Increase your income as a self-employed person by taking freelancing seriously.

Since being freelance a little over a year ago, I’ve collaborated with many clients, including a dozen rapidly expanding companies and many top experts in their fields. Even better, I’ve never had to lower the high rates I set for my content or internet marketing services. That being said, I thought I’d give you some pointers on how to get started as a freelancer and make money right away, even if you have no prior experience.

After establishing my value propositions, building my brand as an industry leader, and promoting my freelance writing to new audiences, I now have a waiting list of clients and projects lasting anywhere from three to six months.

The clicks of your smartphone may also bring in cash for you online. This Incredible App Is a Must-Try.

That, however, did not happen anywhere. A combination of strategic placement, hard work, and good timing propelled me to the top of the freelancer food chain in record time.

If you’re ready to take freelancing seriously and increase your self-employed income, here are my top five tips for growing your income in your first year as a freelancer.

1. Find your sweet spot.

If you want to start freelancing, you might be willing to take ANY job that pays money on Fiverr or Upwork. As your freelancing career develops, you’ll need to be more selective in the work you accept and the clients you keep.

Perhaps you’re wondering how I might make MORE money as a freelancer by being selective about the jobs I take on.

Specialization leads to more knowledge and expertise, which may be reflected in a higher price (there are expert and pro categories on Upwork and Fiverr too).

Forget the age-old debate over whether it’s better to start your freelancing career as a generalist or a specialist (opens in a new tab).

Suppose you were a customer looking for someone to fix your email marketing so people actually sign up, create advertisements that compel people to buy, or even just update your old website. Would you instead hire a person who is a jack of all trades or an expert at doing one thing and doing it effectively? Expert opinion will always win me over.

My best decision for my freelance business was to specialize in content marketing consulting instead of taking on broad digital marketing projects for other companies.

Since you’re alone, you must immerse yourself in your specialty. The results of your study should allow you to:

Clients in the making

What to write about, whether it be timeless or up-to-date

• Freelancer-specific goals

Productivity hacks developed by industry leaders in your field

2. Build a Website for Your Resume or Portfolio

One of the best ways to showcase your technical skills is with a stunning portfolio site(opens in a new tab) of your own. To be taken seriously as a new freelancer, you need a website like this.

You’ve shown that you know what you’re talking about.

Attracts consideration to significant past events.

Gives away your true self.

Don’t forget to provide your contact information so potential clients can quickly get in touch with you.

If you don’t have a lot of job experience or referrals to back you up, having a great portfolio might be a tremendous help. (For more, read 11 Entry-Level Tech Jobs with High Pay.)

Your portfolio should educate potential clients, arouse their interest, and convince them to hire you to meet their technical needs. Planning your portfolio’s contents and presentation before actively seeking new employment is essential.

As soon as your portfolio website is up, it would help if you promoted it through your other online profiles and your email signature.

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3. Upgrade Your Competencies

Which of the following is most persuasive in favor of a raise in hourly pay? Be sure that your skills are exceptional and in demand.

You may put your new skills to use by making examples of the types of projects you’d want to get paid to do in the future. Whether you’re making WordPress sites, mobile apps, or something entirely different like graphic design, copywriting, etc., the more you can stand out from the pack with fascinating side projects and samples that will pull in customers, the better.

It’s essential to remember that, although highly experienced freelancers may make much more, hopping on the bandwagon doesn’t need going back to school to acquire a BS in computer science. The flexibility and convenience of online learning make it possible to pursue a field of study that interests you, like Front End Development, with a course from Skillcrush.

4. Build a website.

An online portfolio is essential for every self-employed professional. A digital portfolio is critical to clear your skills to potential employers or clients.

Rowan Made founder Breanna Rose suggests looking at website templates if you’re constructing a site yourself but don’t have the funds to employ a designer. This will ensure that your site will still seem professional.

5. Pick tools that won’t break the bank.

Given the prevalence of telecommuting nowadays, most freelancers rely heavily on various pieces of software to carry out their duties.

The Upwork prediction for 2025 is that 22 percent of American employment will be virtual.

You’ll need to shell out cash to get the necessary equipment in the freelancing world. So, you must be selective about your chosen instruments, so they don’t exceed your budget.

If you are starting and can’t purchase the best software, do what you have.

Examples include WordPress, an excellent, low-cost website host. Use it for six months to a year before investing in a custom website designed around your freelance career.

6. Determine a Price Tag

This information is crucial to your professional development and future success as a freelancer.

Your rates may vary from project to project, but you might generally charge by the hour or by the project. Furthermore, you may split your payments into smaller chunks corresponding to certain project milestones.

A freelance writer, to provide just one example, may do everything mentioned above and more, all while charging clients by the word.

There are some approaches to determining to price for clients. Here’s a detailed guide that could come in handy.

Micromanagement is another major issue that arises with hourly pay. Instead of a one-time fee, an hourly cost is usually more reasonable. In this way, clients will have the opportunity to dispute the estimated total time spent on the project.