If you've ever wondered how to start a freelance business, we've got the blog for you, freelie!

Everybody serves somebody sometimes…at least most people have to in order to survive in this crazy world. Unless your parents happen to be Mr. and Mrs. Scrooge McDuck, in which case get back to bathing in your gold coins, you weirdo.

Deciding which market to target for your freelance business can be tricky, but there are some steps you can take to make things much easier and we’re here to help! If you want to know more about how to start a freelance business, read on!

Clients! Opportunities! O my!

Before you can find your perfect market fit, you need to find your perfect client fit! No no, not in the Buffalo Bill way— in the indirect or direct way!

A direct client is someone you found and you work for…directly. Cash goes directly from their hands into your pockets! An indirect client means there’s at least one person between you and the client— a middleman (or WOman, am I right?!).

As a new freelancer, it’s smart to target indirect clients first. You’ll be exposed to a variety of tasks and industries, which is great for building up your portfolio and figuring out what you like (or loathe)! Plus it minimizes time spent on marketing, selling yourself, and agonizing over your LinkedIn profile pic.

After you have completed a buncha small indirect client projects, start going after direct clients. Direct clients often pay more per hour or per project. Woop woop!

Similarly, there are direct and indirect opportunities. Sometimes other freelancers take on jobs that are too big for one person, or they just don’t have the time to do a project, but don’t want to say no. This is an indirect opportunity for you to pounce on, you freelancing feline, you! Pay attention to what other freelancers are working on and you’ll get a sense of which industries have the most consistent need for help.

It’s also possible that your former employer may want to hire you in all your brand-new freelancer glory! Aw, isn’t that nice? This can be a win-win under the right circumstances and is also an example of a direct opportunity. Large enterprises, nonprofit organizations, and professional associations are also worth a thorough Google search.

As always, keep a log of all your direct and indirect findings— both clients and opportunities! In the words of Billy Shakespeare, “To thine own padfolio, be true.” Don’t google it, we’re sure that’s right.

How to Identify Your Marketable Skills

Now that you know who you want to serve, it’s time to think about how to serve them, i.e. what tasty skills you want to bring to the table (can you grab some snacks on the way?). We know you have a lot of awesome skills but which do you actually want to use?

We have a little saying over at IDLance and it goes like this; “Do what you LIKE but make it fashion!” It’s about making your freelance world all about choosing work that tickles your current fancies and plays off your talents. The “fashion” part means using those interests and talents in a way that actually pays your bills and is attractive to clients.

We recommend assessing your skills in some specific areas of expertise such as writing, visualizing, planning, and listening. Just to name a few! If you find yourself stumped, ask a friend, family member, or co-worker what they think you’re good at.

Please don’t ask your pets this one, it’s best not to rub in the fact that you have opposable thumbs and can thus open food containers with ease.

Now that you know what you’re good at, it’s time to figure out what you’re interested in! Take that deep dive into your soul. Wade into the cool, welcoming waters of self-realization. The idea is to gather data about yourself. Sure that sounds goofy, but it’s the best way to find an entry point for your career.

This info will also help you refine your career choices as time passes. As you get more gigs, you’ll be able to drill deeper and deeper into the nuances of what you like, what you’re interested in, and what you’re good at.

Preparing to Make the Leap

How could any of us forget that timeless classic film from the year of our Lord 1993, “Free Willy.” Do you remember that spine-tingling moment when Willy triumphantly jumps over the breakwater to his freedom? To his destiny. Well, friend, that could be you—Freelance Willy.

Much like our Killer Whale friend taught us, this transition can be intimidating. But we’re positive you have the guts to do this! We’re going to give you the knowledge, resources, and tools to help you get yo sh*t together enough to make your dream come true. If you’re willing to put in the work, it doesn’t have to be over-whale-ming. Sorry, overwhelming.

We recommend starting your prep at least 12 months before the Big Day! Everyone’s life is different, so your own exact timeline may vary based on your unique situation. And that’s okay. Actually, it’s encouraged.

Here’s a little taste of some of our best advice! (*chef’s kiss*)

Visualize Your Income and Expenses - 12 months out

You’re one year away from the Big Day—jumping over that breakwater. This is the time to take a peek at what you’re spending and estimate your future monthly and yearly expenses. Can you harness the raw energy of an extreme couponer and make some cuts? Be honest but optimistic!

Can you live without that membership to the Titanic Historical Society or are you acutely aware that your entire emotional and mental well-being is resting upon it? Just spitballing! Who would…have a membership like that...

Create Some Small “Starter” Portfolios- 9 months out

Potential clients will be looking for your writing, design, and tech skills so don’t be afraid to show them off! Take advantage of software like Articulate to house some samples of your brilliant work using their weekly E-Learning Challenges page. The challenges are often fun and expand your skills in ways you may have never thought of before. Plus, you’ll get to be inspired by others’ work and see all of the possibilities of your new profession.

As you’re creating stuff, add samples of your design and development work to your LinkedIn portfolio. When users visit your LinkedIn profile, they’ll be able to see your gallery right there in your “About” section. Easy peasy.

Join Your People- 8 months out

Now is the time to get active in the global ID community! It seems like you’re off to a great start by being here with us at IDLance. You’re very smart and it shows. You’ve made us, very, very proud (*wipes away a single tear*). And don’t forget to get screenshots of your best portfolio work and upload them across all your marketplace profiles!

Establish Your Business Presence- 5 months out

It’s crunch time! Now it’s time to make this official and get your business name on paper and the web. If you haven’t already, identify your business name and check it against the U.S. Trademark database. Check to see what available domain names are out there and how you can snag the one you want at a discount. Dibs on Freelance Willy™!

Establish Your Business Presents- 3 months out

You may already have your office set up because you’re an eager beaver (we understand). But if you haven’t yet, now’s the time. There’s nothing like a dedicated, comfortable workspace with the right equipment to get your productivity juices flowing.

Plus, presents! From you to you. Those may include a good-sized desk, a comfortable chair, a desktop computer and printer, and a life-size cut out of national treasure Dick Van Dyke (for inspiration). It’s step-in-time time!

Lift Off

Welp, there ya have it! You are well on your way to becoming a full-blown freelancing fiend! We’re so proud of you!

We understand it’s challenging to do this all alone but you are NOT alone anymore— you’ve got us!