A Quick Guide to Kickstart Your Freelancing Journey

Freelancing is a scary word for many people but it’s a career path that can be full of excitement, autonomy, and opportunities. As a part-time freelancer of four years, I’m going to share the seven steps I took to kickstart my freelancing journey.

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Check Laws and Regulations

This is an essential step before starting any business, including freelancing. Different regions have different laws and regulations regarding freelancing, so it's important to do your research and make sure you comply with all the necessary requirements. This may include registering your business, getting a license, and paying taxes in a way you might not have done before.

Another thing to consider is liability insurance. This type of  insurance is important for freelancers because it helps protect their business from financial loss in the event of a lawsuit or claim against them. As a freelancer, you may provide professional services to clients, and there is always a risk that a mistake or error on your part could cause financial or reputational harm to your client. Overall, liability insurance is an important investment for freelancers, as it can help provide peace of mind and protect their business from the risks and uncertainties of providing professional services to clients.

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Define Your Value Proposition and Service Offerings

Before you begin lining up clients, you need to define your value proposition, which is the unique benefit you offer to your clients. You should also determine the services you will provide as a freelancer. This will help you to differentiate yourself from other freelancers and attract the right clients. It's super important that your clients' values align with yours to maintain a harmonious relationship.

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Build Your Portfolio

Your portfolio is a collection of your work that showcases your design skills, expertise and storytelling skills. Aim to build your portfolio based on the services you provide and be sure it represents your best work or best work journey (sometimes it's beneficial to show your growth as a designer). Use your portfolio to help you to demonstrate your abilities to potential clients. A portfolio must clearly communicate the problem you will be solving for your client. You can successfully do this through being professional, having experience, demonstrating quality, and offering creativity.

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Build a Pricing Structure

Pricing your services can be tricky, especially if you're new to the industry. To help with your jumping-off point, research the market rates in your area for your services and consider your experience, skills, and the value you provide to clients. It's important to set your rates at a level that is competitive but also reflects your worth and your needs. Remember that pricing is circumstantial and it's okay to change your prices as you navigate different projects.

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Research Potential Clients

To find the right clients for you, ask for referrals from your network, search job boards, and even feel free to reach out to small businesses with a quick 'audit' of their website or social media. Researching potential clients can help you identify their needs and tailor your services to meet those needs.

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Trust the Process

Freelancing can be tough, especially when you're just starting. It can take a while to work out the kinks and find the right clients for you. It's important to stay persistent and not give up. To support your endeavours, it can be helpful to join a community of like-minded individuals and find a mentor who can provide guidance and support. Check out our Memorisely Community Slack channel here!

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Manage Your Time and Your Finances

As a freelancer, time and financial management are crucial. To stay on top of your business make sure to set a schedule, track your time, invoice your clients, and manage your expenses. You can use tools like time-tracking and invoicing software to help you stay organised. Notion is a great place to start to keep your work neat and organised in a secure space that your clients can be given access to! There are so many tools to help you with these important tasks, consider Notion, it’s a Memorisely favourite!

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Wrapping Up

Freelancing can be a great way to gain autonomy, flexibility, and control over your career. By following these steps and staying focused, you can build a successful freelance business!

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