INTRODUCTION

The internet has opened a lot of opportunities to make money online. With just an internet connection and a skill, anyone can make money without even leaving their house, and one way to earn is by FREELANCING.

Freelancing is basically a form of self-employment where someone offers their services to clients on a project by project basis instead of working for a single company with a regular salary.

With the high rate of unemployment in Nigeria, freelancing has been the way out for most students and youths. But before one can dive into freelancing or to become a freelancer, of course you need to have a service (skill) to render to clients, a skill that that you find particularly engaging, which brings us to FINDING YOUR NICHE  

FINDING YOUR NICHE IN FREELANCING

Finding your niche is basically specializing in a specific area of your skillset to attract a particular type of client. But certain things need to be considered before deciding in a particular niche as a Freelancer, which includes;

• Skills and Passion: First thing you need to do is to reflect on your skills, and question yourself on what you can do. Questions like, “What am I exceptionally good at”?, “Can I draft out exquisite contents with my writing skill”, “Do I have a keen eye for visual design?“, “Or is it bringing designs to life through coding?. Next thing is to consider your passion by finding something that excites you and makes you eager to dive deep into research.
• High Paying Freelance Niches: Another thing to do is to research high paying freelance skills. Though it’s nice to find a niche based on your passion and interest, but what if the service you wish to render is no longer in demand or high paying? Some of the current high paying freelance niches that can excite you are Digital Marketing, Web Development, Software Engineering, UI/UX Designing, Content Writing.
• Competition Level: Competition level basically refers to how many freelancers are after the same clients as you. A niche that’s crowded basically means, there’s more difficulty in getting noticed, and lower payment rates. But in order to succeed with competition, you have to niche down further and target a specific audience.

BUILDING YOUR CREDIBILITY

One of the challenges that freelancers face is that they lack Credibility. Many organizations want to hire reputable and established businesses, not just a freelancer working from a basement, who can just disappear at any time. Even if your rates are affordable, and you give them a lot more attention than any other brands or businesses, if you lack credibility, you would not go very far as a freelancer. So, how can you build that credibility?

• Build Your Brand: As a Freelancer, YOU are your BRAND!. It is very crucial to build your brand as a freelancer because whenever you are advertising your services, whenever you are selling your services, you are basically selling yourself.
• Building a Solid Portfolio: A portfolio basically refers to a collection of your work samples, it is your digital credibility, your online storefront, it showcases your best work and demonstrates your abilities to potential clients. Having a well designed portfolio basically serves as concrete evidence of your skills and experiences, demonstrating your accomplishments and a clear picture of your work style.
• Leveraging The Power of Testimonials: Testimonials act as social proof, reduce hesitation and increase trust with potential clients. Positive testimonials from satisfied clients shows potential clients that others have had a good experience working with you, thereby reducing the perceived risk of potential clients from hiring you, and it also builds your confidence.
• Build Connections: Do not underestimate the power of networking. Connect with other professionals in your niche, both online and offline. Building connections also increases your visibility, and allows you to connect with potential clients indirectly.

EVERYTHING YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT LANDING FREELANCE PROJECTS

• Freelance Platforms: One common way to land freelance projects is by utilizing established platforms like fiverr, Upwork, AngelList, Toptal or freelancer.com can help to find job postings and also connect with potential clients.
• Direct Outreach: Research companies and individuals who might need your service and reach out with a personalized proposal highlighting your value proposition.
• Having your Portfolio Website : For freelancers, a website portfolio serves as a professional online presence. It showcases their most relevant and impressive work, directly targeting their ideal clientele. This establishes credibility and attracts high-caliber projects by effectively demonstrating the freelancer’s skills and value proposition
• Utilizing your Social Media Profiles: Apart from having a website, you should also be socially present on professional platforms like Linkedin. This will help you look for and connect with potential clients. It can also give you work ideas, it lets you post update, and helps you promote yourself too.
• Setting your Rates: Setting your rates as a freelancer involves both your need and market value. To set your rates, consider your desired income, living expenses in order to determine a base rate. See what similar freelancers charges and adjust based on your experience and the value you bring.

THRIVING AS A FREELANCER

Freelancing freedom comes with responsibility. Build trust with a portfolio showcasing your best work and positive client testimonials.

Attract clients with targeted proposals, highlighting your unique value. Deliver exceptional work, consistently hitting deadlines and exceeding expectations. Network to build relationships that unlock new opportunities.

Set competitive rates that reflect your expertise and market value. Research what others charge and adjust based on your experience. Ensure smooth finances with clear contracts outlining payment terms. Remember, specialize, prioritize client satisfaction, and cultivate long-term relationships to watch your freelance business flourish

CONCLUSION

Freelancing success hinges on building credibility and actively finding work. Showcase your skills with your solid portfolio and clients testimonials. Target the right clients with tailored proposals emphasizing your value. Deliver exceptional works, meet target deadlines and exceed client’s expectations. Network with professionals to build valuable relationships that lead to projects. Aside freelancing, there are other ways to make money online in 2024, to know more about them Click here