It’s tough out there in the world of
freelance design and getting commissions is no easy feat, especially when
you’re just getting started. Here are five quick tips to help you get those
freelance payments rolling in...
01.
Get yourself seen
A company like EDESON INFOTECH can help you create a
website without coding skills It may sound obvious, but if you’re looking to
branch out and go freelance then you need to let the industry, and potential
clients, know that you’re for hire. The first step, if you haven’t done so
already, is to get yourself a web presence to showcase your design style and
portfolio. Use a tool like Squarespace, WordPress or Drupal - the first one's a
good option if you have zero web skills.
Most importantly, you need to
clearly highlight on your page that you’re available for commissions - you'd be
surprised how many freelancers don't think of this. Add this statement to your
site or blog, as well as your personal social media pages, and make sure it's
the first thing people see. If you haven’t many projects to showcase yet (or
have too many that use the same skill set), get creative with a few
self-initiated projects so you can show off all of your abilities as a
designer.
02.
Promote yourself Start pressing the flesh, and handing out your business
cards. Once you’re happy with your portfolio, the next step is to promote your
work. Brush up on your marketing skills and get your name and freelance status
out there with some effective social networking. Avoid the hard sell - no
one likes being spammed. Instead, try to form organic online relationships with
potential clients and agencies and join in with the design discussion to show
your expertise in the industry.
03.
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Social recommendations also count
for a lot, so ask your peers or any designers you may have previously worked
with to help spread and endorse your work across the internet. And
remember that networking isn't just digital. Get out there in the real world
and start handing out physical business cards.
04.
Be proactive
If you want more cash, you need to
proactively look for freelance opportunities. Approach agencies, brands you’d
like to work for or even your local butcher if you spot that their branding
needs a much-needed facelift whilst picking up your sausages! Also, take a look
back through your inbox and spot any potential clients that you may not have
thought of before - perhaps you did some freelance work for a company two years
ago, or there was that job you never got but built a good relationship with the
person that interviewed you. Be imaginative with your client ‘hit list’ and
don’t leave any avenue unexplored.
05.
State your costs
Don't leave it till you invoice to
discuss your rate - get it agreed up front
Before embarking on a marketing
mission, you need to be sure of your hourly and daily rate so that potential
clients know off the bat how much you’re likely to charge.
No matter how much you need the
work, it’s important to be realistic with the client when you take on a job how
long that will take and what the fee will be, otherwise you may find yourself
struggling to meet the demands of a very unhappy client.
Don’t forget that there’s also a
range of online project management tools out there, such as Basecamp and
Producteev to help you get organised and meet all of your deadlines.
06.
Build on your success
Once you’ve completed the work, make
sure you’re not the only one shouting about how brilliant it is. There’s
nothing better than a shining endorsement from someone who’s worked with you to
help build your personal brand reputation.
Ask your (satisfied) client for a
quick quote about the work and their working process with you and then add this
to your online portfolio or blog before posting on your social networks.
Remember, the more people endorsing you, the more buzz you can create about you
and your work.
This Article is
creadited to @ CREATIVE BBLOG
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