8 Steps Towards A Successful Freelance Career

Women are leading the way when it comes to boosting the freelance economy. New statistics from IPSE – The Association of Independent Professionals and the Self- Employed – reveals that over the past 10 years, the number of female freelancers has increased by over 65%, compared to a 37% increase in the number of male freelancers.

Creative Allies, a freelance creative network, is putting heart and soul into the freelance revolution and embraces the news. Director Pavan Riyat-Ward told Belle: “It was only a matter of time that such statistics came to light. They reflect that the creative freelance market is more vibrant than ever and women are making the most of being in control by working within the freelance sector and making their lifestyle work more pro-actively for them.”

Here are Pavan’s top tips for preparing for a successful freelance career.

1. Do all the sensible stuff first.

Have some savings in the bank. It will take you a few months to get paid. Ensure you set your payment terms with your clients – 30 days is standard but be prepared for this to be 60/90 days on occasion – that’s why having a buffer in the bank to cover outgoings will help take away some of the pressure and keep you focused on your journey to being a freelancer. If possible, it’s better to make sure the other parent is in solid employment whilst one of you sets this new lifestyle up.

2. Register your company. 

It makes accounting and taxes much more manageable and keeps your personal finances separate from work. Use these details on all invoices. Remember to put money to one side for your annual tax return as you go along to save on finding a large chunk of cash when this is due at the end of the tax year. 

3. Get all over admin.

It’s easy to get busy with the work, but you must stay on top of your admin, invoices and chasing invoices – otherwise you won’t get paid. I’d set aside half a day a week to do this. Remember to chase your invoices – there’s a good chance it’s been lost in the system.

4. Do your research & believe in yourself 

It can be quite daunting leaving a full-time role to become a freelancer. The benefit of getting a guaranteed pay-check verses waiting to be paid is sometimes a barrier. Try to chat to as many people you can in the industry about going freelance and see what the freelance market in your area is like. Make sure that you’re doing the right thing then go for it. You can do this! 

5. Be confident with your rate

Research your rate, chat to other people who do your job and find out what the going rate is. When you’re going from a full-time role, freelance rates can feel high in comparison to your previous wage. Don’t be afraid to ask for a fair rate for your role, you can always negotiate down but never in the history of creative did any one negotiate up! Try to limit the negotiations you do as much as you can, be confident that you’re worth your full rate. 

6. Network, Network & Social Network

Letting people know you’ve actually gone freelance is a really important part of this whole thing. If you don’t tell people you’ve moved on then they’re not going to know! LinkedIn is a good channel for this or register with a network such as ours. 

Ask old colleagues out for coffee, ask them if they know anyone you should speak to. Go to networking events and hand out all those new business cards you’ve had made, making friends with other freelancers is key, we all pass each other work. Post on Linkedin, set up a website and a new Instagram for yourself and add everyone you know in the industry. It really is who you know.  Where possible showcase your work so that you build credibility and people see your talent. Always ask for permission to use any work you show as you may be under NDA.

7. You’re only as good as your last client interaction. 

Remember to leave a lasting impression on your clients. Don’t be cocky but let them know you’ve got everything under control. If you’re working from home make sure you update them on your progress so they can relax, don’t wait for them to come asking how it’s going. If you have to tackle a tricky scenario with them make sure that the last impression they come away with is that you’re genuine, hard-working and want to help them get the job done. It’s the ‘don’t be an idiot’ clause. 

8. Don’t be afraid to say no to a project that isn’t for you. 

If you’re chatting to a client about a new project, it’s so important not to over promise, you have to make sure that you can deliver on what your client needs before you give them the green light to book you. Be a problem solver and suggest someone you know, or point them towards a great freelance network like Creative Allies.