The Only 3 Things You Need to Start Freelancing
When you’re getting started freelancing, it can feel like you have a giant long list of to-do items before you get started. But really, most of these things just aren’t necessary. When you are ready to start your business, don’t overcomplicate it. You don’t need a logo, a website, a special email, a certification, a degree, or anything like that. All you need are these 3 things.
1. A way to deliver your freelance services
To deliver your services, you need a clear idea of what you will provide. Some questions to consider to determine what your services will be are:
How can you improve someone’s business?
What unique perspective can you provide?
What experience do you bring to the table?
What problem have you solved successfully that you could do again?
Where does your expertise overlap in a way that helps you serve a particular client?
Once you have decided what you will offer, it’s time to put a price to it. Learn more about how to price your services in this blog:
The next part of delivering your services is putting a contract, proposal, or both in place. This will serve as your guide between you and the client as you deliver the services to make sure you are on the same page. It helps you both understand the deliverables, the price, and the timeline. There are lots of templates online. Focus on what you will do and when, what the price is, when it is due, and how often.
For example, your proposal basics might be: For $800 I will post to your Instagram using strategies for growth for 3 months and I’ll provide a report of progress and adjustments every month. The fee is due upfront before work is to begin and will be due on the x date of each month for the 3 month period.
2. A client
Hard fact: if you want a business you need a client. You really only need one to start. This often has a domino effect. I’ve found that clients come in groups, not just one at a time. You’ll have nothing then all of a sudden you’ll have 3 all at once. But to start you just need one! The easiest opportunity to find clients is through your existing network. No one wants to promote themself, but it is a necessary part of business and you can do it in small pieces. One social media post about what you’re doing, a couple emails or messages to people you know on LinkedIn, one networking event where you commit to talking about yourself instead of everyone else.
Some additional places you can find clients is on marketplaces. There are several marketplaces specifically for freelancers like Fiver or Upwork. You can also list your services on Facebook marketplace or even Craigslist. These are all free places where you can connect with clients. These places have mixed success rates and can take some work to weed through the competition or the clients who aren’t a good fit, but they are a place where people are already going in search of hiring services.
Cold outreach is actually how I obtained all my clients when I started. Cold calling can feel really scary at first. You will definitely get some “no’s” and no responses. But remember, you only need ONE client. So even if you get 100 no’s in your cold outreach, if you get one yes, that could be the traction you need. When you reach out cold to potential clients, leading with value can help you get your foot in the door. For example, you could provide them with some free tips on how you think they could improve what they are already doing, then offer to talk with them about additional things you see. Ideally, you want to create a relationship with this business owner, so treating them like a potential new friend instead of a potential sale will get you a lot farther.
3. A way to charge
The last thing you need to be able to start your freelance business is a way to receive money. This typically includes sending an invoice with some options for how you can be paid. Checks work just fine, but I highly advise including an option for online payment. Everyone is busy and having a no friction way to send payment means you will be paid faster. This is very easy to set up through PayPal, Stripe, or an invoicing software. My personal favorite is Wave Invoicing. It’s free and has a small transaction fee.
You can find support, resources, and guidance in our Facebook group Purposeful Scaling Freelancers as well! This is a free community of people committed to starting or growing their freelance business to support their ideal lifestyle, bring them purpose, and provide an income.
