Here are tips that you can integrate to help you be more productive at freelancing:
Join a freelance platform
Did you know that the opportunities tab on our QAN website has an intentionally built interface for freelancers? You can create a profile that will enable potential clients to know what services you offer, how much you charge, your skills, delivery time, and reviews from your past clients. Get access to great-paying jobs and reliable clients by just logging onto our site and clicking on the opportunities tab.
Clearly define your expertise and what you offer
In order to attract jobs that are aligned with your expectations, you need to be specific about what skills and services you offer. When you tailor your job profile to be more clear and specific by narrowing it down to the skills that you are an expert in you can even charge more for your services as they are specialized.
Put in the initiative to find what your client wants
To be able to do a good job you need to have a clear understanding of what your client wants by asking them. Putting the effort to do this will show them how invested you are in trying to deliver quality services and will help you to know if it is a perfect fit for you.
Utilize your existing networks
Do not be afraid to share your services with your friends and family. Tell them about what you do and how these services can improve the quality of their work/lives. They will be some of your biggest supporters and you are guaranteed to get referrals through them hence increasing your reach.
Determine your pricing
Money is a very difficult topic to discuss especially when you are first starting to figure out how much you want to charge for your services. To get a good idea of what you should be charging, reach out to other freelancers and find out their pricing and what factors to consider when creating rates. You can be tempted to undersell yourself at first but this will only lead to losses in the long run. As long as you are providing quality services do not be afraid to set prices that reflect the results of your work.
Good Communication
Good communication is important when you are trying to be productive and maintain strong working relationships. This includes responding to proposals in a timely manner, actively reaching out to them, and positively receiving feedback. Your clients will feel much more comfortable working with you when they know that they can easily access you if they have any feedback or questions.
Improve your skills
What better way to get more customers and money than to improve on your skills? The internet is the best place to start as you have easy access to services and resources in every form. You can take a free course or attend a virtual masterclass. Acquiring new skills can also help you stand out from a pool of competition.
Use contracts
A contract is a written or spoken agreement, especially one concerning employment, sales, or tenancy, that is intended to be enforceable by law. It ensures that both parties know what is expected of them and that their interests are safeguarded. Make sure the contract is clear and always consult a lawyer before signing one.
Perfect your pitching
Having an intriguing job profile will not be enough to secure that contract. You need to be able to be persuasive. You are going to have to convince potential clients that you are the best fit for what they are looking for and to do that you need to do your research on them and their project.
This article is published as part of the opportunity recommendation service. The opportunity recommendation service helps our users achieve their dreams and self-actualize in anything that they pursue, this can be in the form of grants, jobs, scholarships, or even residencies. We also help you with your applications and CVs through the Application/CV drop-in clinic held every other Sunday from 6 pm-7 pm (East Africa Timezone). For inquiry, please message us on the 'QAN Community Admin' account.
