I published my “Get Your First Client” freelance beginner guide last Sunday, and 100+ people were interested in it. I talked with people and saw that one of the big pain points is creating an outline for the freelance business. Most people “at the beginning of a freelance career” are challenging with their business model and don’t know how to proceed and succeed. I’m not a fan of thinking of freelance model as a side gig job. It may be a good starting point, but we want to make it a long-term business.
The benefits of turning your freelance gigs into a real business
- The freelance economy is booming — and there are plenty of opportunities out there for those with the right skill set. We don’t want to miss the opportunity.
- All freelancers want to increase their prices (we will talk about this later), job security, and build valuable assets.
- A freelance business can be a great way to achieve work-life balance, as you have the flexibility to work around other commitments.
- Running your own business also gives you a chance to be your own boss and set your own rules.
- Lastly, turning your freelance gigs into a real business can provide you with a greater sense of satisfaction and achievement.
The challenges you’ll face when making the transition
- The biggest challenge you’ll face when making the transition is finding the right balance between work and life. Yes, we wrote it as a benefit, but it depends on your reactions.
- You’ll need to be able to manage your time effectively and be organized in order to make the transition successfully. It’s one of the most demanding challenges for a freelancer.
- You’ll also need to be prepared to invest time and money into your new business model. Don’t hope to create everything free. It costs you money or time.
- Finally, you’ll need to be prepared to face the challenges of marketing and promoting your new business.
The key steps you need to take to make your freelance business succeed
- Define your business goals and objectives. What do you want to achieve with your freelance business? Don’t underestimate this point, and I can say it’s the most important thing in your structure.
- Research your target market. Who are your potential clients, and what do they need?
- Create a strong personal brand for yourself. This will help you stand out from the competition. Follow the steps in our guide.
- Develop a marketing strategy. How will you reach your target market and promote your business? Every path needs its own strategy, so be wise about the one you choose.
- Plan for success. Set up systems and processes to help you run your business smoothly. Stay organized and efficient with your time.
The most common mistakes freelance business owners make
- Not treating their freelance business like a real business. If you see this as a side gig, it will always be like that.
- Not having a clear plan or strategy. This is a vital part of any business — you need to have measurable goals to track your progress and growth.
- Not taking care of their health and well-being. When you’re self-employed, there’s no one else looking out for you — you need to make sure you take care of yourself physically and mentally. Eating right, exercising, and getting enough sleep are all critical components of maintaining your health. And don’t forget to schedule some leisure time!
- Not staying up-to-date on industry trends and changes. If you want to stay ahead of the curve, it’s important to keep up with what’s happening in your industry. This way, you can adjust your offerings and marketing accordingly.
- Not working on a personal brand. In today’s digital world, it’s essential to have an online presence — whether through a website, social media, or both. Not only does this help you reach more potential clients, but it also allows you to build your brand and establish yourself as an expert in your field.
- Not staying organized and efficient. When you’re your own boss, it’s easy to let things slide — but that can quickly lead to a cluttered workspace and a disorganized business. Instead, make an effort to stay on top of things by setting up a system that works for you and sticking to it.
- Not networking and building relationships. As a freelance business owner, networking is essential. Whether you attend industry events or connect with other professionals online, these connections can help you find new clients, land new gigs, and grow your business.
Now that you know how to turn your freelance gigs into a real freelance business, it’s time to get started. Remember, the key is to start small and grow your business over time. Don’t try to do too much too soon, or you’ll likely end up overwhelmed and frustrated.
Take things one step at a time and focus on building a solid foundation for your freelance business. Once you have that in place, you can start adding more clients and services as your business grows.
If you keep these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to running a successful freelance business.
