Freelancing is a term that relates to having numerous short term jobs or contracts with a selection of clients, or companies, typically without a long term contract. Given the constant expansion of the Internet, earning a living through freelancing has never been easier, especially while freelancing in the UK. This article explains how to freelance and earn money.

An increasing number of people work for themselves, and that amount will grow. Freelancing, providing you do it right, can be challenging and liberating.

Photo by Luca Bravo 

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Freelancing in the U.K is a spectrum, in the same way, the workforce is, and you’re going to need to figure out what you want before you start. Your skills are not just skills; they are resources to your clients that are worth charging and paying for.

1. If you’re good at something, never do it for free. Skills can be turned into a freelancing opportunity. Secondary skills, such as writing and research, can be as profitable as website design or programming. If you’ve ever had a taste for literature, you could stand a chance at creating a freelancing business.
2. As a fledgeling freelancer, it's easy to think that you don’t have the right experience. The key to getting there is writing. Focus on your skills while you take these first steps.

You will be starting a business and leanring how to freelance, you will need to think about marketing yourself and your work. For this, you will need to create a “brand”, as well as what you're selling and how it makes you unique. Including things like your website, logo, social media presence and a tagline.

1. Your brand needs to state that your work is unique and is worth paying for. Set your sights on a specific industry. You may decide to write purely for travel sites/businesses. You may choose to freelance for corporate/business websites. Writing is a broad field, and you will need to make your field as attractive as possible to your clients as it shows you’ve occupied a niche that you comfortable with and skilled in.
2. On the other hand, the brand should not be your sole focus. Followers on social media don’t pay the rent. You shouldn’t worry about that side of freelancing. Focus on providing a quality piece of work. Succeed at that aspect of freelancing, and you’ll be on your way.

Potential clients will be interested more in your demonstrated ability than qualifications. You will need to provide examples of your writing, and this will show if you’re a good fit for the client. Building a strong portfolio is essential for building your freelancing business (past examples never hurt). Do not launch yourself as a freelancer without a portfolio. Make sure to include testimonials of previous organisations you’ve worked with. These function as references for your new clients.

I. Your portfolio takes time and resources. If you’ve previously had no paid projects/assignments, you may have to work pro bono to generate some or utilise your free time to create a work based on your niche.

II. Do not go overboard. Volume can help your portfolio, but it’s vital to incorporate higher profile jobs you have worked and not just smaller assignments. If you're hunting for higher-paying clients, you will need to show them that you can produce what they want. Offering to work pro bono may have to be an option when you start.

III. You must not launch your freelancing business until you have made/supplied the services you sell. Your portfolio is invaluable to show clients your accomplishments.

Here is 3 step marketing plan for guidance once you have created your portfolio:

Your official job is “freelancer”, but you also need to think “business”. If you want this to become your living, you need to become acquainted with operating the said business. Taxes, marketing, everything. In some cases, these practices may take more time than freelancing.

I. If you have any friends who have experience with freelancing in the U.K, consider asking them about the business side. Also, books or online guides that can help you through starting up a business.

II. You may think it’s early to be thinking about the business side of freelancing. But these goals and benchmarks can develop the scale of your business to provide you with a useful framework. A transparent business model shows clients that you’re a professional and not just someone sitting on their sofa at home with a laptop. 

As a freelancer, you will need a system of payment and to be ready for the work in every way and keeping up with the accounting is preferable to leaving it until the end. Creating a framework for your finances will help you keep up with charging a decent amount and getting paid and keeping track of your incomings and outgoings.

I. Set prices for work. Figure out if you charge hourly/per piece. Prepare a breakdown for said amount.

II. Invoice Templates. These can be created with Microsoft Excel. They need to include information such as service rendered, cost, payment and addresses of both payer/payee.

III. Consider a business account. Banks usually have individual fees and circumstances for a business account, but you will need one.

IV. Check how much you will need to charge and set aside for tax season.

Once you have your portfolio, start pitching. Successful freelancing is a numbers game, the wider you cast your net, the higher the chance of a catch and getting paid. Start with personal contacts, family, co-workers etc. Ask for references and reviews; this will help you land start-up work. You’ll need to make the first move however and branch out to make money. Pitch to a large number of clients.

I. Remember the 10-Before-10 Rule. Pitch to 10 potential clients before another 10 in the morning each day.

II. Since you’re probably working another job, consider setting aside some time to build up your network.

III. If you’ve adequately branded, you should know who your clients are. Clients want to work with people who specialise. If you’ve cornered your niche, this won’t be a problem.

IV. Try using freelance markets like Skillbox and oDesk, which allow you to pitch to and contact clients.

 

In the second part of this article, we will discuss how to understand freelance work and the attributes behind becoming a successful freelancer.