Working as a freelancer lets you be your own boss. You can make your own hours, decide what to work on, and even dictate the pay. Essentially, you are running your own business in that you are responsible for looking for clients and delivering quality work. And the best of it all? You can work from the comfort of your home.
However, the job also comes with its challenges in terms of productivity, finding enough work, and even ensuring that you deliver quality work every time (for different projects with varied requirements). In this article, we’ll give you 3 tips you can use working from home to ensure more success.
Helpful tips for working as a freelancer
Make short sessions of deep work
One of the biggest challenges of working from home is the distractions. It is easy to get lost in other things and forget that you were working. When you get a message on your phone, you are always tempted to open it, and before you know it, it’s 30 minutes later!
Since the brain can only stay focused for about 45 minutes, you need to maximize your periods of concentration. Do away with any distractions that can disturb you within that period. You can take your phone to another room, shut the door to avoid disturbance from family members, and even use a time management app.
After such periods, take small breaks and do healthy activities such as meditating, breathing techniques to relax, taking a short walk, or stretching yourself, among others.
Improve your research by changing your virtual location
As a freelancer, you work with clients from all parts of the world. Each of these clients usually has specific standards and expectations that they will need you to meet. Some of them will expect you to do research relevant to their country to meet their reader’s needs.
To improve the quality of your research, you can use a VPN. The service will help change your virtual location by letting you select a server located in the region you desire, and this will change the results that Google provides. For a start, you can try this with a free VPN and upgrade later. You’ll realise it will also help you unlock content and research that is only available in that specific country.
Specialize in a specific field
Most freelancers tend to be jacks of all trades. However, to get a high-paying job with less work in less time, you’ll need to specialize. According to Freelance Niche Report, nearly twice as many freelancers making $100 per hour have specialized in a particular niche (or field). Out of those making $150 to $200 per hour, 90% have a specialty.
This is because when a client wants to pay for the highest quality work, they almost always go for expertise. When you are a Swiss army knife, you will be familiar with many different fields, but chances are you won’t be an expert in any of them. Narrow down to a private territory and own it. You will become an authority in that particular area, and you will get paid more for doing something you are good at.
Apart from the above, you can use the tips below to improve productivity at home:
- Create a to-do list/ checklist: Motivates you to keep getting things done.
- Create a “workday” routine: It helps keep you grounded.
- Create a suitable workspace: Helps you avoid distractions.
- Change your environment: Helps your mind freshen up.
Apart from these, don’t forget to exercise as it will help you concentrate as well as lead a healthy life.
Wrap up
Working from home as a freelancer is a growing trend that has been embraced by millions across the world. The job however requires dedication and skills to help you become successful without supervision. The above is just the tip of the iceberg, but it should set you on an great path to being a successful freelancer.
