Small and large businesses are hiring more freelancers than ever before. If you’ve decided to start freelancing, statistics show you've made a wise choice. You'll need to arm yourself with information, a desire to learn and grow, and plenty of patience whether your goal is to make freelancing a part-time or full-time profession.

Freelancing offers an incredible opportunity to control the way that you work. It provides flexibility and self-employment, allowing individuals to undertake projects for multiple clients. As a freelancer, you can work from anywhere, at any time. The rise in freelancing in Nigeria is due to people's desire for financial freedom and career flexibility. These alluring benefits are encouraging the growth of the freelancing industry. According to Upwork's recent freelancing research study, more than one-third of the US workforce today works as freelancers in some capacity.

Continue reading to learn more. This article will explain the key steps to start freelancing in 2024 if you want to take the first step toward becoming a freelancer but don't know how to get started. Then, you are in the right place. Discover the essential steps to kickstart your freelancing career and achieve financial independence. We will also list popular freelancing jobs, what it means to become a freelancer,  the benefits of freelancing, and more.

What is Freelancing?

Freelancing is a type of self-employment where an individual works by the job, hour, or day rather than working for one employer. They can accept business contracts or provide their skills to people through online channels. In general, a freelancer doesn't have a long-term commitment to any particular company, regardless of the clients they work with. Some independent contractors focus on a particular industry, while others could have a broader skill set to have greater flexibility in their employment.

They are treated as a contractor rather than an employee by their company. Also, freelancers' duties differ from those of employees. They are accountable for overseeing their projects, deciding on their work schedules, charging their customers, and filing their taxes. Although some clients may become long-term collaborators, freelancers often deal with clients on a short-term basis.

Popular Freelancing Jobs

Almost all industries, jobs, and skill sets have clients seeking effective freelancers to resolve their problems. No matter your line of work, a client is looking for a freelancer like you to fix their issue. Some of the most in-demand freelance positions in 2023 are listed below:

  • Software Developer
  • Writer
  • Digital marketer
  • Web/ mobile developer
  • Graphic designer
  • Accounting
  • Project management

Why Should You Start Freelancing?

The following benefits can come from working as a freelancer:

  • More flexible schedule: where and when you work on freelance jobs is completely up to you. As long as you achieve the deadlines specified by your clients, you can frequently work from home and set your hours.
  • Easy to start: If you already have the required resources and skills for your chosen industry, you can start freelancing with little start-up expenses. Even full-time employment may be given up to work with the same company on a contract basis.
  • Independence: Compared to a full-time job, freelancing frequently allows you more control over your workload. You control the new projects you take on, how many clients you work with, and the prices you charge for your services.
  • Possibility for higher income: Since your pay rate is negotiable per contract, you may be able to boost your salary more regularly than you could as a full-time employee who typically only receives annual raises. When working a full-time job, taking on freelance work to supplement your income is also viable.

How to Start Freelancing in 7 Steps in 2024

Starting a freelance career can be an exciting and rewarding venture. Here are seven steps to help you get started in freelancing in 2023:

1. Identify your skills and services

Assess your strengths and determine the services you can offer as a freelancer. Consider your professional background, expertise, and the market demand for your skills. To do this, you must understand how a prospective client might benefit from your skills. Attempt to imagine yourself in your ideal client's position. What issues do they have, and how can your skills help them fix them?

It's critical to understand that customers are trying to find a solution to a problem. You must understand the client's condition to effectively use your service to solve their problem if you want to be a successful freelancer. Your ability to offer your skills as a service will be built on how you respond to these questions.

2. Define your target market

Determine the specific audience or industry you want to serve as a freelancer. This will help you tailor your services and marketing efforts to attract clients within your niche. Determine the kinds of customers who will benefit most from your service before you do anything else. Do these clients share a problem or possess similar features? Do they work in a certain field? Being excellent at what you do won't bring in clients if you're a new freelancer. Positioning yourself in front of potential customers is essential so they can learn about your offerings.

3. Build an online presence

Create a professional website or portfolio that showcases your skills, experience, and previous work. Include relevant information such as your services, pricing, and contact details. This will be your chance to show clients your abilities and the worth of your knowledge rather than just telling them about it. Utilize social media platforms to promote your work and engage with potential clients.

A strong portfolio might contain case studies, recommendations, data-driven results, pictures, charts, examples of your work, and mock-ups. However, before including the project materials from previous clients in your portfolio, it's crucial to have their approval.

4. Set your rates and payment terms

Research industry standards and determine the rates you will charge for your services. Consider your experience level, market demand, and the value you provide. Additionally, define your payment terms, such as the payment methods and the invoicing frequency. Do not delay starting because you are unsure of your pricing strategy. Your prices are not set in stone. They are adjustable in the future. Try not to overthink it and start with a price you are at ease with.

5. Create a strong network

Once you start freelancing, contact everyone you know to tell them about your new business. Start networking with professionals in your field through online platforms, industry events, and social media. You can begin immediately and ask them to share your contact information with anyone who might require your services. Attend conferences or meetups, join relevant online communities, and connect with potential clients or collaborators. You can start building your professional network and establish yourself as their go-to expert for completing projects by doing this. Building relationships can lead to referrals and new opportunities.

6. Find freelance job opportunities

Explore freelance job platforms, such as Upwork, Freelancer, or Fiverr, where you can find clients seeking freelancers. Create a compelling profile and actively apply for relevant projects. Leverage your network and contact potential clients directly to offer your services.

7. Provide excellent service and maintain client relationships

As a freelancer, your clients are your business. Despite the fact that it can seem obvious, it's critical to have a good working relationship with your clientele. Instead of viewing the job as a one-and-done affair, successful freelancers build connections with their clients.

Creating a long-term partnership may result in recurring sales and client recommendations. Deliver high-quality work and ensure client satisfaction. Communicate effectively, meet deadlines, and be responsive to client feedback. Building strong relationships with clients can lead to repeat business and positive referrals.

Final Thoughts

Remember that building a successful freelance career takes time and persistence. Clients hire freelancers because of the skills and services they provide. Continuously improve your skills, stay updated on industry trends, and adapt to the evolving needs of your clients. You can establish a thriving freelance business with dedication and hard work.

Are you prepared to start a freelance career in 2024? You have the choice.  Customers actively seek innovative solutions to their problems, and your freelance services can be the answer. The 7 steps outlined in this article will help you get started on the road to success as a freelancer in 2024. Don't spend too much time planning. To make your freelance career a reality, you must take action.