Building a Solid Foundation for a Successful Freelancing Business
Hey there, Freelancers in the making!
Today I’m diving deep into an essential topic that helps to set you up for freelancing success and that’s… Building a Solid Foundation. So grab a cuppa whatever makes you happy and let's explore the key elements that will shape your freelancing dream into reality!
Picture this: You've decided to take the plunge into the world of freelancing. Your mind is buzzing with ideas and you can't wait to share your unique talents with the world. But before you jump into the deep end, let's pause for a moment and talk about the importance of building that solid foundation.
Here are my top 4 pillars to consider:
01 – Crafting a killer portfolio
As a graphic designer, your portfolio is one of the most important tools in your arsenal. A well-crafted portfolio is not just essential for securing new clients or landing your dream job, it is a collection of your best work, showcasing your skills, creativity, design style and passion for design. When client’s see a well structured and brilliant portfolio piece, they see a version of themselves within your work and will be more likely to reach out and enquire with you.
Here are my top tips for getting started:
Gather you’re strongest portfolio projects. You could include past client work, university projects or passion projects (which is where you make up your own creative brief).
Tailor your portfolio towards your dream client or industry
Think of a way to showcase these in the most effective way. I love to use project mockups form the one and only MOYO STUDIO as well as creating beautiful graphics where I overlay the logo design on top of the clients brand imagery and colour palette
Make sure to include write ups of your design decisions so that a possible client can really get a sense of your creative thinking (this will help position you as an expert)
A website is not absolutely necessary when you’re first starting out. But a Digital portfolio is definitely where it’s at for ease of sharing and flexibility.
Don’t be afraid to show the world your work!
And remember, PROGRESS > PERFECTION. You can easily change and refine your portfolio as you grow. The solid foundation is actually getting a portfolio out there so you can actually start offering your services and building confidence
02 – Defining your WHY
Defining your "WHY" refers to identifying your motivations, values and the deeper reasons behind WHY you want to pursue a freelancing career in the first place. It goes beyond merely wanting to make money or escape the 9-5. It’s essential for establishing a solid foundation for your freelancing business because it guides you in making strategic business decisions as you grow, that align with your core vision and purpose.
Defining your WHY requires some deep thinking and reflection on your motivations, values, and passions.
Here are 5 of my favourite WHY questions to help you dream big and get started:
Why did you choose to learn graphic design in the first place?
Why do you want to become a freelance designer and run your own biz?
What do you want to achieve through freelancing?
Why should people care about what you have to offer?
What makes you come alive, what excites you?
Once you have a clearer understanding of your "WHY" use it as a guiding light in your freelancing business.
TIP: Read ‘START WITH WHY"‘ by Simon Sinek to learn more
03 – Getting your business ducks in a row
Starting your own business will feel a bit strange and unfamiliar at first, kinda like a first date! But it’s just because you’re in new territory! Getting your ‘business’ ducks in a row will help you build a solid foundation and get on top of things as you move into this new but exciting space. Consider the following:
→ KNOW WHAT YOU NEED TO DO LEGALLY:
I am not a lawyer so I cannot give out information here but here are a few resources to check out if you’re in NZ:
→ KNOW YOUR COUNTRIES TAX OBLIGATIONS:
As a freelancer, it becomes your responsibility to pay your business taxes. I suggest you either:
Seek out professional help from a registered bookkeeper or accountant to see what’s best for you
Check out and sign up to HNRY
→ PUT TOGETHER YOUR ESSENTIAL DOCUMENTS:
Things like:
Invoice
Contract
Client questionnaire / briefing doc
Presentation documents (project proposal, creative strategy, brand concept presentation, brand guidelines etc)
I have recently launched THE TEMPLATE SHOP — a collection of presentation documents that I personally use in my design studio today! Each template has been battle-tested by me and I can confidently say they leave a lasting impression. Each template promises to elevate your creative process and improve your workflow so that you can get back to doing what you do best… and that’s DESIGN
04 – Setting your rates
“How do I set my rates?!” Ahhhhh the question to which there are infinite correct answers. So there’s not one right way to price your services, instead there are multiple pricing models you can trial and play around with until you land on something thats profitable for you.
There are three common pricing strategies for Freelancers and these are:
→ HOURLY:
Charging hourly is fairly simple, it involves tracking your hours during the project and then charging the client for the total time spent after the project is over.
→ FLAT RATE:
A flat rate is when you charge an agreed upon set price, based off the definted scope of work discussed with the client either on a sales call or in a written breif.
→ PACKAGE DEALS
With package deals, you create pre-defined packages for potential clients to choose from - just like a menu at a restaurant. Then, when a possible client enquires, you send them a proposal which includes your packages along with the prices for each of these.
There are no rules and it’s completely up to you which pricing model you choose. I always recommend trying each of them and having fun with it until you find a model that works best for you!
To wrap up, remember that building a solid foundation takes time and effort, but the biggest way to learn is to take a leap of faith, get your hands dirty and JUST START ✨
WANNA DIVE DEEPER INTO THE WORLD OF FREELANCING?
Check out my online course, Freelance Untangled, where we dive deep into how to become a freelance designer and start your own gig with confidence!
No more guesswork or feeling overwhelmed – I've got you covered.