Top 5 Hacks To Become A Successful Freelancer In 2023

One of the most important things for a freelancer is a good network. A good network will not only help you to attract more business but also will help you to gain knowledge about the industry. We have listed a few tips for you that you can follow to get success with freelancing. But first, let’s learn the basics of freelancing.

What is freelancing?

A freelancer is a self-employed individual who makes money on a per-job basis. In simple terms, they don’t work for a particular firm, and they enjoy the liberty to work on various jobs for different clients.

The perfect example of a freelancer would be a freelance journalist who composes reports/stories of their own choice and sells them to the highest bidder.

How to become a freelancer in India?

One of the most attractive things about freelancing is that you don’t need to have a college degree or years of experience to get started. All you need is some marketable skills, and dedication to work harder and better than others. 

 You can join freelancing sites like Upwork, or PeoplePerHour, create your profile and apply for jobs posted by various clients. 

How to be successful in freelancing?

• Identify your skills and expertise:

To make money as a freelancer, you’ll need to identify the skills and expertise that you can offer to potential clients. This might include writing, design, programming, social media management, or a wide range of other skills, depending on your interests and experience.

• Find clients:

Once you know what you can offer, you’ll need to find clients who are willing to pay for your services. This can involve networking with potential clients, marketing yourself through social media or a personal website, or joining freelance communities or agencies.

• Set your rates:

Determine how much you want to charge for your services based on your skills, experience, and the value you provide to clients. Be sure to research the going rates for freelancers in your field to ensure that you’re pricing yourself competitively.

• Deliver high-quality work: 

To build a successful freelancing business, it’s important to deliver high-quality work to your clients. This will help you to build a good reputation and attract more business in the future.

• Stay organized: 

As a freelancer, you’ll be responsible for managing your own time and projects. Be sure to stay organized and keep track of your commitments to ensure that you’re able to deliver on time.

• Find a mentor:

It is extremely essential to have someone who can guide you with his/her advice as you grow your freelancing career. You can approach them with your business plans, and marketing strategy and show them your determination.

Principles to remember about freelancing:

Here are some Do’s and don’t that every freelancer should follow.

Do	Don’t
Properly present/describe yourself as a freelancer. Tell your closest ones about your expertise and what kind of work you are looking for. Keep in contact with your fellow freelancers. Keep working on your skills. Set a schedule and try to follow it. Get inspiration from freelance success stories.	Don’t base your fees on your experience, study the market offers and figure out what would be equivalent to your full-time salary. Don’t get discouraged or depressed when the flow of business is not good. Don’t get overbooked.

What are the pros and cons of freelancing?

Just like other jobs, freelancing also has its own advantages and disadvantages. Let’s talk about them in detail.

Pros

Cons

You will have the freedom to choose your own hours. It helps to maintain a better work-life balance. You can select projects that match your own skills and interests. You will have the freedom to set your fees and the amount of work you can handle. It gives you better control over your earnings. Since you have the opportunity to choose your clients, you will be able to develop good relationships with businesses across the world.

With a freelancing job, you won’t have any day-to-day interaction with your colleagues which will make you lonely, especially if you are working from home. Freelancing jobs are mostly unpredictable. You may need to continue your full/part-time job to keep your income steady (especially in the early stages. With a freelancing job, you won’t get benefits like health insurance, retirement benefits, and other perks that are associated with full-time jobs.

Freelancing can be a rewarding and flexible way to make money, but it requires hard work and dedication to build a successful business. You should always remember that success does not come overnight. You can’t just wait for a miracle to happen, instead, you have to work on your strength and pursue your dreams one step at a time.

FAQs:

• Is freelancer safe?

Freelancing allows individuals to live the laptop lifestyle they desire. As long as the job is done well and on time, you can work anytime and from anywhere. But you will miss a number of employee benefits such as health insurance coverage, retirement benefits, etc. 

• How much freelancers earn in India?

The average annual salary of a freelancer in India is Rs.4 lakh. It varies depending on your experience and dedication.

• Can I do freelance work while employed?

Yes, it is totally legal to work as a freelancer while you are employed. However, some employers don’t allow their employees to work as freelancers. You can check your employment contract to know if you are allowed to work as a freelancer or not.

• Do freelancers need to pay tax in India?

The IT Act requires freelancers to pay taxes and file income tax returns just like anyone who earns income. However, freelancers in India have a slightly different Income Tax Return filing process than salaried individuals.

• ​​How long it takes to be successful freelance?

Building connections and acquiring steady clients generally takes between three months and a year. Once you reach that point, your freelance career will take off.

Disclaimer: I am not a certified financial adviser and this is not financial advice. The purpose of this article is to inform you about financial products and strategies. Consult your financial advisor before making any financial decisions.