Becoming a freelance writer was the best thing I've ever done! Freelancing has given me so much freedom to create a life I love. But it's not always easy. That's why I want to share some helpful advice to help you succeed in your freelancing career.
No matter where you are on your journey or what kind of freelance work you do, these 5 things will help you enjoy what you do and meet your goals.
1. Set up a portfolio or website.
Many freelancers get right into pitching to find work. But, first and foremost, you need a place to set up your online business. This is how you can show potential clients you're serious, reliable, and ready to help them.
You can set up a simple and attractive portfolio on a site like Journo Portfolio, which I have been using for three years and get most of my work from. You can also create a website on WordPress, or Squarespace for something easier.
Your website can hold your portfolio (it's okay to make sample pieces if you're just starting), testimonials, and information about your services and how to reach you.
2. Stay on top of your finances.
It might take a while to make a steady income as a freelancer. For me, it took about a year. Some weeks were quiet. Other weeks were filled with more work than I knew what to do with. Having a plan for and staying on top of your finances is essential.
Set a budget and determine how much money you need every week or month. When you make more than you need, use that to build up your savings that you can fall back on during times when you make less. And remember to increase your rates as you gain experience.
3. Work with more than one client.
Avoid a freelancer nightmare when your only client bails on you by having more than one client. Ideally, you’ll have at least a few clients. This way if one or two clients reduce your workload or end your contract, you have others to work for while you replace them. Doing this might mean you have times when you’re extra busy, so be sure to prioritize time for a healthy work-life balance too.
4. Join an online community.
Working as a freelancer can get lonely. Most of the time, you're at home working alone. It’s important to join an online community where you have like-minded people to communicate with. Check out Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn for these kinds of groups. You can also join a coworking space for a similar experience.
5. Understand how taxes work.
If you live somewhere you’re required to file taxes, this can be confusing for freelancers. Make sure you keep up with any money you’re earning or spending related to your job. You can do this with a simple Google Spreadsheet.
To learn more about taxes as a freelancer, check out these articles:
I hope you found these tips helpful! For more freelancer tips, check out this article.
Nomad Favourites
Check out our favourite books, podcasts, and products just for nomads.
Airalo eSim
ESims are a relatively new concept but are incredibly useful for travellers and digital nomads.
Because found myself travelling back and forth to the US this year (hello long-distance relationship), I was looking for an inexpensive data option that I could top up as needed and came across Airalo (full review here).
I typically rely on my portable Solis WiFi when travelling but wanted something simpler that didn’t require me to remember to charge my device. This was it; it works worldwide and is very simple to install on your phone in the data settings.
Unmasking Autism: Discovering the New Faces of Neurodiversity
This book has been all over my TikTok recently and is a hard-hitting read whether you are neurodivergent or not.
Studies show that between 20%-35% of freelancers, self-employed people, and entrepreneurs identify as neurodivergent. Struggling with a traditional workplace setting as a neurodiverse person was my major driving factor for going freelance. I am always grateful I made that choice, even if managing your schedule comes with its own difficulties.
Unmasking Autism takes a deep dive into the spectrum of Autistic experience and the phenomenon of masked Autism, giving individuals the tools to safely uncover their true selves while broadening society’s narrow understanding of neurodiversity.
If Books Could Kill
In the last newsletter, I recommended the podcast Maintenance Phase. This is related because Michael Hobbs of that podcast has started this new podcast diving into commercially successful books on subjects from economics to relationships. The hosts explore and ultimately tear apart these books with the razor-sharp wit and detail that any Maintenance Phase listener will be used to.
Thank you for reading! Visit Nomad Finance and Freedom for more helpful guides