If you’re looking to be your own boss, try out a new career, or have a side hustle that focuses on your passion, freelancing could be the perfect choice for you.
And you won’t be alone in your pursuit of freelance work.
According to a 2019 survey conducted by MBO Partners, around 41.1 million Americans considered themselves freelancers, whether they worked a few hours a month or full-time.
Out of those numbers, approximately 15 million were part-time freelancers, while 12.4 million were identified as full-time freelancers.
With these impressive figures, it’s important to prepare yourself to succeed in the ever-growing and competitive freelance world. To learn about the responsibilities of a freelancer and how to excel, take a look at this helpful guide.
When I first entered the freelancing world, I made my fair share of mistakes — from forgetting to invoice a client to vastly undercharging for my services.
But after learning from my trial and error, I’m here to help you avoid making the same mistakes.
In this read, we’ll dive into the top 9 responsibilities of a freelancer that you need to know — whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your existing business.
So, let’s get started and take the first step toward becoming a successful and fulfilled freelancer.
#1 — Being a Great Researcher
Are you ready to become a research ninja? As a freelancer, one of the most important skills you can have is the ability to conduct thorough and accurate research.
Whether you’re a writer, marketer, or designer, research is key to creating top-notch work that meets your client’s needs.
So, what does it take to be a great researcher?
First off, you gotta have a curious mind and a passion for digging deep.
You need to be able to ask the right questions and find the answers through a variety of sources, like books, articles, interviews, mentors, and surveys.
Being a great researcher also means having a sharp eye for detail. You gotta be able to spot patterns, identify gaps in existing research, and put all the pieces together. This takes some serious critical thinking and analytical skills.
And let’s not forget about time management. Research can be a black hole if you’re not careful. You gotta be able to prioritize your tasks, work efficiently, and meet those deadlines like a boss.
But perhaps the most important part of being a great researcher is knowing where to find reliable sources. In the age of the internet, it can be tough to separate fact from fiction.
You need to be able to evaluate sources for credibility and bias and choose the ones that are most relevant to your research.
Overall, being a great researcher takes a combination of curiosity, critical thinking, time management, and source evaluation.
But with a little bit of practice and some good old-fashioned detective work, you can become a research superstar in no time.
So, let’s get out there and start uncovering the secrets of the world.
#2 — Takes Feedback (Graciously)
Let’s talk about feedback, shall we? It’s a necessary evil in our line of work, but it can be tough to hear sometimes. That’s why it’s important to know how to take feedback graciously.
Taking feedback graciously means being open to hearing it, even if it’s not what you want to hear. It means listening to the feedback without getting defensive and considering it with an open mind.
And most importantly, it means being thankful for the feedback, even if it’s a tough pill to swallow.
Here are some tips for taking feedback like a pro:
- Listen up: When someone is giving you feedback, let them finish without interrupting. This shows that you’re respectful of their opinion and willing to hear them out.
- Ask questions: If you’re not sure what the feedback means or how to use it, ask for clarification. This shows that you’re interested in making improvements and open to learning.
- Show gratitude: No matter how hard the feedback is, thank the person for taking the time to give it to you. This shows that you value their input and are committed to doing better.
- Take a breather: After you’ve received feedback, take some time to reflect on it. Think about how you can use it to improve your work and what changes you can make moving forward.
- It’s not personal: As a freelancer, sometimes it is difficult not to take feedback personally. But you have to learn to separate the criticism of your work from criticism of yourself as a person.
So, don’t dread feedback — embrace it.
It’s an opportunity to grow and become a better freelancer. Just remember to take it graciously, and keep on rockin’ that freelance life.
#3 — Accountant/finance manager
Let’s talk about everyone’s favorite topic — financials!
Okay, okay, it might not be the most thrilling part of freelancing, but it’s crucial for keeping your business afloat. So, let’s dive into how to be an awesome finance manager.
First up, keep track of your income and expenses like a pro.
Whether you’re using a spreadsheet or accounting software, make sure you’re recording everything. This will make tax time a breeze and keep your finances organized.
Next, set a budget that works for you. Be realistic about how much you need to earn each month and adjust your budget as needed.
And speaking of taxes, make sure you’re putting aside enough money to cover your obligations as a freelancer. Nobody likes a surprise tax bill!
Don’t forget to stay on top of invoicing too. Send out those invoices pronto and follow up on any overdue payments.
Cash flow is king in the freelancing world, so make sure you’re not letting late payments hold you back.
Lastly, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by all this financial stuff, don’t be afraid to get help.
Consider hiring a bookkeeper or accountant to take care of the nitty-gritty details so you can focus on what you do best.
Alright, that’s a wrap on being an awesome accountant/finance manager. Keep those finances in check, and you’ll be able to keep rocking the freelance life.
#4 — Quality Control Personnel
You know what they say — the devil is in the details, and that’s especially true when it comes to your work. So, let’s dive into how to be a top-notch quality control personnel.
First things first, set some standards for yourself. Figure out what “quality work” means to you, and strive to meet those standards every time.
Whether it’s being accurate, paying attention to the little things, or just overall professionalism, make sure you’re delivering the best work possible.
When you’re done with a project, take a break before reviewing it. Trust me, it’s hard to catch all the mistakes when you’re staring at your work for hours on end.
So, give yourself a breather and come back to it with fresh eyes.
Next, it’s time to review your work like a pro. Read it over carefully, looking for errors and areas that could be improved.
And if you’re not sure if it’s up to snuff, ask a colleague or friend for their honest feedback.
Don’t forget about tools that can help you out too.
There are plenty of apps and software out there that can help you with grammar, spelling, and even plagiarism detection. Use them to your advantage and make your work even better.
Last but not least, take action to make improvements where needed. That could mean revising your work, getting feedback from a client, or investing in additional training or education.
Alright, that’s a wrap on being a quality control boss. Keep striving for excellence, and you’ll be unstoppable in the freelancing game.
#5 — Developing an Onboarding Process
This is essential for building a strong foundation for your working relationship.
First things first, set the tone. Start with a warm and welcoming introduction that lets your clients know you’re excited to work with them and committed to delivering top-notch results.
Next up, clarify expectations. Make sure you and your client are on the same page regarding communication preferences, project timelines, and availability. That way, there won’t be any confusion down the line.
Gathering information is another crucial step in the onboarding process.
Be sure to ask for any materials or information you need to complete the project, like brand guidelines or content.
Now, it’s time to outline the project. Give a clear and detailed overview of the project scope, milestones, deliverables, and deadlines. This will help everyone stay on track and know what to expect.
Last but not least, establish communication. Regular check-ins with your client will build trust and ensure any issues are addressed promptly.
By creating an onboarding process, you’ll set yourself up for success as a freelancer.
So, take the time to develop a process that works for you and watch your business thrive.
#6 — Optimizing Social Media Bios
Do You know that little blurb on your profile that tells potential clients who you are and what you do? Yeah, that’s the one I’m talking about.
You don’t want to bore people with a long-winded bio, so make every word count. Highlight your services and expertise, and keep it short and sweet.
Don’t forget to use keywords. This will make it easier for people to find you when searching for freelancers in your field. So, sprinkle in those relevant keywords and watch your profile soar!
Make sure to show your personality, too. Inject some of your unique flavors into your bio to make yourself stand out from the crowd. This will help you make a stronger connection with potential clients.
And of course, don’t forget to provide contact information. Include your email address or a link to your website so people can easily get in touch with you.
Last but not least, add a call to action. Encourage people to take action, whether that’s visiting your website or booking a consultation.
By optimizing your social media bios, you’ll make a killer first impression and attract more potential clients to your freelancing business.
So, take a little time to craft the perfect bio for each of your social media profiles, and let your awesomeness shine.
#7 — Being Responsible for Updating Your Portfolio
The portfolio is like your bragging rights — a showcase of all the awesome stuff you’ve done. But to make it work for you, you’ve got to keep it up-to-date and on-point.
Here are some tips to help you do just that:
First up, keep it current. Nobody wants to see a portfolio that hasn’t been updated since 2009. Add new projects and weed out anything that’s past its expiration date.
Next, show off your range. Give potential clients a taste of what you can do by including a variety of different projects and clients you’ve worked with. From web design to writing to photography, show them what you’re made of.
But don’t forget to highlight your strengths, too. Choose your best work and make sure it’s front and center. This is your chance to shine, so don’t be shy.
Make it visually appealing, too. Nobody wants to look at a boring, cluttered portfolio. Use high-quality images and an easy-to-navigate layout that’s both professional and aesthetically pleasing.
Finally, be descriptive. Give context to each project by explaining the client’s goals, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them. This will help potential clients understand your process and appreciate your expertise.
By being responsible for updating your portfolio, you can create a powerful tool for attracting new clients and demonstrating your skills. So, show off what you’ve got and let your portfolio work its magic.
#8 — Being Organized
We know it can be tough when you’re juggling multiple projects and deadlines, but being organized is key to keeping everything running smoothly.
Here are some tips to help you stay on top of things:
First, make a schedule. It might not sound fun, but setting a schedule for yourself can help you make the most of your time and stay focused.
Next, use a task list. Write down all the tasks you need to complete and prioritize them based on importance and deadlines.
Keep track of those deadlines. Whether you use a calendar, a project management tool, or virtual event platforms with built-in reminders, knowing when things are due will help you stay on track.
And don’t forget to keep your workspace tidy. A clean and organized desk can help you stay focused and get more done.
Lastly, use digital tools. There are tons of apps and software out there to help you stay organized, so take advantage of them! Basecamp and Ontraport are two of the tools we used to help keep everything organized.
By staying organized, you’ll be able to deliver quality work to your clients and meet their expectations. So, let’s get organized and crush it, freelancers.
#9 — Communication
Communication is a key skill for success in the freelance world. Not only does it help you build strong relationships with clients, but it also helps manage expectations and avoid misunderstandings.
Here are some tips to help you communicate like a pro:
First, be clear and concise. Don’t use fancy words or tech jargon that might confuse your clients.
Next, be responsive. Nobody likes waiting forever for a response, so aim to reply in a timely manner.
And don’t forget to listen actively. Take the time to really understand your client’s needs and concerns.
Provide regular updates to keep your clients in the loop and avoid any nasty surprises down the road.
Lastly, keep it professional. Use a professional tone and avoid overly casual language.
By honing your communication skills, you’ll build trust and long-term relationships with your clients, leading to more work and referrals. So keep on rockin’ those communication skills, freelancers.
Wrapping up
Finally, don’t stress out if you’re not an expert in multitasking. Here’s a secret: many of us didn’t excel at multitasking when we first started out either. The truth is, we learn as we go, and you will too. Just keep working at it and never give up!