2022 Guide To Freelancing

As a freelancer, you are your own boss. You can work from anywhere in the world, setting your own hours and rates. You are in control of your own career.

But what does it really mean to be a freelancer?

When you’re a freelancer, that means that you are self-employed or that you own your own business. This is great because you get to work remotely from home!

Freelancing can be a great way to make a living, but it’s not always easy. There are a few things you should know before you start freelancing, like what skills you need and where to find work.

Before we get started, if you want to become a freelancer or hire a freelancer be sure to sing up for a FreeUp Account here:

Get Started on FreeUp!

 

The freelancing world has changed a lot over the years. Don’t worry, we’re here to help with all of the latest industry updates.

Alright, let’s get started on learning EVERYTHING there is to know about being a freelancer in 2022.

What is a Freelancer? 

To get started, let’s talk about what a freelancer actually is.

A freelancer is a professional who works independently, rather than being employed by a company. Freelancing is a very easy way to work for yourself.

Freelancers are often hired to work on specific projects, and they are typically paid per project, rather than receiving a regular salPros ary. Some freelancers may work for a variety of different companies, while others may choose to only work for one company.

As a freelancer, you are self-employed. This means you are not tied to one company or boss. You can work for multiple clients or employers, and often do so remotely.

Freelancers generally charge by the project or hour, and many have flexible schedules that allow them to work around other commitments.

To be successful as a freelancer, you usually need at least a few years of experience in your field. You also need to be good at marketing yourself and finding new clients.

If you’re thinking of becoming a freelancer, keep on reading!

The Advantages of Freelancing:

Experts predict that by 2027, over 50% of the American workforce will consist of freelancers.

Don’t think that you can’t join the new gig economy. If you’re looking to grow creatively, change your career, or start making money while traveling, freelancing is the way to go.

Still not convinced? What if we told you that freelancing can improve your mental and physical health? Sounds like just what the doctor ordered. Let’s get into the advantages of freelancing:

1. Schedule Flexibility:

There are many advantages to freelancing, including the ability to choose your own hours, work from home, and set your own rates. You also have the freedom to choose the projects you want to work on and the clients you want to work with.

Additionally, freelancers often have more control over their work-life balance than those who are employed full-time, which can result in a more satisfying and less stressful lifestyle.

2. Lifestyle Control:

One of the main advantages of freelancing is that you are your own boss. This means that you can choose when and where you work, as well as how much you work. This can be a great way to achieve a work-life balance that works for you.

It can also be beneficial if you have other commitments such as childcare or caring for a relative. Another advantage of freelancing is that you can often choose the projects you work on.

This can mean that you only take on work that you are interested in or that you have the skills for. It also means that you can build up a portfolio of work that you are proud of, which can be useful when applying for jobs in the future.

3. Finances:

Finally, freelancers often have more control over their finances than those who are employed full-time.

As a freelancer, one of the main advantages of having your finances in order is that you are in control of your own money. You are not reliant on anyone else for financial support and you can budget and save as you see fit.

Additionally, you can choose to work with clients and on projects that you are passionate about, rather than being stuck in a 9–5 job that you hate. This gives you a sense of freedom and flexibility that many people yearn for.

Finally, as a freelancer, you can often work from home, which can save you a lot of money on things like commuting, child care, and office costs.

How to become a freelancer:

Around 34% of Americans have worked freelance before. So, what is it like to be a freelancer?

Being a freelancer is a great way to be independent and make the kind of money you deserve for the job you are doing. That being said, to be a successful freelancer you have to know how to promote yourself and gather enough work to keep yourself busy.

If you have always dreamed of being a freelancer and living an independent life, we got you covered. Keep reading to learn how to become a freelancer!

1. Find Your Niche 

As a freelancer, it can be difficult to find your niche. There are so many different options and paths to take that it can be difficult to know where to start.

However, there are a few things that you can do to help narrow down your options and find your niche.

One thing that you can do is to look at your skills and interests and see if there is a connection. If you are good at writing and enjoy doing research, then you may be well suited for a freelance writing career.

If you enjoy working with numbers and have a head for business, then bookkeeping or freelance accounting may be a good fit. Another thing to consider is what services you are willing to provide.

Are you only interested in writing articles, or would you be willing to do other tasks such as web design or social media management?

Once you have a better idea of the services you are willing to offer, you can start to look for clients who may be interested in those services.

Finally, don’t be afraid to try something new. If you’re not sure what you want to do, or you’re having trouble finding clients, then consider offering your services for free or at a discount.

2. Create a Freelancer Portfolio 

When creating a freelancer portfolio, it is important to showcase your skills and experience in a way that is organized and easy to navigate.

Start by creating a list of the projects you have worked on, including a brief description of your role and the results you achieved.

Next, add a section that highlights your skills and strengths. Include information on your education and any relevant certifications.

Finally, add a section with testimonials from clients or colleagues. Make sure to include a link to your portfolio on your resume and business cards.

FreeUp offers you a section on your freelancer profile to showcase all of your work!

3. Build Your Client Base

Using the FreeUp Marketplace is the easiest way to start building your client base!

As a freelancer, one of the most important things you can do is build a strong client base. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

1. Start by networking: Get involved in your industry and meet as many people as you can. Attend events, trade shows, and conferences. You never know who might need your services.
2. Get involved in online communities related to your industry, such as FreeUp! Share your expertise and help others out. This will not only help you make connections, but it will also help you build a reputation as an expert in your field.
3. Use social media to your advantage. Platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter are great ways to connect with potential clients and build your brand.
4. Make sure your website is up to date and professional. This is often the first impression potential clients will have of you, so make sure it’s a good one.
5. Stay in touch with your past clients. They may not need your services right now, but they could in the future.

Keep them updated on your latest projects and let them know you’re always available if they need you. By following these tips, you can start building a strong client base that will last and provide you consistent work for years.

Skills Required to be a Freelancer:

Becoming a freelancer is one of the great career changes you can make in your life.

At first glance, freelancing may seem like a vacation away from the nine-to-five grind. While that may be true, freelancing takes a lot of work, skill, and discipline to achieve success.

Freelancers also have to face an unfortunate reality. Simply being good at a particular job or task is not enough to generate a steady income. Your ability to market yourself around the skills you possess is what sets the most successful freelancers apart from their less successful counterparts.

Ready to learn what skills are needed to be a freelancer? This guide will walk you through the key skills necessary to succeed as a freelancer.

1. Time management: 

Time management is key to a freelancer’s success. You need to be able to juggle multiple deadlines and projects at once, while still making time for marketing and networking.

Here are a few tips to help you manage your time as a freelancer:

1. Set a schedule and stick to it. Having a set schedule will help you stay on track and avoid getting overwhelmed.
2. Break down your projects into manageable tasks. This will help you stay focused and avoid getting bogged down in the details.
3. Set aside time for marketing and networking. Don’t forget to promote your business and network with potential clients.
4. Take breaks when you need them. Trying to work non-stop will only lead to burnout. Make sure to take breaks throughout the day to recharge.
5. Get organized and stay organized. Having a system in place will help you stay on top of your projects and keep track of deadlines.

By following these tips, you can successfully manage your time as a freelancer and grow your business.

2. Organizational skills: 

In order to be successful as a freelancer, you must be organized. This includes keeping track of deadlines, payments, and clients.

Organization is key to maintaining a successful and sustainable business.

Additionally, a well-organized freelancer is able to provide a higher level of customer service, as they can easily locate client information and documents.

There are a few key ways to stay organized as a freelancer:

First, create a schedule and stick to it. This will help you keep track of deadlines and avoid overbooking yourself.

Second, keep your work area clean and free of clutter. This will help you stay focused and avoid distractions.

Finally, make use of technology to help you stay organized. There are a variety of apps and software programs that can help you track your work, goals, and deadlines.

3. Marketing skills:

Freelancers are their own boss. This means that you need to be able to market your skills and services in order to attract clients.

Here are a few tips to get you started:

1. Use social media to your advantage. Platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn are great for promoting your services and connecting with potential clients.
2. Guest blog on relevant websites and include a link to your freelancing website or portfolio in your bio. This will help drive traffic to your site and show potential clients your expertise.
3. Attend industry events and networking functions. This is a great way to meet potential clients and get your name out there.
4. Have an up-to-date and professional website or online portfolio. This is often the first thing potential clients will look at, so make sure it’s impressive.
5. Be responsive and easy to communicate with. This is important when working with clients remotely.

4. Communication skills: 

As a freelancer, you will be working with clients from all over the world. This means that you must be able to communicate effectively in order to build relationships and trust.

It is important to communicate well with clients in order to maintain a good working relationship.

This means being clear and concise in your communication, and being responsive to any queries or concerns that the client may have. It is also important to be professional in your communication, and to avoid any unnecessary drama or conflict.

If there are any problems with the work or the working relationship, then these should be discussed in a calm and constructive manner.

By communicating well with clients, you will be able to build a strong rapport and working relationship, which will ultimately lead to a successful freelancing partnership.

Top Freelancer Skills of 2022:

The numbers from 2021 are in! We’ve taken a look at all of FreeUps data for 2021 to determine the top freelancer skills going into 2022.

Let’s look at some of the top freelancer skills of 2022!

1. Virtual Assistant:

Every business and department can use virtual assistants!

A virtual assistant is an independent contractor who provides administrative, creative, or technical services to clients remotely. They are often used by small businesses, entrepreneurs, and busy professionals who need help with day-to-day tasks but don’t have the time or resources to do everything themselves.

VAs are usually hired on a project or hourly basis, and they can work from anywhere in the world as long as they have a computer and an internet connection.

If you’re considering becoming a virtual assistant, here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. You will need to be organized and have strong time management skills.
2. You must be comfortable working independently and taking initiative.
3. You will need to be proficient in using technology and have good computer skills.
4. You should be a good communicator and have excellent written and verbal English skills.
5. You will need to be flexible and be able to adjust to changing project requirements or deadlines.

2. Social Media Marketing

If you’re good at social media and you’re looking for a way to freelance, then you should definitely consider becoming a social media freelancer.

Tons of businesses and individuals out there who are in need of social media help, and if you’re good at what you do, then you can definitely make a lot of money freelancing.

3. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

If you’re passionate about all things digital and have a keen interest in how search engines work, then a career as an SEO freelancer could be for you.

As an SEO freelancer, you’ll be responsible for optimizing website content and improving a company’s online visibility through various techniques such as link building and keyword research.

It’s important to have strong written and communication skills as an SEO freelancer as you’ll need to be able to explain your recommendations to clients in a way that non-tech-savvy individuals can understand.

You should also be comfortable working independently and have good project management skills in order to juggle multiple clients and deadlines. If you think you have what it takes to be an SEO freelancer, then start networking with digital marketing professionals and build up a strong portfolio of case studies to showcase your skills.

4. Content Marketing:

There are many ways to get involved in content marketing as a freelancer. You can specialize in writing blog posts, creating social media content, or even developing marketing campaigns.

The key is to identify your strengths and focus on becoming an expert in your specific area. There are a few things you should keep in mind as you pursue content marketing freelancing:

1. What are your strengths? What can you offer that other freelance writers can’t?
2. Quality is key. Always deliver quality content that will engage and convert your audience.
3. Be flexible. Content marketing is ever-changing, so be willing to change with it.
4. Stay up-to-date. Read industry news and follow thought leaders to stay ahead of the curve.
5. Keep learning. There’s always more to learn in content marketing. Be open to new ideas and approaches.

If you can focus on these things, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a successful content marketing freelancer.

5. Copy Writing

A copy writing freelancer is someone who writes copy for businesses. This can include anything from website content to brochures and even taglines.

As a copy writer you will be able to work with a variety of businesses, giving you the opportunity to learn about different industries and hone your craft.

To become a copy writing freelancer, you will need to be able to write well and have a good understanding of grammar and punctuation. You will also need to be able to research and understand the needs of the businesses you work with.

6. Graphic Design

There are many things to consider when becoming a graphic design freelancer. The most important factor is whether or not you have the passion and talent for design.

Secondly, you must be able to market and sell your services to potential clients. Finally, you must be organized and have a strong work ethic to succeed.

7. Web Development

Becoming a web developer can be an exciting and rewarding career path. It can also be a challenging and demanding field, requiring both creative and technical skills.

It is important to have a strong foundation in both the technical and creative aspects of web development in order to be successful.

Some web developers specialize in the front-end development of websites, creating the user interface and experience. Others specialize in back-end development, working with the server, database, and applications.

Many developers work full-stack, handling both the front-end and back-end development. In order to become a web developer, it is important to have a solid understanding of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

These are the core technologies of the web, and all web developers need to be proficient in them. Other important skills include server-side scripting languages, such as PHP, Ruby on Rails, and Node.js.

Creating beautiful and user-friendly websites requires both creative and technical skills.

If you are interested in becoming a web developer, start by sharpening your skills in these areas. With hard work and dedication, you can turn your passion for the web into a successful career.

8. Email Marketing

Email marketing is the process of sending commercial messages to a group of people using email.

It usually involves sending emails containing content, such as advertisements, product info, and services. Email marketing is a type of direct marketing, and it can be done to customers and prospects.

9. Lead Generation

A lead generator is someone who helps create and increase leads for a company. There are a number of ways to become a lead generator, but the most common is to work with a marketing or advertising agency.

Lead generators typically work with a number of companies in different industries and help them develop marketing campaigns that will generate leads. They may also work with individual businesses to help them identify potential customers and create custom marketing plans.

There are a few key skills that are necessary to be a successful lead generator.

First, you must be able to identify potential customers and understand their needs.

Second, you must be able to create custom marketing plans that appeal to the customer and generate leads.

Finally, you must be able to track and measure the results of your campaigns to ensure that they are effective.

If you have these skills and are interested in working with companies to help them generate leads, then a career as a lead generator may be for you.

10. Market Research:

A market researcher is someone who studies and collects data on consumers and market trends. They use this information to help companies make better marketing and business decisions. Becoming a market researcher requires a combination of education, experience, and skills.

Education-wise, market researchers typically have a bachelor’s degree in market research, business, statistics, or a related field.Experience-wise, market researchers should have experience working with statistical software, as well as experience conducting research and analyzing data.

As for skills, market researchers should be excellent communicators, both written and verbal, and have strong analytical skills.

11. Project Management:

The project manager is responsible for the successful execution and completion of the project.

They work with the project team and stakeholders to develop a project plan, identify risks and issues, and create a project schedule.

They are also responsible for communication, resource management, and quality control.

12. Branding Experts:

A brand is more than just a logo or a name. It is the association that people make with a company, product, or service. A strong brand can differentiating your offering and make it more memorable and desirable to customers.

As a branding expert, you will need to understand the psychology of consumers and what drives their purchase decisions.

You will also need to have a keen eye for detail and be able to distill complex concepts into easily-digestible messages.

Excellent communication, writing, and presentation skills are essential. If you have a passion for understanding people and helping businesses to reach their full potential, a career in branding could be for you.

13. Data Entry Specialist:

Data entry specialists are responsible for transcribing data from various sources into digital formats. They may also be responsible for organizing and maintaining databases.

To become a data entry specialist, one must have prior experience with data entry and possess strong computer and keyboarding skills. One must also be detail oriented and able to work quickly and accurately.

14. Public Relations (PR):

A career in public relations can be very rewarding. It can be a lot of work, but it can also be a lot of fun. If you are interested in becoming a PR specialist, here are a few things you should know.

1. Public relations is all about communication. If you are good at communicating with people, you will be good at public relations.
2. Public relations is about building relationships. If you are good at building relationships with people, you will be good at public relations.
3. Public relations is about creating positive publicity. If you are good at creating positive publicity for your company or organization, you will be good at public relations.
4. Public relations is about problem solving. If you are good at solving problems, you will be good at public relations.
5. Public relations is about being creative. If you are creative, you will be good at public relations.

15. HR Recruiting:

There are many paths to becoming a HR recruiter. Some recruiters have years of experience in the HR field, while others come from a backgrounds in sales or customer service.

Some recruiters may have a degree in human resources or a related field, while others may have taken courses or earned certifications to qualify for the job.

The most important thing for anyone interested in becoming a HR recruiter is to have a genuine interest in helping people find their perfect career match.

16. Accounting:

A freelance accountant is someone who provides accounting services to businesses on a contractual basis. Freelance accountants are self-employed and are not employed by a specific company on a permanent basis.

There are many advantages to being a freelance accountant. The most obvious one is that you can be your own boss and set your own hours.

This can be a great option for those who want more flexibility in their lives. Another advantage is that you can often work from home, which can save on childcare and commute costs.

If you’re interested in becoming a freelance accountant, the first step is to get qualified. You’ll need to have a degree in accounting or a related field, and it’s also beneficial to have experience working in accounting.

You must be very detail oriented to be an accountant.

Once you have your qualifications and experience, the next step is to start marketing yourself to potential clients!

17. Graphic Design:

In order to become a graphic designer, you need to have passion for art and design, as well as a strong foundation in both traditional and digital skills.

You also need to be able to work well with others, as much of the work is done in team settings.

Graphic designers typically have a bachelor’s degree in graphic design or a related field. Many designers also pursue certification from accredited programs to make themselves more marketable to employers.

18. Business Consulting:

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to become a business consultant may vary depending on your prior experience and qualifications.

However, here are five general tips to help you get started in this exciting and challenging career:

1. Do your research. Learn as much as you can about the consulting industry and the specific type of consulting you’re interested in pursuing.
2. Identify your niche. Find an area of focus or specialization that you’re passionate about and that you can provide value to clients in.
3. Develop your qualifications. Whether it’s through formal education or professional certification programs, make sure you have the skills and knowledge necessary to be a successful business consultant.
4. Build your network. Get connected with other professionals in the industry and start making valuable relationships.
5. Market yourself. Create a strong personal brand and start promoting your business consulting services to potential clients.

Freelancer Pay Rates + Salaries:

It’s important to know how much you can make while freelancing. Pay rates vary greatly based on your skill set and what results you can get for your clients.

Below we will list a general overview of how much money you can make as a freelancer, however also be sure to check out FreeUp’s Pricing Guide for more detailed breakdowns as well.

$5 – $10/Hour Freelancing Jobs:

There are a lot of tasks that can be completed for $5 – $10 per hour by freelance workers.

Some examples of such tasks include:

• Article writing
• Data entry
• Proofreading
• Customer service
• Virtual assistant work.

There are many other possibilities as well; it really depends on the skills and interests of the freelancer.

Ultimately, any task that can be completed virtually and does not require a significant amount of time or resources can be done for $5 per hour.

$10 – $25/Hour Freelancing Jobs:

$25/hour freelancer can do a lot of different tasks. Here are some skills that fall under this pay range:

• Write articles or blog posts
• Graphic Desing
• Social Media
• Google Ads
• Accounting
• Spreadsheets
• Customer service.

$25 – $100/Hour Freelancing Jobs:

This price range gets into Expert Level Freelancers, or freelancers who are more so “consultants”. Here are some tasks they can accomplish:

• Business Strategy
• Email Campaign Management
• Sales Strategy
• Head Accounting
• Marketing Strategy
• Content Startegy

The list is endless! A $75/hour freelancer is someone who is highly skilled and experienced in their field, and can complete tasks quickly and efficiently.

Best Tools For Freelancers in 2022:

As a freelancer, you know that having the right tools can make all the difference in your productivity and efficiency. And with the ever-changing landscape of technology, it can be hard to keep up with the latest and greatest tools.

But never fear! We’ve compiled a list of the top freelancer tools to help you stay on top of your game.

1. Asana:

Asana is a task management tool that helps teams to organize, track, and manage their work. It is a simple and efficient way to keep track of tasks and to ensure that everyone is on the same page.

Asana is a great tool for project management, and it can be used for individual tasks as well.

 

 

2. Trello:

Trello is a great tool for organizing and managing tasks. It is very user–friendly and easy to use. You can create boards and lists to help you keep track of your tasks.

You can also add notes and attachments to your tasks. Trello is a great way to stay organized and get things done.

3. GrooveHQ:

GrooveHQ is a software company that provides customer service and support tools for businesses. Their products include a customer service platform, a knowledge base, and a live chat tool.

This can help you to keep both your email and your clients emails neat and tidy while freelancing as a VA.

4. LegalZoom:

LegalZoom is a website that provides legal documents and services. It was founded in 2001 and is headquartered in Los Angeles, California. Services offered by LegalZoom include formation of LLCs, corporations, nonprofits, and other business entities.

The company also provides estate planning services, such as wills and trusts. Additionally, LegalZoom offers trademark registration and legal document review. LegalZoom is a popular resource for those seeking legal assistance, as it offers a wide range of services at relatively affordable prices.

LegalZoom also has a good reputation, with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Overall, LegalZoom is a good option for those in need of legal services.

5. Calendly:

Calendly is an online tool that helps you schedule appointments and events. It is super simple to use and makes the scheduling process a breeze.

6. Google Calendar:

Google Calendar is one of the most popular calendar applications available. It’s used by millions of people around the world to keep track of their schedule. Google Calendar is a free application that can be accessed on any device with an internet connection.

Google Calendar makes it easy to create and manage events. You can invite friends and family to events, set reminders, and add notes. Google Calendar is a great way to stay organized and keep track of your schedule.

7. Google Docs:

Google Docs is a word processing program that is part of the Google Suite of productivity tools. It is a free, web–based application that allows users to create and edit documents online. GoogleDocs is available on any internet–connected device, making it a convenient tool for collaboration.

Users can share documents with others and work on them together in real–time. Google Docs is an excellent tool for students and professionals alike.

The ability to share and edit documents in real–time makes collaboration a breeze. The user interface is straightforward and easy to use. Overall, Google Docs is a great addition to the Google Suite of productivity tools.

8. DropBox:

DropBox is a cloud–based file storage and sharing service. It allows users to upload, share, and access files from anywhere. It is a convenient way to store and share files, and it is easy to use.

How To Invoice as a Freelancer:

Some of the hard parts of freelancing is that you have to manage all of your own payments and invoices. This can add on a LOT of time to running your business.

However, managing clients and payments doesn’t have to be hard! That’s where the FreeUp Marketplace comes in.

We help to process all of your payments and help you keep track of your invoices, all within the FreeUp platform.

You will also receive all of your payments on a weekly basis!

The Future of Freelancing:

The future of freelancing is looking very bright. With the rise of the internet, more and more people are able to find work that they can do from home.

This is especially true for freelancers who are able to use their skills to create and sell products and services online. There are a few major trends that are happening that are really going to help freelancers in the future.

One is that more companies are starting to understand the benefits of working with freelancers. Freelancers helps business scale at an affordable cost.

They are often more cost effective and can get the job done just as well as a full-time employee. Another trend is that there are more platforms popping up that connect freelancers with businesses that need their help. This makes it easier than ever to find work and get paid for it.

Overall, the future of freelancing looks great. With more businesses understanding the benefits of working with freelancers and more platforms making it easier to find work, there is no doubt that more and more people will be able to make a living by working from home.

Get Started Freelancing on FreeUp:

Getting started on FreeUp is easy and we’re always looking for more freelancers to join our network!

The first step is to sign up for a FreeUp account. You can do this by going to the website and clicking on the “Sign Up” button.

Once you have done this, you will need to provide some basic information about yourself and your skills. We will then interview you and let you know if you are accepted onto the platform.

Next, you will need to browse the available job openings and select the ones that interest you.

As soon as you have found a few jobs that you would like to apply for, you will need to submit a proposal. In your proposal, you will need to outline your experience, your availability, and your rates.

After you have submitted your proposals, the employers will review them and decide whether or not to hire you. If you are hired, you will be notified via email and will be able to start working on the project immediately.

That’s it! If you ever have any questions, let us know! We look forward to working with you.