22/10/2024
Freelancing Roadmap: Step-by-step guidance for setting up a freelancing business
Hey FLIPpers! Anthony here 👋😊
When I first started freelancing, I was overwhelmed, not knowing where or how to begin (sinung bang hindi??).
It felt like a maze! 😅
But over time, I realized that freelancing is a journey that requires a roadmap to Succeed.
Whether you’re thinking about Virtual Assistance or you’re eyeing a Web Design career like I did, there’s always a starting point.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started and stay on track! 💪
1️⃣ Identify Your Skills & Niche
When I started freelancing, I didn’t immediately jump into web design. I initially worked as a Virtual Assistant, managing admin tasks like emails and scheduling. Eventually, I found my passion again in web design, which led me to specialize in it. 🎨🖥️
Pro Tip: Ask yourself what you enjoy doing and what you’re good at. For instance, do you love organizing tasks? VA work could be perfect for you. Are you drawn to creating visuals or building websites? Then, maybe web design is for you.
Example: If you’re not sure where to start, list your strengths—social media management, graphic design, or content writing—and see which services excite you the most. I found out that design and tech gave me the most fulfillment, so nagpursigido ako with it!
2️⃣ Build Your Freelance Profile
Once you’ve figured out what to offer & the clients who you want to work with, create a strong & optimized freelance profile.
Your profile is your first impression, so make it count! Nag start ako before on freelancing marketplaces like Upwork & OLJ (marami ng options ngayon) then sa social media like here sa FB and LinkedIn.
Social media can open up more doors than you think! 🚪
Pro Tip: Optimize your Facebook and LinkedIn profiles by mentioning the services you offer and how you can help in the bio.
Potential clients might find you through these platforms!
Example: I remember landing my first web design client through Facebook friends & groups by actively engaging with posts related to web design.
If you’re doing VA work, join relevant Facebook groups and offer helpful advice—this can lead to inquiries about your services!
3️⃣ Create a Portfolio
No clients yet? No problem! When I was just starting, I didn’t have projects to show, so I created mock websites to showcase my web design skills.
You can do this, too. For VA work, you can create sample spreadsheets, social media plans, or task management documents to showcase your skills.
Pro Tip: A portfolio isn’t just for designers. Even if you’re a VA, you can create sample projects like social media content plans or admin task templates to show your potential.
Canva is a great tool for this!
Example: As a VA, you could create an organized project management sheet, or if you’re into web design, create a sample website for an imaginary or popular business.
Having something to show is a huge advantage!
4️⃣ Learn to Market Yourself
This was the most challenging part for me, but also the most rewarding.
Most of my first clients came from my personal network—friends, family, and old colleagues.
I offered discounts or even did some work pro bono to build my portfolio and gain testimonials.
Pro Tip: Instead of waiting for clients to find you, reach out. Personalize your proposals for each potential client, showing them how you can solve their specific problems.
Example: If you’re a VA, you could offer your services to friends who run small businesses, or if you’re a web designer, offer a discounted rate for your first clients in exchange for testimonials and portfolio pieces.
5️⃣ Stay Consistent & Start Small
It’s easy to get discouraged, but freelancing is about small steps that lead to big results (wag agad mag hangad ng high paying client).
When I started, I took on smaller projects to build momentum.
Starting small gave me the chance to hone my skills without feeling overwhelmed.
Pro Tip: It’s okay to take on small gigs at first. Those little victories build confidence and lead to bigger opportunities down the line. Keep applying, learning, and improving.
Example: When I began web design, I took on smaller projects, like landing pages or single-page sites, before moving to bigger, more complex projects.
If you’re a VA, try managing smaller workloads like organizing emails or doing social media posts, then scale from there.
🚀 Ready to Dive In?
Freelancing takes time, patience, and consistency, but the rewards are worth it.
If I can do it and many of my freelancing friends, so can you! 💪
Take it one step at a time, and before you know it, you’ll be on your way to building a thriving freelancing career.
Explore more helpful resources in the Guides Section—we’ve packed it with information to help you succeed! 🙌
What’s your next step? Drop it in the comments!
