The Communications industry is both diverse and demanding, allowing room to express your ideas and creativity into writing and explore your niche within the profession. If you are a passionate and have a desire to work for yourself, here are 5 tips for starting out as a freelancer.
A website is quite a sight
Blogging allows exposure for the content you publish and will make you easily visible online. Your work will be showcased across the platform and will demonstrate your knowledge on the topics that you may want to focus on and get contracted to work on in the future. This will attract attention and stir interests from businesses which will help you start your freelancing journey. By building a portfolio and identifying your specialisation, your style and personal flair will add value for your clients.
Ensure that your website is well written and free of grammatical errors. To have the confidence to publish your refined work is the first step, so polish your online presence!
Networking will keep you working
Setting up a Twitter account and a profile on LinkedIn will keep you on the loop for opportunities, forums and to connect with like-minded individuals where you could foster relationships and get referrals and clients as a result of online activity. Being active on these networks, joining communities and building connections in the industry will assist your freelance career in the long run.
Arranging contacts and directly marketing your services through email pitches that link to your work or website also allows more exposure and if you are keen to get contracted, visiting relevant job sites might be the avenue for the next big thing!
Be realistic, that’s part of the logistic
Doing work for potential clients requires commitment. You must be clear that you can take on the project and complete the job with best quality that you can produce. You must set out what you can deliver and make sure to adhere to deadlines. Know your strengths and limitations so that you will be prepared to accept projects that you are comfortable on fulfilling. Remember, it is better to turn down work than fail to deliver it.
Stand out by thinking out loud
Freelance work can be quite spontaneous, coming up with good strong and original pitches will catch an editor’s attention. New and bold ideas that are yet to be uncovered is definitely a plus. Similar to capturing photos, you’d have to find the angle that works the best. Write for different clients and constantly come up with fresh ideas and avoid relying on what you’ve done in the past. This distinguishes you from the rest – ‘An original is worth more than a copy’
Lastly, know your worth
If you are at beginning of your freelance journey, you may take on some projects that are low paid as you work your way on building your client list. Depending on the size of the publication, freelance rate varies so it is worthy to do your research to know that you aren’t being taken advantaged and that your time and effort is being paid the right price. As you want to get a reputation, your ideal price or rate at the start will not be set as high as you would want to earn in the longer term. Make sure that you accept a respectable rate that reflects the amount of work you would put on the project and that will give you satisfaction given the financial considerations.
Jibriel Perez is a third year Public Communications student. A self-proclaimed dancing queen, who loves to sing and enjoys a good cuisine.