To truly excel as a freelancer, you need to go beyond just completing tasks for your clients.
The key is to work on your business, not just in it.
This shift in mindset will help you grow and succeed in ways you may not have thought possible.
Here's how to go from a good enough freelancer to a great one.
1) Treat Your Freelancing as a Business
It’s easy to get caught up in serving clients, meeting deadlines, and handling busy seasons.
But if you want to move beyond just trading time for money, you must start seeing your freelancing as a real business.
You’re not just a remote worker for your clients; you’re a business owner.
When you treat your freelancing like a business, you’ll begin to see opportunities for growth and efficiency.
2) Streamline for Growth
To grow your business, focus on streamlining your operations.
Start by outsourcing tasks that others can do faster, better, or cheaper than you.
For instance, if you sell a service for $3,000-$5,000, you can outsource the work for $1,000 and keep the rest.
Delegating is another important step. Stop trying to do everything yourself—consider hiring a virtual assistant or building a small team to handle tasks that don’t require your personal touch.
Lastly, think about automating repetitive tasks. Implement systems that handle routine work, like email templates, proposal templates, and invoicing.
Tools like ClientManager can help you streamline these processes and save valuable time.
3) Manage Your Finances
Taking control of your finances is crucial to your success as a freelancer.
Make sure you’re tracking your revenue and expenses accurately. Know how much you’re spending on software subscriptions and other costs associated with running your business.
If you haven’t done so already, start using an accounting tool like Xero to keep everything organized.
Additionally, set aside money regularly for annual expenses and unexpected costs.
Proper financial management will ensure that your business remains stable and sustainable.
4) Master Project Management
Effective project management is essential for keeping your work on track.
Don’t let projects and clients control your time.
Use tools like ClientManager, Notion, or Trello to stay organized and manage your workload efficiently.
Also, consider using templates, components, and wireframes to avoid coding websites from scratch when you don’t need to.
For example, Wix Studio offers ready-made options that can help you complete projects faster without sacrificing quality.
5) Start Working Smarter
The key to freelancing success is working smarter, not harder. By focusing on your business and not just the tasks at hand, you’ll set yourself up for long-term growth and success. Treat your freelancing like the business it is, and watch as new opportunities unfold. With this steps, you're now more than an hobbyist but a real business owner.