Life as a freelancer comes with a lot of flexibility but also with its own set of challenges –

finding steady work, keeping several clients happy at once and still making time for your

personal life are just a few of the obstacles that any worker in an industry faces. Still, it

can be a really lucrative and rewarding way to work once the clients start rolling in.

As you get started down the path to independence, consider these tips for establishing

and maintaining your reputation.

What can you provide that

stands out from your

competitors? It is not

enough to know the

services you offer—you

should know your niche

and target market based on

what makes you uniquely

you.

Treat every client like they are

your one and only. If a dispute

arises, work to fix the problem in

an amicable way. Turn in

assignments on time. Charge

fairly for your work. Be a

trustworthy professional and

your positive reputation will

precede you.

You must have an online presence, both through a website and through social

media networks that fit your industry and personal brand. Referred clients should

be able to find you quickly online by name, and complete strangers should stumble

upon you when doing basic searches for your industry in your area.

Show the world your expertise through professional content. This could be

video content on platforms like YouTube or Vine, or microblogging on sites like

Twitter. You should also consider guest blogging for other industry sites or

providing expert opinions for other publications.

This may seem counterintuitive to getting

your contractor reputation off the ground,

but if you take on too much work too

quickly, it could backfire. Likewise, if you

say “yes” to a job that is not really in your

area of expertise, you risk having unhappy

clients (and a lot more stress for yourself).

Take an out when you need it and stay

focused on the jobs that will really make

you shine.

Give yourself days off. Try

to walk away from your

work at a certain time

each day. Remember to

eat lunch, work out, and

sleep. All of these things

will keep you refreshed

and will help you perform

better.

Always be on the lookout for ways to

connect with potential clients, both in-

person and online. Keep your profiles

up to date on work platforms like Field

Nation and social media sites like

LinkedIn. Never pass up the chance to

introduce yourself to someone new.

Keep business cards on you. You never

know when the person next to you in

line for coffee could turn into your next

big client.

You should ask all clients to give you feedback privately, either through a survey or

just email. You should also ask clients who were especially pleased with your

quality of work to post about it on your business profiles, your website, or even on

your social media accounts.

Try not to let doubt crowd your

confidence. You may not have as

much experience or as much

positive feedback as another

contractor, but don’t let that

discourage you. Prove to current

and potential clients that you are

the right person for the job

through your professionalism and

commitment.

Try not to let doubt crowd your

confidence. You may not have as

much experience or as much

positive feedback as another

contractor, but don’t let that

discourage you. Prove to current

and potential clients that you are

the right person for the job

through your professionalism and

commitment.

Get Online.

Take Your Reputation Seriously.

Know Your Brand.

Create Content.

Turn Things Down.

Take Breaks.

Network.

Ask for Feedback.

Aim High.

Commit to Quality Work