Many students would like to earn an income while they study, but they’re worried this will take too much time away from their academics and other activities. The solution is to freelance. This allows you to set your own schedule and terms to ensure you always have enough time and enjoy the work. To be successful with freelancing, here are a few key things you can do.
1. Find Your Niche
You may feel like you can’t afford to be picky when you’re starting out and that you need to apply for any freelancing work you think you can handle. The problem with this is it will be clear that you’re not an expert in any field, which will mean clients have no reason to choose you over anyone else. Plus, you’ll be stuck taking the lowest-paying jobs.
A better way forward is to choose a niche, develop your skills in this area, and market yourself as an expert. You’ll have fewer competitors and be able to charge higher rates.
2. Learn Useful Skills
It may be that you don’t have adequate skills to sell your services just yet. If this is the case, think about what you already do well and where you could improve to get to the point where you are able to freelance. Spend time developing your skills, whether that’s through watching how-to videos on YouTube, reading articles, taking short courses, or finding opportunities at college to learn, such as at clubs or through electives.
In fact, it’s worth improving your skills even if you are ready to start freelancing now. The higher quality you’re able to offer, the more likely you are to find work — and receive higher pay.
3. Know Your Limits
Never agree to more than you know you’re capable of. The last thing you want is to disappoint a client, as this will result in a bad review and make it more difficult to find work in the future. Be clear about what you’re able (and willing) to offer and only accept work that meets your criteria.
4. Create a Portfolio
Just telling clients you’re able to do a particular kind of work is not enough: you need to be able to demonstrate you have the expertise to follow through. A portfolio is perfect for this. You may like to set up an entire website for your portfolio or it may be enough to use a freelancing platform to present some of your best work to your clients.
5. Decide on Your Rate
Never expect clients to dictate the pricing. Some may have a budget or an idea of how much they want to pay, but you need to have the final word. If someone is offering far more than you feel you’re worth, this could be an indication that the client expects a higher quality than you’re able to provide. If someone is offering too low, don’t be afraid to turn the offer down.
6. Spend Time on Your Pitches
Often, the difference between landing a job and losing out to a competitor comes down to your pitch. When you’re reaching out to a new client or responding to a message you receive asking about your availability to work on a project, you need to put in the effort to ensure you come across as the top option. Make sure you understand what the project involves (and ask questions if there’s anything you’re unsure about), research the company, and provide details about what you’ll do to ensure the project will be a success.
If you need to earn an income because you’re finding college too expensive, another solution is to reduce your expenses. The biggest cost to cut is housing. Students looking for housing near Fanshawe College have an affordable option at Foundry First. Even though the rooms are available at a great price, they’re only 49 steps from campus, you’ll have access to unbeatable amenities, and all the apartments are fully furnished. Apply now for a lease before next semester.
