This guide will help you understand how to freelance in an instant by providing you with a structured recipe to get your freelance business off to a great start. The second part of this article (Earning Money as a Freelancer in the UK: Part 2) will define a greater way to drive efficiencies in your own work while freelancing.

It is essential to mention that being better prepared while working as a freelancer will provide you with a systematic approach to dealing with clients and any issues that may arise.

Photo by Jeff Sheldon 

Go after what you want. Any creative endeavour you face can be stopped by yourself. To overcome this, you need to not think of freelancing in the U.K as just being able to work from home. Your passion will be your reality as well as business and living.

I.  See your vision as reality. Come up with a name for your business and a logo or specific font-type. This will make it easier for you to continue with your startup venture. Once you start, it becomes easier to maintain.

Don’t start running out of the gate. Freelancing can be an excellent way to make a living, but it will take time to build momentum. Commit yourself 200% to freelancing before you consider leaving your other employment.

I.  A right amount of Part 1 can be undertaken while working your everyday job. You need to ensure you have a good ground set up for freelancing in the U.K before you're able to leap into freelancing.

There will be ups and downs. This will be the same for you. Do your best not to get stressed and think things won’t pick up again. Ebbs and flows are part of every business, and yours is no different.

I.  Plan for slow periods. Whether its saving money up or altering your prices.

II.  The more you work, you’ll become better at seeing peaks and slopes in the marketplace. Later on, you’ll be able to see these changes coming and plan accordingly. Keep in mind; this takes time.

You’re the boss. Make sure you do what you set out to do. It sounds great not having a boss looking over you, but bosses also keep you motivated and supply feedback. This will be your responsibility and learning how to freelance is no easy feat.

I.  Reflect about your work and make sure you’re hitting targets. If not, you need to look seriously at your work habits and system.

II.  Others, such as editors or mentors, can help in this regard. But you're your boss now, be the boss.

You’re going to need to big yourself up. As well as what you’ve done and what you plan to do. You're a marketer and are selling your skills. Make sure you have a pitch ready for when you need one, just a few sentences about who you are and what you do as a freelancer. If you’re introverted, try writing down this pitch and practising it a few times. Eventually, it’ll become second nature.

I.  Business cards may be an old practice but still a worthwhile one — a quick and snappy way to be remembered by a potential client.

You may find yourself working alone at times, leading to a touch of isolation. Staying focused on your goals is essential; it’s equally important to take care of yourself. Try working in different spaces, in your living room, a coffee house, places where there are people.

I.  Find other freelancers. Local businesses sometimes host networking groups for people of similar professions.

II.  Little things can also help relieve these feelings. Call a friend instead of emailing or organise a lunch break.

If you are looking at joining a freelance website check out Skillbox a brand new platform that advertises your skills for free.