How to start a freelance business?

To start a freelance business, learn core skills, build a portfolio, and develop and refine your freelance process. Starting a freelance business requires determination and dedication, but many freelancers can easily make great salaries, and work when they choose, so it is definitely worthwhile.

1. Learn core skills

   A huge part of a freelance business is making sure that you are an expert in whichever service you are offering. You need to make sure that you have a niche and can do that well. You also should be sure to have basic business management skills, such as an understanding of how to pay taxes as a freelancer.

2. Build a portfolio

   Once you have learned these core skills, you can start taking on your first clients and building up a portfolio. Most likely, your first clients do not pay super well, but this is an essential practice for you to gain experience. Your first jobs are more about the experience and building a portfolio rather than making lots of money.

3. Refine your freelance process

   Generally, after 3 to 6 months of taking these small, entry-level jobs, you will be ready to begin taking on larger clients. To do this, it is important to streamline your entire process. This includes mapping out how you find leads, close sales, collect payments and work with your clients. Having a set plan makes it easier to work with many different clients.