clearly define your message and unique selling proposition to get the most out of them during your first month as a freelancer.
3. Three weeks before starting your freelance career
No one has the perfect formula for starting as a freelancer. However, if you pay attention, you’ll find tips and tricks in almost every freelance interview.
Leverage your network: You’re getting closer to the official start and it’s time to let everyone know. Ask your closest friends, colleagues, and family to spread the word so everyone knows. Don’t be afraid to join online freelance groups, forums, and communities to promote your services – you just need one client to get going.
Prepare paperwork and a workspace: Think about the legal status of your business and register it. Work out things like insurance, a business bank account, a freelance contract, and invoicing software. What seems like a lot of administrative work will get you off to a good start.
4. The big day has arrived!
In addition to patting yourself on the back for a job well done so far, you should also complete these tasks to boost your freelance business.
Negotiate a monthly fee: When you finally land your first clients, focus on negotiating a long-term partnership and try to achieve a monthly fee. Taking on one-off projects can be an option to keep your finances afloat or to get started, but it is not a sustainable strategy.
Start collecting feedback and recommendations: A satisfied client can be a more effective source of leads than a Google ad. Make it a habit to talk about the possibility of getting referrals as the project nears completion, or you could even include it in your freelance contract.
Plan time for yourself: The start of your freelance career will undoubtedly be hectic and exhausting. Try to fit in some moments of reflection and relaxation to stay on track with your long-term goals and give yourself a break.
Most In-Demand Freelance Career Options
Here is our list of the most in-demand freelance career options that can help you focus on your next project. If you are in one of these professions, congratulations, you are likely to be a very attractive option for many clients. Doing something else? Don’t worry, there are thousands of different freelance jobs that offer very interesting opportunities. Check out the following options:
Editor, Blogger, or Copywriter
These types of professionals specialize in writing articles, copy, or texts for advertising, social media, and offline use. It is one of the best freelance career options for freelancers since they can write content from anywhere.
Community Manager or Content Creator
Community Managers are responsible for creating content for social networks, as well as managing them: interacting with followers and their content, planning the content to be published, and analyzing the results to adapt future content.
If you are interested in the world of marketing and content creation, you can specialize in the sector with our Marketing and Advertising FP.
Graphic Designer or Video Editor
With the rise of social media and marketing, the freelance graphic designer profile is in high demand. Advertising campaigns and the current importance of branding make this profile crucial in the marketing, brand creation, and rebranding processes of companies.
SEO or SEM Consultant
Another of the most in-demand freelance career options in the world of marketing is the SEO or SEM Consultant. A booming profession, although there are still few professionals specialized in it. Companies are looking for SEO and SEM consultants to create and implement positioning strategies, both organically (SEO) and paid (SEM).
Web Developer or Web Designer
Application developers, computer programs, or mobile applications. These are the most sought-after programmers, along with web developers. There are many offers for independent professionals in this field.
Data Analyst
These professionals are responsible for interpreting the mountains of data produced by companies. Their importance lies in analyzing said data and presenting it in a way that departments can understand. This is one of the most in-demand profiles today.
Pros and Cons of Being a Freelancer
The advantages of being a freelancer are many, such as the freedom to work on projects that interest you, the flexibility to set your working hours, and the possibility of earning more money.
However, there are also some disadvantages that you should be aware of, such as the lack of job stability, the lack of paid vacations, and the need to take on administrative and financial responsibilities that are normally handled by an employer.
Conclusion
Freelancing is a form of independent work that offers flexibility, diversity, and growth opportunities for professionals and the companies that hire them. The most important step is to select the freelance career options that suit you the best. If you plan to step into the world of freelancing, be prepared to take on the challenges. With that, you can also embrace many benefits this way of working holds.
