Over time, we have seen and followed hundreds of freelancers and the increasing number of new professionals providing services online. for this reason we have already prepared some important tips to start the next year prepared to make real money with the increase in demand, supply and demand.
Freelancing is certainly not for everyone, but from 2020 to 2021 the market for independent professionals has more than tripled and now it could be the solution to improving your work/life balance or becoming a micro entrepreneur. Whether you’re thinking about freelancing, just starting out, or working on your own, here are 7 tips every freelancer should employ:
1. Calculate your rate
Hourly Rate = (annual salary + annual expenses + annual profit) / annual billable working hours
But, will the hourly rate be the best choice for your business? Research the pros and cons of charging by the hour or by project fees, per diems or pricing packages.
2. Always have a contract
A contract helps freelancers solidify several things: the rate negotiated between you and the client, the parameters and scope of the project, deadlines, project revisions or cancellations, and reimbursement. Contracts also help protect you from potential lawsuits and legal issues, disputes, and ensure you get paid for your work. You can find resources for contracts on sites like Lexly even if you are providing services on a platform it is highly recommended that you have a contract.
3. Financial organization and collection
It can be difficult to be there alone. Therefore, you want to make sure that you get paid for your hard work. Before starting any work for your client, make a deposit. You can do this in several ways; receive medate in advance and the remainder upon completion, or request a third upon entry, or choose another payment percentage that works best for your business, if you are providing services through Freela Web! rest assured because we help you, we have an internal evaluation, negotiation and mediation system.
4. Pay the minimum in taxes
Your tax obligations must form part of your pricing, and since freelancers are considered self-employed, they are subject to the self-employment tax. Remember that you will have to meet your needs, such as medical, dental and retirement needs. In addition, it is important to think about how you can save on taxes and the best way for your company to declare taxes (annual or quarterly payments) it is very important that you have an open MEI so that you can issue the invoices and comply with your tax obligations. .
5. Have balance
Sounds simple, but most freelancers know it’s not as easy as it sounds. That’s why it’s so important to plan your schedule and stick to it. Scheduling allows you to:
- Meet important deadlines
- Give each customer the attention they deserve
- Create work/life balance
6. Apply technology and financial tools.
There are some great technologies and tools available to freelancers. Here are some examples of tools that can help you get your job done:
- Billing : managementclick, Pagbank, assas
- Project management : monday, pipefy
7. Be an expert to get new customers
Want to know how to prospect new customers? You have to position yourself as an expert in your space and share your knowledge with anyone who will listen. Here are some ways you can market yourself and your specialized skills for little to no cost:
- your contacts
- create a blog
- Keep your social media profiles up to date
- Submit proposals for projects published on the platforms.
- Post ads for your services here on Freela Web and on other platforms.
Start 2022 more organized and conquering new customers, with the return of the Brazilian economy, new companies and new businesses will increasingly seek new freelancers for projects.
Editor: Ricardo Almeida
