# Essential Insights for New Freelancers: What I Wish I Knew
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Chapter 1: Getting Started in Freelancing
So, you’re diving into freelancing? It's easy to feel overwhelmed by the flood of information available. Just search for freelance writing or copywriting, and you might find yourself in a rabbit hole reminiscent of Alice’s adventure. Before you spend hours watching videos about how to kickstart your career or how much freelancers typically earn, let’s simplify things with some straightforward, no-nonsense steps you can implement right away.
Section 1.1: Establish a Separate Email Account
In your early days as a freelancer, you'll likely sign up for numerous newsletters. Many experts offer enticing freebies to grow their subscriber lists. As a newcomer, it’s tempting to subscribe to every mailing list you come across. However, using your primary email for everything can lead to an inundated inbox.
If you’ve worked in a traditional 9-to-5 job, you probably have important documents like offer letters and financial statements in your main email account. Thus, it’s wise to create a new email address dedicated to your freelancing journey. Additionally, keep an eye on those newsletters that don’t captivate you; don’t hesitate to hit unsubscribe. This practice saves you time and helps you connect with like-minded individuals.
Subsection 1.1.1: The Importance of Editing
In my very first freelance assignment, the client required me to edit my work using tools like Grammarly to achieve a score of 95 or lower than 5 on Hemingway. My initial task was learning what those tools were and how they functioned. These resources serve as invaluable editors when you can’t spot your typos or awkward sentence structures after scrutinizing your text for hours. Tools like Grammarly, Hemingway, and ProWritingAid (the free version is quite effective) can be a great start.
As the famous author Stephen King advises, "Kill your darlings, kill your darlings, even when it breaks your egocentric little scribbler's heart, kill your darlings."
Section 1.2: You Don’t Need a Fancy Website
Instead of stressing over creating a professional website, utilize Google Docs to craft a quick portfolio. Include a brief introduction about yourself and links to your published or speculative work. You can easily convert this into a PDF and share it. I once wasted months agonizing over hosting options, WordPress, Wix, and various plugins, only to eventually delete the site and start blogging on free platforms like Medium and LinkedIn. These avenues provided me with a ready audience, and I now receive 2-3 client inquiries each month through them.
Chapter 2: Embracing Flexibility
Explore the insights shared in the video titled "5 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Started Freelancing | Freelance Friday Ep. 13." This video offers valuable lessons and advice that can be instrumental for freelancers just starting out.
Section 2.1: Forget About Niches
Selling is universally understood; we all respond to similar triggers. If you’re an expert in pets or technology, you might consider specializing in those areas. However, if you’re like me and have diverse interests, limiting yourself to a niche could stifle your creativity. I’ve written about a wide range of topics including pest control, cybersecurity, smart home devices, and parenting, and I genuinely enjoy the variety. So, if you love writing, don't box yourself in with niches.
Section 2.2: Start Networking Immediately
Networking is crucial in the freelance world. While you may be tempted to seek work from friends and family, they often suggest reverting to your stable job out of concern. This can be disheartening, especially if you’re passionate about your new path. I found that building authentic connections in Facebook, LinkedIn, or Twitter groups led to fruitful relationships with others in similar situations.
To succeed as a freelancer, all you need is determination and the willingness to take action. Implement these straightforward strategies, and soon enough, you’ll see clients reaching out to you.
In conclusion, if you found this information helpful, consider sharing it with your network.
Catch more insights in the video titled "5 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Started Freelancing | Part 1 of 2." This video further elaborates on essential aspects of freelancing that can guide newcomers effectively.