5 Freelancing Tips That Will Make you Successful

A lot of people don't like the idea of being tied up to a company. The thought of being stuck in a 9 to 5 job isn't only stressful; it can also be really frustrating. This is one of the most common reasons why tons of people are now looking for the best freelance tips that can help them transition to a different career.

If you are seriously considering leaving your work to take on a freelancing job, here are some ideas to help you out.

1. Choose Your Platform

Each person has his own set of skills. If you are going to take a freelancing career, you have to know what platform can help you maximize your talents.

There are lots of platforms to choose from when you search online. You can turn to iWriter or Freelancer if you wish to write. If you have a very creative mind, you can work on digital art projects. There are also large platforms, such as Fiverr, that offer opportunities for a wide range of skills.

2. Do Your Research

To be successful, you need to know what will work best for your career. The idea is to understand your industry and research the methods that will make you succeed.

One good trick is to look at the successful freelancers in your field. Study how they get their work done and how they market themselves.

Do they have their own website? Are they making use of a portfolio?

There are actually tons of choices when it comes to methods. The right one, however, will depend on your preference and capabilities.

Writers and artists, for example, need a good portfolio that will showcase their creativity. Using DeviantArt or starting your own blog can help you expose and showcase your work. If you prefer to work with video and audio projects, you can try YouTube or Soundcloud.

Every industry is different. Doing your research is vital so that you won't have to waste your time, money and effort in a platform and method that will not work for you.

See Also: 10 Productivity Musts for Freelancers

3. Understand your Audience

Unless you want to market yourself as a Jack of All Trades, Master of None, you need to know your target audience. They are going to be a major part of your success.

For example, if you offer abstract artwork, then trying to sell it to people who don't appreciate such form of art may not work. In case your passion is in creating music for infomercials, then you'll probably have a hard time advertising it to TV show and movie producers.

If you're not yet sure about what type of audience you should target, it's best if you can do your homework and study your field first. Researching for their demographics and interest can help you get a better shot at success.

4. Prepare for Problems

Prepare for any potential issues. Without proper planning and preparation, you'll likely struggle with your career.

One good way to prepare yourself is to create a list of the most common issues freelancers in your field face. After creating your list, try to think of possible solutions to these issues. Make sure that they are easy to implement and are effective.

For you to succeed, you need to know your niche like the back of your hand. You should know its strengths and weaknesses as well as its ups and downs.

5. Know Your Advantages

With so many people to compete with, you need to know what your strengths are.

What do you offer that others do not? What makes you stand out?

If you are just starting out, you need to give people a good reason why they should pick you. This can be a bit hard at this stage since you don't have the portfolio or experience to back your skills yet. However, once you've built a good reputation, you will no longer find it hard to convince people to choose you over other freelancers.

See Also: 7 Convincing Reasons for Working as a Freelancer 

When you choose to become a freelancer, you should aim to be more personable. Since your most powerful asset is yourself and your skills, you need to know how you can strengthen them so that you can make the most out of your new career. By following these freelance tips, you'll surely be on your way to the top.

About the Author:

My name is Frank Lavine. Writer for PersonalityDevelopmentMastery.com, the site where people are encouraged to live actively and take charge of their lives.