By Sílvia Pinho
Gen Z has been defining and influencing our communities and the workplace in many ways. In fact, according to a recent Upwork study, Gen Z plans to embrace freelancing and remote work in the long run. Gen Zers are also digital natives by heart and naturally gravitate toward exciting career paths – especially when it involves tech and being your own boss. In a world where job security often feels like a distant dream, I made the daring decision to forge my own path as a freelance social media manager and content creator. It was a leap of faith fueled by a burning desire for autonomy, creativity, and a flexible lifestyle that traditional employment simply couldn’t offer. The journey was filled with uncertainties and challenges, but the rewards have been beyond measure.
So, how exactly do you get started at breaking away from the traditional 9-5 you might ask? To start, there are many platforms available for you to sign up on. I personally got started on Upwork and have been on the platform since 2013, so I have a few tricks up my sleeve. Here I will share my recommendations on how to master the freelance game with these simple steps. If you are a Gen Z professional looking to leave the confines of the corporate world and carve out a unique space as your own boss, here are my best tips.
Have a good offer
Before taking the leap into the world of freelancing on platforms like Upwork, it’s crucial to invest some time in defining your skills and curating what you can offer to potential clients. Crafting a compelling and marketable offer requires a thoughtful balance between expertise, personal enjoyment, and demand.
You want to identify the skills you excel at and genuinely enjoy practicing because freelancing should be a fulfilling and rewarding experience. However, it’s equally important to select skills that are in high demand to ensure a steady flow of projects and income. After all, the goal is not only to pursue your passions but also to make a living from them.
In addition to honing your skills, it’s essential to envision your ideal client. By identifying your target audience, you gain a clearer understanding of the people you’ll be working with and tailoring your services to meet their specific needs. This knowledge enables you to speak directly to your ideal clients, building stronger connections and positioning yourself as an expert in your niche. Defining your ideal client will also help you establish effective communication strategies, tailor your marketing efforts, and ultimately attract the right kind of work that aligns with your skills and aspirations.
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Create an attractive profile
When it comes to creating a profile on freelancing platforms like Upwork, the key is to craft a profile that resonates with your ideal client’s needs and challenges, positioning yourself as the solution they’ve been looking for. Your profile should be a comprehensive representation of your skills, expertise, and experience, leaving no room for doubt about your capabilities.
Take the time to ensure that your profile is 100% complete, leaving no fields empty. Fill in all the necessary information, including your professional background, education, certifications, and relevant skills. By providing a complete profile, you convey professionalism and a genuine commitment to your work.
Furthermore, make sure to showcase your work samples and testimonials, even if you’re just starting out. As a newbie, you might not have an extensive portfolio, but you can still highlight any relevant projects or assignments you’ve completed. Consider including samples that demonstrate your skills and capabilities, even if they were personal or volunteer projects. Additionally, ask previous clients, colleagues, or mentors for testimonials or reviews to add credibility to your profile. These testimonials can vouch for your skills, work ethic, and professionalism, helping to build trust and confidence in your abilities.
Remember, investing time in perfecting your profile is crucial. It serves as your virtual storefront, where potential clients can assess your capabilities and decide whether to hire you. So, put in the effort to make your profile compelling, complete, and reflective of your unique value proposition. A well-crafted profile can be the key to attracting your ideal clients and setting yourself up for success as a freelancer.
Develop a good eye and find the right jobs
Remember, identifying the right clients is crucial for your freelancing success. So how do you identify the best opportunities?
Pay close attention to the details provided by the client in their job posting. Look for clear and concise project descriptions, realistic expectations, and specific requirements. Avoid clients who provide vague or unrealistic job descriptions, as they may lack clarity and can lead to misunderstandings or scope creep down the line.
During initial interactions, pay attention to how the client communicates. Prompt and clear communication is vital for a successful working relationship. Look for clients who respond in a timely manner, provide detailed information, and show professionalism. If a client consistently exhibits poor communication habits or fails to respond promptly, it may be a red flag indicating potential difficulties throughout the project.
Trust your instincts! Gut feelings can often provide valuable insights. If something feels off or doesn’t sit well with you during your interactions with a potential client, listen to your intuition. Trusting your instincts can help you avoid problematic clients and foster healthier and more productive working relationships.
Send GREAT proposals
Once you find those right jobs, it’s time to apply! Keep in mind clients get a lot of proposals each day, so knowing how to stand out will be key here. Some rules of thumb are: keep it short (no fluff), start with a hook, and end with a call to action. Oh, and if you can – add a video!
Crush your interviews
For some contracts, the client may want to meet with you to decide whether it’s a good fit or not. Don’t be scared – you got this! Remember: you get to interview the client too. Make sure to ask them questions to show your interest and dedication, and to make sure the relationship will benefit you as much as it will benefit them!
Choose the right pricing format for you
As a freelancer, you can typically charge for your work in two different ways: hourly or fixed-price. While some services may be the best fit for one or the other, in the end, it all comes down to what you’re most comfortable with and what fits your working style the best. Be sure to know your worth!
Keep growing and never give up
In all honesty, the first client is the hardest one to get. Once you do it, it’ll become easier each time, not only because you get more confident and skilled at it, but because having those reviews on your profile will help build trust with any future clients.
These early clients become the foundation upon which you build your professional reputation and portfolio. As you successfully complete projects and accumulate positive reviews, your profile becomes a compelling testament to your abilities. Potential clients are more likely to trust and engage with freelancers who have a proven track record of delivering high-quality work and satisfying their clients’ needs.
It’s important to note that while badges and reviews provide an initial boost to your profile, consistently delivering exceptional work and maintaining client satisfaction are equally vital. Continually refining your skills, expanding your portfolio, and nurturing positive client relationships will contribute to a sustainable and thriving freelancing career. As you progress and accumulate more experience, your profile will continue to evolve, attracting higher-quality clients and more rewarding opportunities.
Ultimately, the journey from securing your first client to establishing an impressive profile and client roster is a testament to your perseverance, dedication, and commitment to professional growth. Each milestone achieved serves as a stepping stone toward greater success, building a solid foundation for a freelancing career that can offer control, flexibility, and compensation on your own terms.
