For aspiring online freelancers out there, getting into the game is easy enough. The internet has managed to bridge the gap between people all over the world. This means more clients, more people looking for work, and more companies to reach out to. Another great thing about the internet is that it gives common people – even those with virtually no experience or capital – the chance to start up businesses and create marks along with the giants of the industry. This means more potential clients, and a lot more possibilities.
The only factors that can get you noticed are your hard work and dedication to the job. So ask yourself before going into this chaotic world – are you ready to go all in?
Finding your Passion
The best thing about freelancing is the flexibility. You can do anything you want. Every commission is a new experience – one where you do not grow bored from a lack of variety. Finding your passion and running with it can help make you a better online presence. Specialization can set you apart from the hoi polloi of the competitive market.
Each category you enter branches out to even more subcategories, specialties, and topics. For one to succeed, they have to pick one and improve themselves in it. Being a Jack-Of-All-Trades can only get you so far.
Getting the Word Out
When you choose your specialty, it is time to get the word out. Creating an online presence takes time – and doing many jobs along the way. Slowly building up credentials, a portfolio, and maintaining connections is the key in this part of the game.
Creating, keeping, and organizing contacts online can be a hassle. It is an ongoing part of the work, one that you have to get used to if you want to succeed. Sending mass emails to specific contacts out of the bunch can be a head scratcher.
For those not wanting to do it manually, or those who simply have neither the time nor the effort, third-party programs are available and can greatly aid in this part of the process. These programs can help organize this confusing process, and free up some time for you to finish up on the other ends. This can help prevent the situation from spinning out of control, especially for those who need to send batches of emails on a regular basis.
Summing up
The best thing to do is to keep sending out your resumes, build up your credentials, and hope for the best. Online work can be tricky, and it often comes with inconsistent and unreliable pay at first.
What you do get is very flexible hours, and the ability to pursue what you truly want. Now, think about it. Are the upsides worth all the trouble along the way?
The bad thing is everything is on you. One cannot simply coast through working online as a freelancer as you would with a job in the real world. Without initiative, you will stagnate and you will find yourself in the same spot – if not worse – than when you started.
