Becoming a freelancer for the first time is a tough job. To be hired by potential employers for a particular task or project, you need to show lots of proof and relevant working experiences as evidence that you are truly worth their time and money.
Aside from the various obstacles that may await you as you set your foot into this online money-making opportunity, these are some of the scenarios you will meet each day.
Aside from the huge number of freelancers offering similar services likes yours, finding that first client to hire you or simply starting your profile together with your portfolio is a big challenge on your part.
How can you position yourself strategically in this competitive industry and charge the right price for every project offered to you?
Below are some self-assessment guidelines that you could use as you make this very important decision.
This is irrespective of whether the pay is hourly or per.
What's Covered in This Article
Step 1: Find out the prevailing market rates
This first phase is very crucial when determining your worth as a freelancer.
If you aren’t sure what is the average rate for you particular service or skills, better start conducting your online research.
Check other online job agencies, outsourcing firms and online ads wherein the potential pay rates are also stated together with the required skills or job description.
Ask friends who are also involved in online work or view online testimonials of freelancers who made it big doing freelance work with regards to the pay rates.
Knowing the prevailing rates available in the freelance market will give you a fair analysis and help you arrive with your highest rate as well as your lowest possible rate that you can offer to a potential client.
Step 2: Believe in yourself.
If you feel you are truly worth that rate, either your charge $20 for a piece of blog content, then , go and defend this asking price to any potential client what he/she will get in exchange for the rate.
Show relevant working experiences you have done in the past to prove your credibility as the most ideal candidate to assume that assignment.
Improve your portfolio and don’t be shy to include links to your portfolio.
Most employers are willing to pay your asking price especially if they see a greater profit in doing business with you.
Keep in mind first impressions last, so make the most of this opportunity to showcase your skills, talents and professionalism.
Step 3: Adopt a convincing bargaining power.
Just like any business, you are offering yourself to provide a vital service to someone else.
If you think the pay rate you have tabled to the employer is reasonable enough, reason honestly and respectfully with your potential employer.
He or she could potentially come to the realization that with your credentials you are actually worth more than that and consider hiring you.
When you are put in a situation where the employer is really on a tight budget and you feel you can still lower your offer, then, do so as long as you don’t decrease your true worth in regards to future clients.
Sometimes lowering your existing rate could do you good in the end if that employer will consider keeping you permanently on board for future projects.
Learn to weigh and balance every situation and go to the route where you will be the winner.
Top advice:
If you are really interested in becoming a well-paid freelancer online with your existing expertise or specialization, then, give it your best shot.
Don’t just go with the flow because many have claimed remarkable success. Assess yourself and think of ways on how you can always win among the many applicants.
Remember this type of industry is like a game of chance. Sometimes you win and there are times that you have to accept a defeat, but this doesn’t mean you will not get another offer.
Carry on with your dream job as an online freelancer and reach your goals.
I am interested in hearing more about how you charge for your services.
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