The world’s freelancing workforce is rapidly growing. In fact, by 2027 there a many estimates that go as far as to say there will be more freelancers in the United States than any other type of worker. With the ability to choose your own hours, work location and acceptable jobs it is easy to see why this is such a growing industry.

However, more freelancers mean more competition for the available work across the globe. Therefore, it is important that freelancers are using every tool at their disposal to maximise their income. Below are five ways to do just that (in no particular order).

#1 Make an appealing profile

As a freelancer, you are advertising yourself and your skills at all times to gain work from clients. With this being the case, it is surprising to see how many freelancers still have poorly presented profiles lacking crucial bits of information. A clean, completed profile will help freelancers get more work and charge just that little bit extra for the work they do receive.

Here’s what freelancers should aim for as a minimum in their profile:

• An appropriate profile image,
• A clear & crafted headline,
• A short bio that sells,
• Clear & relevant skills list, and
• Examples of work previously completed.

#2 Build a history of good reviews

As discussed in #1, freelancing is a highly competitive industry. When clients are looking for who to choose and how much to pay, a freelancer’s previous track record is incredibly important. Whenever you complete work on a platform such as CanWork, UpWork or Fiverr make sure you ask your clients for a review. If you have done a good job and met their requirements they shouldn’t have any problems with leaving you a glowing endorsement! As your review history and reputation improves you will become more competitive leading to more (and higher-paying) work.

# 3 Avoid using freelancing platforms that take large fees

Make sure you know the fees (obvious and hidden) with the freelancing platforms you have a profile with. Most of the popular platforms charge somewhere between 15–30% of a job’s value in fees. This is not insignificant! The average US-based freelancer earns about $60,000 pa (varying with the type of freelance work). That means the average US-based freelancer is losing about $12,000 pa just in platform fees!

There are alternatives. One such is CanWork which charges no platform fees at all. This equates to very large savings for the freelancers that book work through the platform. In fact, as a freelancer, if you have a good relationship with your client don’t be afraid to ask them to book you on an alternative platform where you can save money on fees. They’ll still get the same product and you’ll get to keep more of your hard-earned money!

Illustrations by Ray Armas

#4 Set up profiles on multiple freelance platforms

Anyone selling a product knows that more exposure generally leads to more sales. This is no different for the modern freelancer. You are the product and the world’s freelancing platforms are your shop windows. There is no problem with setting your profile across the varying freelancer offerings. One catch is that your profile history will be stronger on some platforms than others but this will be vastly negated by the fact you are gaining exposure on multiple fronts.

#5 Keep learning

As a freelancer (like any job) professional development will lead to competence and higher returns through more advanced job bookings. Most freelancing platforms allow you to upload your skill sets, completed courses and qualifications. So, as you acquire more skills and complete relevant courses make sure you add them to your profile. You will become more attractive to potential clients leading to more job bookings and the ability to charge higher rates.

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