I constantly get e-mails from young entrepreneurs and bloggers asking me how I got started as a freelancer and if I have any tips I could give as they walk down the same patch. I wanted to get all the things I share with them in one place for everyone to read and hopefully get inspired.

My story.
To be honest I could have never imagined working for myself at such a young age. I always thought that having your own business is too risky and I have to spend years and years working for someone else before one day maybe establishing my own workplace. Thus, for me, it all somehow just happened…
3 years ago I was about to move out of my lovely Brighton for a semester abroad. I started my first blog, so I could keep my friends & family updated on my adventures. I hated all the templates blogspot had to offer and used my knowledge in web design to create my own. Soon enough, other bloggers contacted me asking who designed my blog and how can they get the same one for themselves. I was excited to offer my services and even did quite a few sites for free or for a few dollars. Surprisingly, I discovered my passion for web design and blogging and it’s been a real roller coaster since then… That’s how I never got back to work after returning to the UK and I’m so glad I didn’t have to!

5 tips on Getting Started as a Freelancer?
I’m still learning my ways about building a successful business & I feel like I’m learning something new every day. However, there are some things I wish I’d have known once I got started, so I hope to save you some time and give some useful tips, let’s go:

Get educated.

It’s important to keep learning when you’re a freelancer. Know your field, do a research on people that inspire you. I read many ‘how to…’ blog posts and follow many talented entrepreneurs every day. You can also sign up for online courses, contact business owners and ask questions. I always kindly respond to anyone asking for guidance, so feel free to tweet or email me if there is anything you wanna know. If you want to make this freelance work pay off, there are no excuses. Read every single article you can find, watch all the youtube videos and keep googling! All the information you need is somewhere online and you can find it all if you put an effort.
Also- don’t forget taxes. It’s easy to forget you have to set aside about 30% of your incomes for the government, but you should start thinking about it on the first days. Open up saving account and transfer tax money into it every month. Usually, it will come to less than what you set aside, so you can treat yourself to a good present once your taxes are paid and you still have some savings left!

Work for it.

There is no other way. You have to work your ass off once you get started. When I decided to turn my web design ‘hobby’ into a full-time work, it was non-stop working around the clock. I used to wake up in the middle of the night and answer e-mails. Working 16 hours a day felt normal to me and weekends were even busier. Somehow others think that being a freelancer means you can work whenever you want, rather than that it means you have to work even when that’s the last thing on your mind. You don’t get days off & no-one is there to cover when you’re sick. Stay focused and get ready for even busier days ahead, it might be exhausting at first, but it’s very rewarding!

Build a portfolio.
Don’t say ‘no’ at least for now. I designed many blogs and websites from little to no pay and don’t regret it at all. It allowed me to build my portfolio quicker and helped me learn new things on the spot. It’s also very rewarding to see your customers sending their friends your way, so don’t walk away from those job offers. However, it’s your business, after all, so make sure you create a positive community around you, just don’t be cocky!

Create your brand.
It’s important to present yourself well. Create your social media branding, have a memorable logo, get professional blog/website design and be proud of what you do! It’s an amazing feeling to hear someone say ‘ oh this is so YOU ‘ it means people recognise your work and your style. don’t be afraid to stand out from the crowd, it’s a good thing!

Stay consistent and enjoy.
You’re your own boss now, so make sure to just keep going. Prepare for hard days or weeks without even a single order, it all really pays off if you put all your heart and honestly work for success. I mean if I can- you definitely can!

Hope you enjoyed this post, friends!