More people than ever are taking control of their work/life balance through freelancing-working for themselves rather than a single company, taking on as many or as few projects and gigs as their circumstances allow.
The market for freelancers is dynamic and ever-evolving. To be successful, freelancers must strategize to stay ahead of the game. Below, we'll discuss how freelance job searches differ from traditional job searches. Then, we'll consider how you can strategize when and where you look for freelance jobs, your use of social media, your niche, and your network.
How a Freelance Job Search Differs from a Traditional Job Search
When most people think of a job search, they imagine looking at job postings online, filling out applications, getting interviewed, negotiating benefits, and going through an onboarding and training process.
For freelancers, the process is usually more streamlined. For example, lengthy interviews and onboarding are omitted. Because freelancers aren't full-time employees, negotiations are also limited.
The initial contact with an employer is where it gets tricky. Freelance positions posted on online job boards are extremely competitive; many freelancers choose to avoid them. Often, the best way to land a freelance gig is for a client to come to you. We'll talk about how to make that happen a bit later. First, we'll discuss how when you look can affect your chances of getting hired if you do choose to apply to posted freelance jobs.
Strategize When You Look
According to Business News Daily, January and early February are among the best months to look for a job. Why? Many companies set goals at the beginning of the year, and they may need to hire freelancers to carry them out. Recruitment drives may extend throughout the spring months.
Employers often want roles filled before some of their staff take vacations during the summer. That makes the months of June through August one of the toughest times to find freelance work-decision-makers are frequently out of the office.
The autumn season is not a bad time to look for work, either. Businesses are prepping for the holiday rush. When the holidays arrive, however, many people are out of the office again, making December less than ideal for finding a job.
Remember, though, that you shouldn't wait until the "ideal months" to start looking for a job. Have your proposals or applications ready and submitted before these ideal New Year and Autumn windows open to ensure your information is at the top of the stack.
Of course, the need to bring on a freelancer could arise at any time. After discussing your geographic location, we'll consider strategies for making sure potential employers find you when they need you.
Strategize Where You Look
Many freelance tasks can be performed remotely, allowing freelancers to find work with geographically distant companies. Others, such as photographers or local journalists, are somewhat limited by distance because some of their work must take place in person.
For freelancers in this category, it may be worth a move to a larger city with more opportunities. Even remote freelancers might seek out companies in cities or states with the highest wages. California, Oregon, D.C., New York, and Washington are heralded as the best states to work in due to wages and worker protection.
Whether you're a local or remote freelancer, you can make sure employers in your preferred areas can find you by setting your "service area" on tools such as Yelp and Google Business.
Strategize Your Use of Social Media
Social media can be a powerful tool for showcasing your work and helping clients find you. LinkedIn is hands-down the most important social media tool for professionals. Your profile reads just like a resume, and you can include a portfolio of documents, images, or links.
TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook can also be useful. Include photos of or links to your work "in the wild," whether that be your latest book on store shelves, an article you wrote, a website you designed, your graphic on a t-shirt, or your architecture design coming to life in a big city. Potential clients can view not only the quality of your work, but they gain confidence that you are a real person and an expert in your field.
Social media can also help you network. Connect with people you know in real life and let them know what you're doing as a freelancer. The trust they already have in you can generate enthusiasm and new leads.
Strategize Your Niche
Freelancers often find success by carving out a niche-an area of specialization. For example, freelance travel agents might find it easier to attract business once they specialize in one type of travel, such as adventure cruises or Disney World vacations. The niche specialization reduces competition to a manageable level-there are thousands of travel agents out there, but few who specialize in Disney, for example.
Key Takeaways
You can succeed as a freelancer, and these tips can make your journey easier. Pay attention to when and where you look for work, leverage social media, and carve out your niche. It's a competitive world of work, but if you hone in on your strengths en expertise, you can make a sure success of your ventures.
