Freelancing changes the perspective people have towards work – it is a more flexible way of working which gives you more freedom and control over the way you want to work. It brings in huge opportunities for people who want to commit to work full time as well as part time.
Did you know that freelancing contributed $1.2 trillion to the US economy in 2020?
With the option to work remotely, companies, all across the world, have increased the number of freelancers working with them. So, if you want to become a freelancer, we think you are on the right track.
Whether your goal is to work as a full time freelancer or someone who uses it as a side business, the real question here is – how to start freelancing? If you want to become a freelancer but are not sure of how to go about it, you have landed at the right place. This blog has 6 steps that will help you become a freelancer. Moreover, we will also tell you the pros and cons of freelancing, so you know whether it is for you or not.
Ready? Let’s begin.
Step 1: Decide Your Goal
Like everything else, freelancing also starts with knowing your goals. It is extremely important to know “why” you want to become a freelancer. After all, nobody wants to sit in a car without knowing the destination.

Some of the things you should consider before becoming a freelancer are: Do you want to supplement your full time income? Do you want to earn an additional sum of money along with your fixed income? Do you want to pursue it as a full time job?
The reason behind pursuing freelancing as a career will determine if you will succeed at it or not. Some people choose to start freelancing as a side hustle and then gradually move towards making it a full time job, while others take the leap to begin full time.
Step 2: Define Your Skill Set
Whether you decide to become a part time or full time freelancer, you will shape your business around your skill sets. Know that your skill set is your biggest asset.

Focus on the skills you have built over the years that other people may want to pay for. These skills could be something that you may have learned at your previous job. It could be using a specific software or a job role that may require creative thinking. If you have already been paid for it, chances are that you are good at it.
We won’t recommend you to limit yourself to the duties that come under job description. Most of the time, employees perform tasks that are out of their job description and they excel at it.
For example, if you were a writer at your previous job with an interest in social media, you could have picked up some social media handling skills too.
Along with what you have been paid for, you can also start freelancing with your hobbies. For example, if you are someone who loves graphic design, you can use it as well.
The essence of the matter is – the more skills you have, the better.
To make the whole process easier, you can create a list of all the skills that you have and then move forward.
Step 3: Find Your Target Clients
Now that you know which services you can offer, find your target audience. Think of the skills you have and find out who would need your assistance? If you have the right skills, it won’t be difficult to find the right client. However, the initial stage may be a bit tough.

As a newbie freelancer, you won’t have clients seeking you, instead you will have to find them. For this purpose, you can use freelancing websites like Upwork or Fiverr. These platforms are a great way to connect with potential clients and require minimum effort.
Along with these freelancing websites, you can also use social media platforms to find work. However, make sure the client is not fooling you into a scam.
Use your connections to find work. There are various companies who keep hiring freelancers every now and then. You can follow different companies on Linkedin to sta
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