Working from home at your own pace sound like your style of work? It’s easier than it’s ever been. If you want to learn how to start freelancing you’ll need to be able to identify what skills you have and how to market those skills. This is a two-part series going into the depths of how to freelance when starting from scratch.

Use those skills to find yourself enough work to earn a steady income and keep it going.

Photo by Element5 Digital 

Start freelancing today!

It could be illustration, writing, photography, sewing or cooking. If you can do it, you can market it and make a living. What are you good at? What do you enjoy? Write down everything you know you’re good at that you could find a way to market and sell.

I. List everything. Anything and everything that you’re good at or enjoy doing. You will be able to freelance using these skills, even if you haven’t seen someone using these skills before. Never set limits on yourself before you start.

Find out who needs what skill you can provide. If you’re wanting to make freelancing your primary source of income, you’ll need to select a skill that can be provided over a wide area. A little research into where you’re planning to sell your skills can go a long way.

I. Example: A writer of science-fiction may be in higher demand than a costume designer for a stage play. Find out how in-demand your skill(s) are and see if you need to widen your net.

You’ll need to start from the beginning immediately. If you’re a writer, you’ll need a good PC/Laptop. A dressmaker will need materials, a needle and thread, an artist, will need paints and an easel. If a client decides to hire you, you will need to be able to start work at the drop of a hat.

I. Time is money, while you should invest time into your freelance work, you may need to invest the money as well. Don’t be afraid to spend money to make money.

Decide on a reasonable rate of pay. Study your competitors to find out their prices and adjust accordingly. As you gain more experience and knowledge, you’ll be able to raise how much you charge. You will also need to decide on how many hours you need to work per week, once you’ve started to freelance, you’ll be able to plan this out to a better degree. Do not overexert yourself when it comes to time or volume of work you take on, or else you’ll find yourself not being able to keep pace.

Check out our infographic about freelancer productivity here:

Learning how to freelance can be daunting, and you should never be afraid to ask for guidance. Ask people you know if they can help you, family members, friends, teachers etc. Odds are someone you know has tried freelancing or knows someone who has. You can also easily reach out to fellow freelancers online and get their two cents on the subject of freelancing. Check locally as well; there’s a good chance of finding a writing club or casual meet-up for people with your skillset. Never be afraid to put yourself out there.

In the second part of this article, we will navigate you through branding and how best to represent yourself as a freelancer.