Starting your own freelancing business can come with many advantages. You can be your own boss; that means setting your own hours, deciding which projects you accept, how many clients you can handle, the list goes on and on.
However, oftentimes the other side of freelancing can be forgotten in all of the excitement. In this article, we will discuss some of the challenges you can face while running your own freelance business.
The Challenges of Freelancing
Some of the biggest challenges of freelancing can include:
- Time periods with no work
- Being your own boss
- Searching for clients
- Managing your time and projects effectively
Time Periods Without Work
In order to start a freelance business, you need clients. It can take a lot of time and hard work to build up a client base.
Even once you are an established freelancer, you may still experience periods of time with no work. There is really no way to avoid this issue entirely, it is just the nature of the job. Remember, even the best freelancers go through periods of time with no clients.
You can, however, prepare for times of low income by saving money during your successful months.
Most importantly, you can use FreeUp to find work! Our FreeUp Partner Program takes an extremely personal approach to helping you find work.
Being the Boss of You: Managing Your Time
One of the biggest perks of starting your own freelance business is that you call the shots! Your time is now very flexible, which can lead some freelancers down a dangerous path.
It’s common for freelancers to not work the typical 9-5 workday, but it’s important to realize that your time is money. While giving yourself breaks throughout the day is healthy, putting work off is essentially wasting money.
In order to avoid this, be strict with your time. Use an old-fashioned planner, Google Calendar or a time management tool to make a schedule that works for you.
Searching for Clients
When you are starting out as a new freelancer, finding clients to take on can be a daunting task.
This challenge can be faced with a few different strategies:
- Word-of-mouth referrals are so important! It is one of the easiest ways to find clients. However, it can take time so be patient!
- Marketing - in today’s world if your business can’t be found online, it’s like you don’t exist. Having a social media presence is essential in your search to find clients. Create a website, a presence on social media apps such as Instagram and Facebook, update your LinkedIn profile, and ask clients to leave reviews of your work.
- Good ole fashioned networking! Attend networking events in your area, seminars, conferences, etc. Don’t be afraid to put yourself and your brand out there!
- Join a freelance marketplace ;)
Positive Attitude
Some of these challenges may seem too daunting to tackle. If you put in the work, you can do anything.