Become a Freelancer
A comprehensive guide how to set yourself up as a Freelancer
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What is a Freelancer
Freelance work is similar to self-employment. It is carried out on a flexible basis, and provided to a variety of different businesses. We would say it’s more of a side hustle, rather than a second job, but if your reputation increases, so to will your demand. Many freelancers who started up small have grown to such an extent and become very wealthy
How does Freelancing work?
Freelancers work on small and big projects, short-term and long-term – depending on their skills, availability, and the employer’s needs. Typical tasks could include anything from building a website or designing a logo, to writing a weekly blog post or shooting and editing a video.
Many traditional careers have recently begun to become freelance in nature. Nurses, who work at a local NHS hospital for their main job may work at a private hospital as a freelancer. Many learn new skills and offer these services as an independent practitioner or freelancer. E.g. they may learn how to administer Botox or learn something entirely different.
What jobs can I do as a Freelancer?
You’ll be surprised how many jobs are outsourced to a freelancer. Businesses are forever developing, and employers can save time and money by hiring a professional freelancer instead of hiring an employee, that will require sick pay, pensions and annual leave.
Certain industries hire more freelancers than others, but the most common include:
- Web Developer
- Photographer
- Health and Fitness Personal Trainer
- Translator
- Healthcare Professional
- Musician
- Journalist
- Videographer
- Proof-reader
- Teacher (in person or online)
- Graphic Designer
- IT Consultant
- Dog Walker
What are the benefits being a Freelancer?
There are many benefits of becoming a freelancer, some are instant and others come with time and experience. The longer you work for yourself and take charge of your own finances the better your prospects. Your work will become more enjoyable, your side hustle will become more profitable and you’ll begin to make a name for yourself in the freelancing industry.
- You can begin working for yourself immediately
- You work when and where you want to
- You decide what you charge your clients, whether it’s a fixed price or a set hourly rate
- Recommendations from others give you repeated business, and more clients
- What begins as a few quid can quickly build until it starts to match and overtake your main jobs salary
- It will become enjoyable and a pleasure. It not, choose something else to do
- It can make you wealthy
Where do Freelancers find work?
Freelance work can be found in many locations. This depends on which industry and specialism the freelancer works in.
There are plenty of websites that solely devote their services to finding freelancers work, regardless of their industries and skill set. Examples include:
- Upwork
- Linkedin for jobs, or Linkedin Learning if you want to sell your own courses
- FreeUp
- Fiverr
- Flexjobs
- People per hour
- Indeed
- Totaljobs
- Freelance UK
Many websites are based internationally, and advertise rates in US Dollars, as opposed to Pound Stirling. Don’t let this put you off. US Dollars are internationally recognised as one of the strongest currencies in existence and many countries value them more than their own. Pounds or Dollars, few people would be upset they were worth $1,000,000 as opposed to £1,000,000 – even though the British Pound is the best in our opinion…
What equipment do I need?
When you step into the world of Freelancer or Contractor, you should be seen as an ‘expert’ within your field. Now, this doesn’t necessarily mean you have the computer skills of genius, but if you know how to do something well, then advertise your skills to the world.
As with any business, you should have access to the following:
- A Computer
- Broadband Internet
- Website – This will boost your credibility
- Mobile Phone
- Business Cards & Advertising (leaflets and brochures)
- Transportation
- Insurance
- Business Bank account (when you grow)
- Method of Invoicing Clients
You won’t believe how fast and easy it is to start your own website and blog. Gone are the days when you had to learn several computer languages, and gain several years’ experience just to create a basic website. Now they can be created in less than an hour.
If you can read, you can make your own website and blog. The best thing about owning a website is they can advertise for you and make money 24hrs a day, 365 days per year. Click here follow our step by step guide how to start your own website and blog
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