Autonomy, versatility, and mobility are a few of the appealing aspects of freelancing. It’s a lucrative option for those who want to gain more experience, depart from a traditional office setting, or find a more independent career path.
Flexible working tools and personal planning have made freelancing more accessible in today’s highly connected world. Here are some tips and tactics to steer you in the right direction:
One of the key steps to take when you're starting out as a freelancer is to create a personal brand; it will help you figure out who you are, what you aim to be known for, and determine your audience. Learn more on how you can be more vocationally equipped with the Misk Career readiness program (Link to an external site).
Carving out your niche is essential in increasing your marketability. It’ll help you identify which industry your services should target. It's also important to keep up with how your niche is innovating and to keep an eye out for emerging sectors where your skills are in demand. Upskill often to remain competitive and future proof by learning new skills that broaden and deepen your specialization.
Create a portfolio of your work. This will make potential clients aware of your past work. Be sure to periodically update it to stay current and have an edge over your competitors.
One of the most important aspects of freelancing is building your network. You can do this by joining relevant online conversations (are you on Clubhouse yet?) or by attending physical and virtual meet-ups. Research and sign up for digital platforms where you can market and sell your services. Doing so can place you in front of clients looking for your expertise.
One of the many ways you can attract potential work is to utilize your social media. You can use Instagram to showcase your visuals or collect testimonials on LinkedIn. You can ask customers to leave reviews based on their experience of working with you. These can also be letters of recommendation for potential clients.
It’s also essential to maintain a collaborative mindset. Connecting with other digital nomads and freelancers with skills that complement your own can open different doors and opportunities for new client engagements and exposure. After all, you never know who you might work with one day.
While being a freelancer does give you more professional freedom, keep in mind that it still requires hard work and self-discipline when it comes to managing your time. To maintain your competitive advantage as a freelance professional, look for ways to continuously improve your productivity and career readiness (hyperlink).
Here are some freelancing opportunities you may frequently come across in today's job market. Based on your current skills, which role resonates with you?
Roles to explore: virtual assistant, administrative assistant, data encoder, and bookkeeper.
Roles to explore: native app developer, web app developer, mobile game developer, and chatbot developer/designer.
Areas of expertise to explore: business strategy/management, business planning, operations management, human resources, and IT.
Roles to explore: e-learning consultants and instructional designers.
Roles to explore: brand identity designer, digital illustrator, logo designer, print designer, and packaging designer.
Roles to explore: user experience (UX) designer, user interface (UI) designer, information architecture (IA) designer, front-end developer, back-end developer, and full-stack developer.
Roles to explore: copywriter, content writer, white paper/e-book writer, technical writer, managing editor, proofreader and translator.
In line with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals, the government has launched a self-employment program that offers job seekers options regarding self-employment and raises awareness on the viability of being a professional freelancer. The benefits of the new self-employment policies aim to help harness the country’s creativity and provide stable income opportunities.
1. Visit the portal on www.freelance.sa
2. Search for your field
3. Press select on the “Issue your Document Icon”
4. Create your account
5. Verify your account through Absher
6. Upload all relevant documents
7. Approval and issuance of self-employment document
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