Who wouldn't want to freelance if they could? No boss looking over your shoulder, no office politics to put up with, and no traffic! What could be better? Oh, did I mention no steady paycheck, no health or retirement benefits, and definitely no Christmas bonus? Still, it is an attractive option for those who like to live by their own rules. But is it for you?
Consider Your Budget
Although money isn't usually the first priority to a freelancer, you have to eat. So if your income is the one that pays the bills and buys the groceries and you have no savings, you may have to ease into this freelancing thing a little at a time. But even if you can't quit your day job just yet, you can still start your freelancing career part-time. Then, once it gets off the ground and you're confident you can pay the bills, you can freelance full-time.
Consider Your Personality
Freelancing is a lonely business. Successful freelancers can go days without talking to another human being except maybe through email and instant messaging. Even if you're talking to clients through voice or video chat, it's not the same as rubbing elbows with someone in the next cubicle or sitting next to someone in the company break room. Many seasoned freelancers actually like to be alone but it can be a jolt if you're not used to it.
Another big part of your personality you'll have to consider is whether or not you are or can be self-disciplined. With no boss looking over your shoulder, you alone are responsible for keeping yourself in line and television and one-day sales can wreak havoc for even the most self-disciplined of freelancers. While most of us think we can work unsupervised, it is easier said than done. Still, hunger is a great motivator and so is doing what you truly enjoy so if you have been fantasizing about freelancing, you should probably give it a try. Just do plenty of research first so you will know what you are truly getting into.
Is There a Market for Your Talents?
You can be the most creative, self-disciplined person alive, but if there is not a market for what you are producing, freelancing may not work for you. Some of the more popular freelance markets include writing, editing, photography, web design, graphic design, Internet marketing, and software development, but these are not the only markets open to freelancers. Whatever your talent is, you'll need to do plenty of market research before you take the freelance plunge. Not only do you need to ensure there is indeed a market for your talents, but you'll need to see what the going rates are and determine whether you can make a go of it.
Freelancing isn't for everyone. It definitely isn't for those who hate their jobs and think they can make a quick buck online. Even though many things in cyberspace happen far quicker than they do in the brick and mortar world, they may also pay less, especially in the beginning when you're forced to take lower paying jobs to get some experience and references. You're the only one who can decide if freelancing is for you or not. Just take the time to do plenty of research and have realistic expectations.
As you're searching for freelance writing work, you may decide to bid on jobs offered at various auction sites on the Internet. This is a great way for beginners to get their foot in the door and it is also a good way to obtain permanent clients. Keep in mind, though, that competition is keen and you may have to submit several bids before you win your first assignment. Following, are some tips to help you win the bidding wars.
Bid Within Your Area of Expertise
Only bid on jobs that you are qualified for and are confident you can complete. Of course, merely feeling qualified and confident isn't enough. Many buyers will ask for samples; some will ask for references, although this isn't always the case. The point is, you have to be well versed in the particular job you are bidding on. In fact, your bid should convey that you know exactly what you are talking about. Don't be afraid to ask questions, especially if you don't understand something.
Have Samples Readily Available
Freelancers should always have samples available for clients to see. If your samples are articles, try to have articles on a wide variety of subjects available to send to potential clients or send them a link to your work if you have your own website. Make sure these samples adequately showcase the quality of your work. They should be error free and representative of your writing style.
Follow Directions Exactly
If you can't follow directions in submitting a bid, the potential client isn't going to have any confidence that you will follow directions in actually doing the work. Therefore, take your time and follow the directions to the letter. If there is a maximum accepted bid noted, don't bid more than that amount. If you think the buyer is trying to get something for nothing, don't submit a bid telling him only an idiot would bid on his project.
If the client asks for samples to be submitted along with the bid, then submit samples. Submit samples even if the buyer didn't request them unless they have specifically requested not to receive samples.
Consider Your Bid Carefully
Freelancers sometimes have to under price their services in the beginning to build up a portfolio, to gain experience, or sometimes just to eat. While not all buyers go with the lowest bid, some of them do. Try to remain competitive but don't bid so low that you'll be doing three days of work for one day's pay. If you're able to view the bids of other freelancers, that may help to give you an idea of what you should bid. Some sites won't let you view the bids of open auctions but you can see all the bids for closed auctions. This can be extremely helpful because not only can you see the bids of all the other writers but you can see the winning bid as well. After you study a few of these, you will get a good idea of the going rates for the type of writing you do.
Once you are awarded the job, continue to follow directions and above all, make sure you meet the deadline. Once you start getting positive feedback, you'll be able to win more and more bids.
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