A Grad’s Guide to Freelance (Infographic)

Posted on Nov 12 2013 - 10:14am by Alexandra Ashton

Once you have completed your university course, the world is your oyster, but unfortunately in these difficult economic times it may not be possible to find employment in your chosen field. So what are the alternatives? Well, the answer for many graduates could be to become freelancers, and although this can be a difficult and competitive industry, it is still possible to have a lucrative career providing you follow our simple rules.

Decide what type of freelance work you are interested in and pick the type of work you are capable of doing based on your skill set and personal strengths and create a business plan that will show this. Use a free, DIY website builder such as Moonfruit to create an online portfolio. Talented professionals know they cannot do justice to their skills on a single piece of paper, which is why many are turning to digital portfolios which can highlight so much more than just the written word. Be sure to investigate all the ways you intend to market and price your skills and the service you are offering.

Make out a schedule of when you can work and this will determine whether you can do freelancing on a part-time or full-time basis. Once you have this in place it will be easier for you to choose which freelance jobs you can approach depending on the deadline for the job.  51After contacting prospective clients always follow up the leads. Consider adding customer relationship management software to your website to help with scheduling your callbacks. Use our 5 simple steps so that you have techniques in place to help you guard against late paying customers or non-payments as research shows 40% of freelancers struggle to receive their earned fees. Use our infographic wisely and you will be on the path to a new career!

grads-guide-to-freelancing

About the Author

Alexandra Ashton, Communications at Neomam Studios , the UK based Infographic Agency. Alexandra is a content and design enthusiast with a keen eye for detail.