How To Start A Freelance Business: 5 Simple Steps To Take

Nowadays, people often talk about how freelancing saved their lives from the corporate world.

We also see some of our friends post Instagram stories about their work while traveling adventures.

But isn’t the life of a digital nomad difficult?

Yes, it can be. It’s also challenging to put your brand out there.

While many people struggle with this, it’s not an impossible feat.

And this ultimate guide will provide you with everything you need.

Here’s how to start a freelance business.

How Profitable Is Owning a Freelance Business?

Freelancing is one of the most profitable businesses to own, and here’s why.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, at least 53 million Americans earn their income by working freelance.

Considering the U.S. population, that’s around one in three laborers working beyond the traditional 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. schedule.

It’s no surprise many people choose freelance since it gives them more control of their earnings and work hours.

They can work wherever and whenever they please, as long as they meet the client’s demands.

What’s more, freelancers have access to a variety of fields that pay differently.

Depending on the line of work, they can earn between $25 to $65 per hour.

What You’ll Need to Start a Freelance Business [& Associated Costs]

Starting a freelance business can be costly but worth it in the long run.

You have to invest in the right equipment, licensing, and other tools because you call all the shots.

Once you got these down, you can easily make up for the initial costs by building your name.

Here are what you’ll need as a freelancer:

• Profile Website: Hiring someone to build a profile website can cost anywhere between $1,500 to $2,000. It’s pricey, but you’ll need it to gain an online presence.
• Business Cards: These usually go for $100 to $200, depending on how many you want to print.
• Work Computer or Laptop: You’ll need a work computer or laptop to start your freelance business. It’s enough to have at least $1,000 or more to get a decent one.
• Business License and Permits: Registering your freelance business usually costs $30 to $100 a year, depending on your state.
• Insurance: Freelancing requires a few essential insurances, such as general liability, legal protection, and personal accident. You can expect these to cost around $400.

Do I Need a License or Certificates to Start a Freelance Business?

The short answer is yes. It’s necessary to acquire a business license since freelancing puts you in charge of every operation.

While some jobs don’t require one, you’ll find it beneficial to your freelance career in the long run.

Why You Should Consider Starting a Freelance Business as a Side Hustle?

Starting a freelance business is one of the best ways to earn extra.

You can even use it as your main source of income once you become a successful freelancer.

These are some of its notable benefits:

• Multiple Sources of Income: You can accept numerous jobs to earn more, as long as you can manage.
• Location and Work Hours Flexibility: Freelancing allows you to work anywhere and anytime, provided that you meet your deadlines.
• Freedom to Choose Your Work: You can tap into various skills to take on freelance jobs that fit your talents.
• Maintain Work-Life Balance: A healthy work-life balance is essential for a thriving career. As a freelancer, time management will become your best friend.

How to Start a Freelance Business in AMOUNT Simple Steps

Starting this kind of business, whether well-versed or freelancing with no experience, takes effort, patience, and dedication.

There are five essential steps to kickstart your career path in this field.

Here’s what they are.

1. Determine Your Goal and Purpose

What is your purpose with the freelance business? Do you want it as a side hustle, or are you planning to make it your career?

You have to set a target or two in mind before starting any type of business.

It can even be as simple as giving more time for yourself while earning at your preferred pace.

Doing so will help direct your path as you work toward bigger goals.

You’ll also be able to track your progress better as you move along.

2. Find Your Freelancing Niche

When finding a freelance niche, you must ensure you’re utilizing a profitable talent.

This is where you’ll be establishing what kind of freelancer you are according to what services you can offer.

Some of the most common and high-paying freelance niches include:

• Freelance writer
• Digital Marketing
• Freelance web developer
• Graphic designer
• Finance and fintech
• Cryptocurrency and Web 3.0

Once you find your niche, don’t be afraid to start small by focusing on a specific interest.

For instance, you can prioritize graphic illustrations for advertising firms before expanding your horizon should you choose graphic design.

3. Identify Your Prospective Client

Identifying your ideal client works hand in hand with the niche you establish.

Your initial approach should be to explore your options and gain experience.

Once you’ve had a chance to work with various clients, you can narrow your choices.

Find out which of them you want to continue pursuing to hone your specializations further.

Not only will you find your dream client, but you’ll also be able to build your client base.

4. Build Your Profile

Online presence means everything in the digital age of marketing.

The more you build your profile while marketing it on various platforms and websites for freelancers, the more clients you’ll land.

Freelancing follows a fast-paced transaction when hiring.

As such, you’d want to attract potential clients at face value by optimizing your profile.

They should be able to see your skills, achievements, and experiences as soon as they view your profile.

We also recommend updating it whenever necessary.

5. Manage Your Rates

You can start increasing your rates once you’ve honed your freelancing skills and gained enough experience.

Don’t be afraid to pitch yourself to clients.

As a freelancer, it pays to know your worth. Think of your skills and experiences as personal assets.

These are key factors in managing your rates to ensure you’re getting paid right for your services.

You have to be confident with what you can bring to the table.

Things to Consider When Building a Freelance Business

Building a freelance business isn’t one-size-fits-all, and each path and approach is unique.

Here are a few other things to consider before embarking on this type of venture.

Can You Run a Freelance Business by Yourself?

All freelancers are self-employed by nature.

While it’s possible to have assistance in this field of business, you’ll do most of the work by yourself.

The appeal of freelancing is that your boss is you.

You’re in control of everything that goes on in your business and accountable for whatever happens.

That’s why it’s also worth getting health insurance for freelancers.

What Is Your Financial Situation?

There are always risks involved in starting businesses, and freelancing is no exception.

If you choose this as your career path, you need a good grasp of your financial situation.

Most successful freelancers use this field of business as their primary source of income.

Consider if you have the means to drop everything in pursuit of freelance should you follow the same path.

Rejection Is Part of Growth and Success

Not all success stories in freelancing are full of glitz and glam.

As part of your growth, you must accept that rejection is necessary.

If your target client doesn’t avail of your services, that doesn’t always mean you’re doing badly.

It can be due to misaligned goals or that there’s a specific skill or proficiency they’re looking for.

Rather than seeing it as a setback, you should view it as a point for improvement.

Freelance Business Ideas

There are many different types of freelance jobs if you’re looking for business ideas.

Since freelancing encompasses a wide range of expertise, you can choose which suits you best.

These include:

• Content Writing: A business that’s always in demand in the freelancing world. Content writers have access to a variety of topics and clients willing to hire.
• Game Development: The video game industry has grown in popularity over the past two decades. Luckily, more freelance job opportunities have become available for those with a knack for gaming.
• Data Analyst: A gradually rising business that involves analyzing customer behavior and making educated assumptions based on trends and data. Data analysts are also in charge of ensuring quality assurance and maintaining databases.
• Social Media Marketing: A business that relies on social media-savvy people to produce engaging posts that meet client needs. This freelance work usually involves writing content and promoting products or services on platforms like Facebook and Instagram.

Frequently Asked Questions

Similar Businesses to Consider Starting

There’s no denying how profitable the freelancing business can be in capable hands.

If you think you’re not a perfect fit for this type of business, there are other well-paying alternatives you can try.

• How to Start a Tutoring Business: Running a tutoring service by yourself allows you to keep every penny earned. Online tutoring has gained massive popularity due to the effects of the pandemic.
• How to Start a Contractor Business: You can start an independent contractor with an initial budget of at least $10,000 to $20,000. It’s highly profitable once established, but it can take a few years to get there.
• How to Start a Virtual Assistant Business: Virtual assistant jobs are profitable due to their current high demand. They offer a variety of services, from business marketing to general administration.

Wrapping Up

Engaging in freelance business gives workers a chance to live more while earning earnestly.

It might be challenging to establish your brand, but the results are worth it once you get there.

Let this post serve as your guide to starting a successful freelance business.

Feel free to share your comments below if you like the article.

Share it with your fellow freelancers as well!