How to Be Taken Seriously as a Freelancer

Building credibility is one of the first things you need to do as a freelancer. Otherwise, you won’t find any clients to hire you. Being credible is easier said than done when starting because you don’t have other clients to vouch for you. To step into the freelance hustle with your best foot forward, use these 7 ways to establish yourself as a professional quickly.

1. Use a Contract

Contracts aren’t necessary while freelancing, but it’s a good idea to make one for your clients. Not only does it protect yourself from the client, but it’s the first step in developing a professional relationship. If you’re having difficulty making one yourself, you can ask someone to do that for you. For example, if you’re a graphic designer, you could use this graphic design contract template to avoid any disagreements with your clients and make your projects run smoothly. 

2. Set Consistent Rates

When establishing yourself in your freelance career, it’s tempting to negotiate your rates in hopes of landing a client, especially when there aren’t a lot of opportunities coming in. Working for a discounted rate may be a good idea earlier on to get testimonials from your clients, but stop doing this as soon as you gain traction. If you continue to discount your rates, it sends the message that you’re unsure of your value which will make high-paying clients nervous.

3. Create a Great Website

Freelance clients will always ask for your best samples or your portfolio, but plenty of newbies will skip this step in hopes clients will hire them anyway. Neglecting to create a professional website is a huge mistake because it shows you aren’t interested in spending the minimum amount of money required to appear legitimate. Websites do wonders for giving yourself credibility in your niche while also giving you the opportunity of capturing more leads.

4. Make Consistent Content

Choose a platform that lets you create consistent content, whether with Medium, Buzzfeed, or your own website. Not only will creating content give you more experience, but it will also show you’re committed to creating valuable content for your viewers. The more content you have under your belt, the more likely your potential clients will trust you. Be careful not to spread yourself too thin; pick one website or medium and stick with it for better results.

5. Show Off Your Educational Background

If you have an educational background in the writing industry, always use that to your advantage. You don’t need to have professional education, but it can be the difference between getting a contract or losing it. Experience can take the place for schooling, but for now, start enrolling in training programs. Your industry will determine what pain points you’ll focus on, so do your research to understand what your clients are looking for in your profession. 

6. Use Testimonials and Reviews

At the beginning of your career, you may not have many testimonials or reviews, so you’ll need to get a little creative here. Use your prior work experience to establish that you’re never late, have a great work ethic, or are capable of working with a team. When you do have some client work under your belt, you can use their testimonials to get more work. Always ask for reviews after a contract expires, or you could miss out on some valuable feedback.

7. Be Professional When Conducting Business

It’s difficult to take someone seriously when they cannot communicate effectively via email or social messaging platforms. It’s important to know how to speak to someone appropriately, or you could turn off a client. Being casual has its time and place, and you may turn a business relationship into a friendship but put on your best professional appearance until then. Creating a business email associated with your website is a great first step in proving your professionalism.