The economy is in a downturn and businesses are tightening their belts. But that doesn’t mean that there isn’t room for freelancers! In fact, 85% of U.S. business owners say that they plan to implement a hiring freeze during the economic downturn, according to new data from Fiverr Business. This means that there is a lot of opportunity for freelancers who can offer their services at a good price point. So if you’re thinking about starting your own freelance career, now is definitely the time to do it!
U.S. Businesses Prepared for Economic Downturn
Fiverr Business conducted a survey of over 1,000 owners of businesses of varying sizes and revenue. The results show how these businesses are coping with rising costs, inflation, and a potential and/or impending economic downturn.
- 41% of business owners reported lowered productivity among their workforce despite 36% having reported an increase in working hours.
- 31% have had more salary and benefits requests from staff.
- 87% of businesses reported having to re-examine their fixed costs (lease, insurance, etc.) vs. variable costs (staffing, benefits, etc.).
- 85% of U.S. businesses plan to implement hiring freezes during the current economic downturn, and
- 78% plan to lay off employees during the current economic downturn.
These results indicate that businesses are struggling to maintain productivity levels and are forced to make difficult decisions regarding staffing in order to stay afloat during this difficult time.
Freelance Your Way to a Recession-Proof Career
The current economic climate has forced many companies to reevaluate the way they do business. In particular, the widespread adoption of remote work has led to a growing demand for freelance talent. Business owners surveyed said they plan to hire freelancers to fill talent gaps in their workforce:
- 43% of respondents said they will hire freelancers, and
- 8 in 10 said independent flexible talent can help companies during times of economic downturn.
Freelancers have already proven to be an essential resource for businesses:
- 81% of respondents said they are already using freelance talent to support their full-time staff and fill skills gaps,
- 40% say independent talent provides a larger talent pool for recruitment, and
- 38% believe freelancers are more efficient.
Given the current state of the economy, now is a good time to start a freelance career. There is a growing demand for freelance talent, and businesses are increasingly recognizing the value of independent workers. If you have the skills and experience that businesses are looking for, now is the time to start your freelance career.
Tips for Getting Started as a Freelancer
There are many businesses that are looking for freelancers to do work for them. If you have the skills and experience they need, now is a good time to start your freelance career. There are a few things you need to do to get started. With a little planning and effort, you can soon be on your way to success as a freelance professional.
1. Figure out your freelance niche
Before you can start your freelance career, you need to figure out your niche. What are you good at? What do you enjoy doing? What are you passionate about? Once you have a good idea of your strengths, you can start to focus on finding clients who need those specific skills. For example, if you’re a web designer, you can look for companies that need help with their websites. If you’re a writer, you can look for publications that need articles written on topics that interest you. Once you’ve found your niche, you can start building your freelancing career and making money doing what you love.
2. Create a professional online presence
As a freelancer, one of the most important things you can do is create a professional online presence. Your website is often the first point of contact potential clients will have with you, so it’s important to make a good impression. Even if you’re not a web designer, there are plenty of easy-to-use tools and templates available that will help you create a polished, professional site. Be sure to include information about your experience, skills and rates, as well as any testimonials or sample work you have. And don’t forget to keep your site updated regularly with new content, projects and blog posts. By taking the time to create a strong online presence, you’ll be well on your way to building a successful freelance career.
3. Establish a strong network of clients and colleagues
Any freelance career begins with a strong network of clients and colleagues. The most successful freelancers are the ones who have cultivated a wide range of relationships and are able to tap into their network for referrals and new opportunities. To build a strong network, start by reaching out to your existing contacts and adding value to their businesses. Offer to write a blog post, give a presentation, or connect them with a helpful resource. In addition, actively seek out new connections by attending industry events, networking meetups, and joining online forums. By taking the time to build relationships with both existing and potential clients, you’ll set yourself up for success as a freelancer.
4. Stay organized and efficient with your work schedule
Freelance writing can be a great career for those who enjoy working independently and being their own boss. However, it can also be challenging to stay organized and efficient when there is no set work schedule. One way to stay on track is to establish a regular routine and stick to it as much as possible. This may mean setting aside a specific time each day or week to work on writing projects, or it may mean setting a goal for how many words you want to write each day. Regardless of the approach you take, the key is to be consistent and make writing a priority. By staying organized and efficient with your work schedule, you will be well on your way to success as a freelancer.
5. Don’t be afraid to market yourself and your services
When you freelance, your career is in your own hands. You are responsible for finding clients, marketing your services, and managing your finances. This can be daunting at first, but it also gives you the freedom to build a career that meets your needs and goals. The key to success is to market yourself effectively. Don’t be afraid to let people know what you do and what you can offer. Use social media, networking events, and online directories to reach potential clients. And always be professional in your communications and interactions. By taking charge of your career, you can achieve the level of success that you desire.
6. Keep learning and growing as a professional freelancer
As a freelancer, it’s important to keep learning and growing as a professional. Freelancing can be a very rewarding career, but it’s also important to remember that it’s always changing. Keeping up with the latest trends and developments in your field will help you stay ahead of the competition and make sure that you’re providing the best possible service to your clients. Additionally, continuing to learn new skills will help you become more well-rounded and versatile, making you more attractive to potential clients. So if you’re serious about a freelance career, make sure to keep learning and growing as a professional. Doing so will help you achieve success.
Start Your Freelancing Career
So, if you’re looking to start a freelance career but don’t know where to start, we hope this article has been helpful. The most important thing is to get started and not be afraid of failure. Remember that it takes time to build a successful freelance business, so be patient and keep working hard. And finally, sign up for our free newsletter below for even more tips.
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