Becoming a freelancer is a big step in your career path. With so many media and resources on the Internet, it can be overwhelming at first. It doesn’t have to be difficult, although it will take a little time and patience to get started.
The first step you should take is to develop your resume and portfolio. You can do this by creating a website through a multitude of free hosts. Wix and Weebly are easy-to-use templates that offer free hosting.
Take a look at the different online freelance websites below. There are many opportunities with the connections that the Internet offers us. It is advisable to connect with more than one. Three popular sites to help you market your skills are Upwork, Freelanced, and Freelancer.
These websites cover a wide range. They include real estate, IT, data, coding, graphic design, and copywriting. That’s just the tip of the iceberg! Having so many options can be overwhelming. Stick to the websites that you feel most comfortable with and write down which ones you prefer to use so you don’t lose track. Through these different outlets, you will quickly find out which one you prefer. This will happen naturally, so don’t worry too much when starting out. It will take a while to build up at first. With persistence and dedication, you will find that your workflow will begin to flourish.
It is important to stay on top of the game. Never stop learning and continue to hone your skills. There are many resources that offer free or discounted courses. Udemy and Coursera are two that are mentioned often. Many programs offer a certificate of completion. You can often add them to your LinkedIn profile and resume. Having these shows your potential employers your dedication to ensuring the best quality service. This can only help in the attractiveness and development of your portfolio of freelancers.
Staying trained in current programs also helps build confidence. This is something that you will have to hold on to as you become self-employed. It can be daunting at first. Fighting and bidding for jobs, something many school programs don’t warn us about. Remember that you are a professional and take some time to review your past experience and capabilities. Please continue your personal development work. Add projects to your portfolio between assignments so you have more material to impress with.
Don’t forget to use LinkedIn and other social networks. Word of mouth is important and being an active member in their social circles is key. Making good impressions is vital. You never know who is paying attention and considering hiring you. If you maintain a professional driver with an employer, they are much more likely to recommend you and have a long-term relationship with you. This is something to remember in online conduct. What you write and post on the Internet after your professional work is attached to your name. It will reflect on you. Articles, comments, reviews – all this will return to your name. So be careful, even if it takes place on Facebook and you think it’s private. Social media is a double-edged sword and it’s important not to burn bridges or make a bad impression.
Last but not least, hang on! It may be a long road at first, but it will be worth it and you will soon find that the job will start to find you. Someday you will have to decline the job because you already have a complete file. When that day comes, take a moment to remember what it was like when you started. Appreciate the hard work you have put in. In the end, everything is worth it.