As new challenges come with a new year, working on your own also poses a new set of demanding tasks to face. Paradoxically, the tricks from being a freelancer derive from being your own boss.

On the other hand, being a freelancer comes with several benefits and many of them translate into working from home, being in control of your time, and choosing who you work for.

However, being in control of your business also requires new abilities to develop, time to research on how to engage with clients, and how to organize time and money between projects.

In addition to it, the freelance workforce is highly competitive. Every day more people are quitting their full-time job to become a full-time freelancer. In reality, the numbers show that 56.7 million U.S citizens are working as freelancers in the US. Furthermore, Americans spend more than 1 billion hours per week freelancing.

Thus, freelancing is becoming so popular that it is crucial to remain competitive. Here are some tips that will help you stay on top.

Specialize and walk the extra mile

As it has been stated, the freelancing workforce is aggressive, so how to stay competitive? The first step is to know your niche. Translators, linguists, content writers or any other freelance must specialize and be different.

Narrow your focus and offer something distinctive. In fact, a study by Career Advisory Board and MBO Partners reported that freelancers feel more successful after specializing in a field, particularly when this specialty comes with relevant technical skills.

Now, pursuing your niche requires being prepared to fulfill your clients’ needs even though these exceed your service. If your clients need a plus as web development, design or any other particular function, be prepared to step up and offer a service that would meet his or her requirements. 

Present a Strong Portfolio

A substantial portfolio is an impressive first impression; however, if you are starting and have not thought of building one, then this is your first task. Also, a portfolio is proof of your quality delivers; think of what your ideal client might want to see in your line of work and make it stand out.

Another important information your portfolio must have is to show the different skills you also have. This refers to walk the extra mile; let your client visualize how you can make their life easier. Show them the benefits of working with you instead of hiring a big known company.

Let them know what you can do and how, offer a short description of your work and abilities, also do not forget to include some links within those descriptions.

These are only some tips, but of course you can develop your own agenda for success. Good luck with all your projects!