A Few Tips for Beginner Freelancers

Have you decided to become a freelancer? How do you master your new profession so its benefits are obvious not only to you but to everyone around you? So that people will see freelancing as something to be proud of? Take these tips into your arsenal, and your chances for successful freelancing will increase significantly!

The most important skill for any freelancer is proper management of personal finances. Orders may come irregularly, and if you don’t learn how to manage cash flow, you’ll constantly face financial difficulties. To avoid this, spend some time learning this area – it will pay off quickly.

Make quality your priority, not quantity. Only when you focus on quality will you grow: it’s better to take one serious project and do it excellently than to rush through several small ones. The quality of your work is your reputation, your orders, and therefore your income. If the client is satisfied with your work, they may recommend you to colleagues — but if not, they may discourage others from working with you. Also, by striving for high quality, you improve your skills and can take on more complex and better-paid jobs in the future.

Always back up your work. Computers can crash, viruses can strike — no one is immune. Better to spend half an hour making backups than to try and recreate lost work from memory.

Be punctual and reliable. Remember, you're an external contractor and don’t have the same level of trust as in-house staff. Don’t keep your client nervous about missed deadlines or show up late to meetings — that’s basic courtesy. Otherwise, you risk appearing disrespectful.

Learn time management. Decide how many hours you’ll work each day and how quickly you want to complete tasks. Study time management literature if needed. Double or even triple your expected time to finish a project on time — your client will appreciate your reliability.

A smart freelancer is also a personal PR manager who knows how to present themselves so the client *wants* to work with them. Don’t lie, but hiding small flaws is acceptable. And remember: your work quality says more about you than any portfolio.

And one more thing — don’t forget basic communication etiquette. Yes, you’re in the virtual world of the Internet, which may feel informal and relaxed. But business is business. Not everyone appreciates casual chatting from the first message. Don’t lose a good opportunity due to poor communication.

These simple tips will help you save time, energy, and maybe even money. Follow them, and success will follow you!