Whether you’re just getting started at freelancing, or have been doing this for years, there comes a point where you’ll explore what can be done to increase your earning power. Don’t let the fact that we’re in a pandemic cause you to fret that freelance opportunities are shrinking. It’s actually the opposite!
As more companies embrace remote work and experience the value of using remote talent, businesses may be more likely to take on freelancers for projects.
“We’ve seen considerable growth in the number of freelancers since the pandemic began, and there have been many new opportunities available on our platform,” says Michael Brooks, CEO of goLance, an award-winning online freelance marketplace that recruits, screens, hires, manages, and pays global freelancers. “The freelancers are excited about the new projects that are available, and they appreciate the low fee for using the goLance platform.”
So, what can you do to attract the most desirable clients that offer the best opportunities? Here are some actions to help you get started.
This is all about supply, demand, and yourself. Fortunately, companies are actively seeking freelancers with both “soft” and “hard” skills.
Soft skills relate to behavior and problem solving—with creativity topping the list. The hard skills, which are more technically oriented related to computing, also include expertise in online video production, affiliate marketing, and sales, according to research by LinkedIn.
Think about what you can offer a client that matches what’s in demand. You may be a fantastic artist and prefer working with paint, but there are limited opportunities doing freelance mural painting and related work. So, be realistic about opportunities. Identify what other skills and experience you might have that could lead to additional opportunities. In fact, many artists have used their talent to become web developers and graphic designers for larger companies.
Ideally, try to find work in a field that you enjoy, or at least one that has a career path aligned with where you would like to be in the next few years. You may not always find the perfect match for your goals initially, but this approach will help you to get started. As you become more experienced and skilled, the money should follow. Some of the most highly paid freelance jobs involve web development, programming, internet marketing, multilingual translation, and writing, depending upon your level of experience.
If you have an aptitude for project management, you’re in luck. Project managers had the highest mean hourly rate, according to our 2020 Freelancer Income Report, which includes insights from 7,000+ freelancers from more than 150 countries who freelance in a variety of fields.
According to industry experts, most freelancers use dedicated internet platforms to find work. Freelance marketplaces should be transparent so that you have a clear understanding of what the client is paying for the position and how you’re going to be paid. Platforms charge a commission for using this service, so make sure the one you choose can offer the work you’re seeking along with payment in the currency of your choice and low fees.
When you develop a freelance profile, it’s not enough to just list your experience. Your clients are going to want to see samples of your work. Make sure to include them, along with links to your profiles on social media. Look at how other people with the type of work you are seeking have represented themselves in their portfolios to get an idea of how to showcase yourself.
Your network—friends, former co-workers, and involvement in professional organizations—can also help you to expand your freelance opportunities. Talk to people you know who can tell you about their experiences as freelancers and the platforms they use to find work. While in the past, popular networking groups focused on in-person gatherings and seminars on a wide range of topics, meetings are now happening online.
Consider joining groups in your local community, as well as globally that align with your skills and interests. For example, meetup.com has global online gatherings related to technology.
No matter how experienced you are, it’s important to give your best impression during an interview. Chances are that you’ll be working remotely for this client, or at least be interviewed remotely, so be prepared. There’s nothing worse than showing up late for an interview because you had problems connecting to Zoom, Skype, Slack, or whatever app that’s being used for your first meeting.
Test your computer before the call so that you can be relaxed and focused during the interview. Think about the typical questions you might be asked in advance of the interview and be prepared. Also, have a few questions for the client. Always follow up with a thank you email or message after the interview, and at that point you can also include a statement about anything important that you might have forgotten to mention during the interview.
By taking these steps to identify opportunities, enhance your skills, expand your network, and leverage platforms that offer a great way to find work, you’ll be well positioned to increase your earning power. In fact, you may even find more opportunities than you imagined were possible with a variety of high-paying clients. Get started now!