How does Freelancing Really Work?

If you've been a freelancer for some time, you probably already know the answer to this question, but if freelancing is something you've been thinking about, you'll need to know all you can about it. Read on to find out just how this industry really operates.

The Business of Freelancing

Whether you're a freelance writer, photographer, software developer, website builder, graphic designer, or any kind of freelancer, for the most part, the business of freelancing works the same. You have to have thick skin to be a freelancer; most freelancers are constantly looking for work and rejection is a daily event. While freelancing online and freelancing offline are conceptually the same, one of the differences is that you won't receive form rejection slips. When you apply for a freelance assignment online, most of the time you just won't hear anything back if you are not accepted.

Freelancing online does have its advantages. For one thing, everything happens much quicker online than offline. Where it might takes weeks for freelancers to find work using traditional networking and advertising methods, because of the Internet, freelancers can often find work the same day they apply. Payment is often quicker too, as funds can be transferred instantly. Of course, there are disadvantages as well. Where before, you might only have to compete with freelancers in your town or city, by freelancing online, you are competing with thousands and thousands of other freelancers.

Your Portfolio

Instead of carrying around a bulky portfolio, freelancing online allows you to "park" your goods or services on a website so that prospective customers can view your work to see if what you can offer matches their needs. While most successful freelancers obtain their own websites eventually, you can start earning money online without one. Just be sure you have plenty of samples of your work to show potential clients.

Freelancing and Affiliate Marketing

Many online freelancers get involved with affiliate marketing. That is, selling the goods and services of others and earning commissions when purchases are made. Freelance writers often do this and combine their writing ability with this form of marketing. While this can be a lucrative stream of income, it is wise to pay close attention to the companies and products and services you choose to represent. A good rule of thumb to follow is if you wouldn't buy it or use it, don't try to sell it. Your success will come when you are able to provide useful information along with a truly useful product or service.

Private Clients

Some freelancers prefer to work only with private clients and so they answer ads, send out resumes, and look strictly for work that merits their craft. There are plenty of private clients and companies who go online to find freelancers to meet their needs. Freelancers who consistently produce quality work will find plenty of business online. A word of caution, though: don't pay anyone to find work for you. There is more than enough work online without having to pay for leads or lists or any other type of scam. If you answer ads for work online, you'll soon be able to spot the phony ads that abound on and offline that, at first glance, look like ads for work but are truly ads for you to buy into something that supposedly leads to work. If it looks fishy, it probably is. Network with other freelancers and you'll soon be able to tell the wheat from the chaff. Freelancers communicate well with each other online; once a scam has made the rounds, freelancers are well versed about it and don't mind passing along the information.