If you are not a creative, an entrepreneur, or a business owner, you will probably not benefit from this post whatsoever. Sorry.
However, if you fall into any (or all) of these categories, read on.
First of all, if you are anything like I was when I first started freelancing, it is time to get it together. I’m going to share with you the lessons I have learned in my first year of business ownership, and teach you how to maximize your freelancing profit (because who doesn’t need money?).
If you are an artist, writer, designer, illustrator, photographer, editor, videographer, calligrapher, printer, wood worker, or anything else that requires creative thought and execution, you have a valuable skill. If you just started out, PRACTICE! Cultivate these skills and be the best (insert craft here) that you can be. Once you feel confident in your skills, it is time to start profiting.
1. Create a business
Yeah, I know that seems like a broad “#1,” but I mean this in the most literal sense. You’ll need to invest a little bit of money (around $350-$400) to create an LLC or corporation, but trust me, it is necessary. To do this, hire a CPA. Most towns have dozens, so you can probably find one in your price range. Once you hire a CPA, stick with them! Your CPA is a valuable asset when it comes to filing your taxes, and you do not want to get in trouble with the IRS.
2. Figure out how to bank
This is almost as important as #1. You should NEVER mix your personal bank account with your business bank account. Again with the IRS thing.. You don’t want to deal with that. Setting up a business account is free and easy. Just make sure you have enough money to put in the account upfront to activate it.
3. Create
This is what you do best. If you are a visual creator, the logo and design will be the easy part, but you should look into hiring a writer to help with your content. The same is true the other way. If you are writer or editor, you may need some help with the visuals, but you can totally handle the content. Here is a list of essentials to brand your new company:
- Logo
- Color Scheme
- Website
- Bio
- Mission Statement
- Portfolio
- Social Media Content
4. Market yourself to the right audience
Why would a copywriter market to authors? You need to establish your niche (logo design, social media marketing, editing, etc.) and market your skills to others who don’t have your skillset. This seems like a no-brainer, but I have seen so many people make this mistake, and it is killing their profitability. It’s always a good idea to have a strong internet presence. This is the age we live in. If you design book covers, make sure you advertise and reach out to publishers. If you are a calligrapher, you will probably want to market to brides. The list could go on, but you MUST identify your ideal client and make sure that they know exactly who you are and what you do.
5. Do great work
Obvious? Yes. Easy? Not always. Sometimes it is so easy to go with your first attempt at something. For example, if you are designing a logo for a western wear boutique, what are the first things that come to mind? Cowboy boots, cowboy hats, rope, etc. Yeah, you could do that. But what will make it different? Your client hired you to make them stand out from the crowd, and trust me, it’s a big crowd. What are you going to do to make your client go, “How on earth did you think of that??”
THIS is how you get referrals. Referrals almost always turn into revenue.
6. Be true to you
Clients will notice if you are passionate about your work. You can’t be the stuffy corporate worker that is only in it for the money. Throw in an “extra service,” go the extra mile, and always be available when your client needs you. Those things will not go unnoticed, and will make you rise above the competition. Your client is not a money machine, they are people that likely have a similar mindset to you. They are growing their business, and you are growing yours. Being genuinely invested in your client’s business will go a long way.
Though there are several actions that need to be taken before you can really launch a freelance business, you need to know one thing.
There is a secret ingredient.
If you really want to be successful (it won’t be overnight), you need to believe in yourself and believe in what you do. It is your job to sell yourself, and if you are confident in your product, others will follow suit.
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