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Freelancing Tips

I was reading one of the mailing lists I am a member of the other day, and some questions came up about Freelancing. Some were interested in knowing the best way to get business as a freelancer, and since Zenful Creations came from years of freelancing, I thought I would share my experiences in freelancing. I posted a list of seven items to the message list, and received numerous comments and a few more questions, so I decided to add a bit more to the list, and post here.

1. First and foremost, have a GOOD website. Make sure it has at least six original designs, the service you provided (a before and after shot is always good), and a little detail on your process helps too. Make sure your site is easy to use, and preferably compliant with standards. Make sure there are no typos in your content.

2. Get signed up on sites such as Guru.com, RentACoder.com, GetAFreelancer.com, and many many more… Over the years I found great success at Guru.com, and also acquired several projects from DesignCrowd. I would also suggest checking 37signals Job Board, and CSS Beauty Job Board for new listings as often as possible.

3. Participate. Find listservs, message boards and blogs about freelancing, and participate in discussions. Affiliate with other freelancers – if they are too busy to take on a project they may pass it on to you, or they may partner with you on larger projects.

4. Post a free ad on Craigslist in your area. Craigslist allows you to post an ad for your services every 45 days. With the usership of this site, you will at least get a hit or two each 45 days. While you are on Craigslist, make sure you check out the ‘Barter’ section, and ‘Creative Jobs & Gigs’.

5. 3rd Party Endorsements. Always get testimonials from the clients you work for. Since the launch of this online reputation manager, I have had all clients that I worked with give me a review on iKarma.com – it is a place that you can send current clients (or have a link from your site) to find out more about working with you.

6. Network. Join professional organizations such as your local BNI, or attend other networking events in your area to build your synergistic relationships, and meet people that will refer you to people they know. You can find events local to you on Meetup.com, on Craigslist in the events or community section and also in your local newspaper.

7. Blog. This will increase traffic to your site – I suggest blogging about each design you do or whatever niche it is you have; blog the before, process and after. Blog about open spots in your schedule… Blog when you are full and can take no clients at that time (which shows you are busy) – clients tend to like busy designers as that usually indicates they are good at what they do, and in demand.

8. As funny as this one may sound, it works. Get yourself a myspace account – for your business – there is so much traffic on myspace and it is a great place to network. Customize your design if you can. I have been approached by many clients over the past year (mostly musicians and artistry) who desire to have a customized myspace page. Upload design proofs in the pics section. Keep clients or partners in your friends list, and keep your comments well moderated. Keep it professional.

9. Use a contract. Always. Everytime. A contract is important in any project you do. The contract not only protects a you and your client legally, but it also clearly details deadlines and payments. If you do not already have a contract, you are welcome to copy mine and edit it to suit your needs.

10. Keep up with your records. As a freelancer, you are an independent contractor, and therefore, are expected to keep up with and file your own taxes. You can either pay them throughout the year (file quarterly), or put the money aside to pay later. Get a good program such as QuickBooks, or Quicken, and keep it updated. Also, keep a record of the business expenses you can write off at the end of the year – books, travel, lunch meetings etc.

Lori

The analytical mind behind Zenful Creations. Responsible for all the bells and whistles; dedicates most of her time to breaking stuff, finding bugs and never spending enough time fixing things.

This Post Has 16 Comments

  1. Su

    Your tips are phantastic, I want to thank you for beeing so generous and helpful.

  2. Dianna

    Many thanks for the tips! Very, very helpful indeed!!!

  3. Jonathan

    Hey Lori!

    I was thinking about you just a few days ago (it’s been around 2 years since we spoke last!) and was nicely surprised to see your comment on my redesign this morning.

    Your tips on freelance here are excellent and I’ve bookmarked your contract example for future reference. A huge thanks for sharing : ).

    I wrote an article on “writing a project proposal” just about 2 weeks back that I’d love to get your feedback on as you have opportunity and especially if you have any suggestions for improvement. I’ll email you the link.

    Keep up the excellent work Lori 🙂

    -Jonathan

  4. Cori

    Hey Lori!

    It has been a long time since we have spoken and I was thinking about you last night. I am about to head back to school for Web Design and remembered this site and all of your great tips and information. Thank you so much for being so generous with your resources, it definitely helps those of us that are just starting out!

    I wish you nothing but success and happiness!

    Cori

  5. Song

    Hi!
    Thanks for sharing the information.
    I wanted to recommend this site that I subscribe regularly.
    lots of projects, first of all. but the better part is the site owner check emails and phone numbers to check if the projects are relly serious. If the projects are not ready to go, people cannot post their project for fishing which is pretty handy for a freelancer like me.
    it is called DesignQuote.net
    Hope this info is helpful like Lori’s tips.

  6. Guest

    Hello! Good Site! Thank you!

  7. Chris McMahon

    I want to second joining BNI. I joined up and offered to create a website for the group (bni-kenwood.com).

    The area director liked it so much I’m in the process of putting together a package that all chapters in his area can use. That’s a lot of exposure with the right type of people.

  8. Horse Gal

    Hi!!
    Thanx for the tips.

  9. Geof Harries

    Along the lines of networking, speaking at conferences or workshops has resulted in a tremendous amount of awareness (and hopefully, respect) for my business in the local community. The experience is, of course, much more intimidating, being that you’re up on stage speaking to a crowd, but a great adventure at the same time.

  10. K.C. Linus

    Thanks for your site , i have just read your tips and we are right starting a new company
    in asia and everything is something like in a total different world cause we are from Berlin
    and you are so right, a contract is really necessary here.

    mfg and nice regards 🙂

    K.C. Linus

  11. Freelance Programmer

    Great info thank you for sharing this.

  12. Lightfoot Print

    I saw your site years ago and was so excited to find it again. Great resources!

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