This article focuses on tips to help you make that switch from a sporadic freelancer to a recognized outsourced professional.
Freelancing is an interesting category of working life. It will often be defined by sporadic client bids, continually building your portfolio, and perhaps working on platforms such as Upwork to achieve the most jobs possible.
Table of Contents
Of course, in the world of AI, more and more creatives such as writers and graphic designers are being pushed out of these entry level roles. While it’s still possible to define yourself as a freelancer, especially if you’ve a good nose for sourcing work and have something unique to offer, the competition is certainly more fierce.
For this reason, you may wish to move from a sporadic freelancer bidding for tasks to an outsourced professional who stands on their own two feet, and who may be contacted voluntarily for working possibilities.
It’s not clear how to achieve this from the jump, and of course there are no guarantees, but we hope some of the following advice can help you overcome those initial fears and place faith in the talent you’ve gathered:
Refine & Define Your Web Presence
You may have done pretty well with something of a simple website or a clean social media profile so far, and that’s still wise, but it’s good to refine this space if you can.
With a web design company, you can use your website as a custom portfolio and business card that serves as the hub for your insight, prices, booking, schedule, further photography and more.
Social media could also play a role if you manage the widgets here to interlink and present this information well. Profiles that match your professional image might give you more visibility as a result.
For example, a designer might use Instagram to share work, while a writer could use LinkedIn to highlight articles or projects, and all of this could be updated as a feed on your website.
Cultivate Long-Term Clients & Connections
Finding new clients is an important measure to manage. That being said, the ones who stick around could be worth much more. Regular work, steady income, and trust can grow from these relationships, provided you deliver well, and are available for them.
The best part is that you don’t have to reinvent the wheel here, just be a very consistent presence that delivers exactly what they intend to sell. This often means staying reliable, meeting deadlines, and communicating well, as all this can help turn a one-time client into a long-term partner.
They might even pass your name along to others in your field if you can be trusted, because happy clients tend to recommend people they trust. Building connections like this takes time, but it’s often worth the effort.
Network At Industry Events
Freelancers often work alone and there’s no shame in that – perhaps you may be limited to working from this space or live further out than the heart of an industry.
But if you can, showing up in person can leave a mark. Industry events, local meetups, or even online webinars might help you connect with the right people if you’re a consistent face and you introduce yourself.
Also don’t think you’re out of place by representing yourself, you would be astonished how many people shameless promote themselves no matter who they work for in these spaces, and sometimes they do so while being vastly underqualified and inexperienced.
But remember that these events aren’t just about pitching yourself. Casual chats might open doors you weren’t expecting if you can simply meet people you compete with or listen to and give talks.
A shared interest or quick exchange of ideas could stick with someone, and potentially even help you learn new methods of practicing your own craft. Opportunities might not come right away, but planting the seed could lead to something down the line. At the very least, you will be recognized and become more able to showcase your values.
Develop A Clear Portfolio
The portfolio doesn’t lose importance when you evolve from freelance working, if anything it becomes more important. It’s usually your most important tool. But as you collate many areas of past work together and have much to offer, it’s better to keep things focused.
A graphic designer might showcase a few standout projects rather than dozens, because otherwise you can bury potential clients in too much information instead of bidding by using past projects that relate to what they’re looking for.
In the same way, writers could pick pieces that reflect their range. Adding brief explanations about each project might help clients see the story behind your work too, and how you developed it over time.
Curating a better web presence as we discussed above is the best way forward. That’s because simple, clear, and easy-to-navigate portfolios often works best.
Review The Freelancing/Outsourcing Market
The freelancing world changes quickly, and as we mentioned, AI has and continues to change it every month. Keeping an eye on trends might give you an edge as always, but it’s also important to think about the kinds of work you could get, or how you might sign limited contracts with some services before you continue on.
That’s because certain industries could suddenly need a skill you already have. Pricing expectations might shift in line with that, as you don’t want to be underpaid compared to the most appropriate market rate.
Understanding where you fit in the market could help you set fair rates and focus your efforts for the better. For example, new tools or platforms might make your job easier, or even create new competition if it’s possible to do that.
Graphic designers are continually needing to justify their presence on top of AI tools integrated into Photoshop, but they must also be aware of what these do and how they can be used to empower and increase the productivity of their own work.
Sometimes, to become an outsourced professional, you just need to have a wider understanding of the market instead of expecting it to provide for you alone. With this advice, we hope you can more easily go from a sporadic freelancer to an outsourced professional.
You Can Be An Outsourced Professional!
In conclusion, transitioning from a sporadic freelancer to a recognized outsourced professional requires strategy, consistency, and adaptability.
By refining your web presence, cultivating long-term relationships, networking effectively, developing a focused portfolio, and staying informed about market trends, you can position yourself as a sought-after professional in your field.
The journey may not be straightforward, but with perseverance and a clear understanding of your unique value, you can build a reputation that attracts clients organically. Embrace the challenges and opportunities in this dynamic landscape, and let your skills and dedication pave the way to a thriving outsourced career.
