5 Unknown Facts About Freelancing

Freelancing is a great way to make money while doing your own thing. And while it might sound like the perfect fit for people like you, there are some things you should know before getting started.

In this post, we're going to cover 5 unknown facts about freelancing: what it takes to be successful, how much you can expect to make, and more! Want in? Read on!

1) Freelancers are responsible for their taxes: Think that freelancing means no taxes? Wrong! Freelancers are responsible for their taxes, and they even pay them quarterly instead of at the end of the year.

Okay, so freelancers get quarterly tax-free payments, but the system isn't without flaws. The main issue is that freelancers have to declare what they made during the previous quarter to receive this payment. So let's say you worked every day for three months straight and your estimated taxes are more than what you made - tough luck! You'll have to pay the difference at the end of the year. For a detailed guide on freelancing income and tax, I advise you to read this article.

2) Freelancing can provide enough income for a living: There are quite a few misconceptions about freelance writing. Some people think it's just a hobby and if you're looking to make some real money, look elsewhere. While this is partially true, it doesn't mean that you can't make enough to support yourself.

For example: if we take a theoretical case where a freelancer earns $30 per hour, works 10 hours per week, and doesn't spend more than that on living expenses, he/she would make around $1,650 per month. That's quite a lot of money if you ask me!

3) The work might be challenging: This doesn't have to be a bad thing, though. Freelancing opens your eyes to the fact that not everything comes easy (what do you think they mean by hard work?). Freelancing is a good learning experience because it forces you to work under pressure and overcome obstacles.

4) It's not just writers: There are a lot of other options to consider if you want to make money while staying home. For example, you can do: Freelancing as a writer for a company that needs content (e.g. blog posts, landing pages, online courses) and is willing to pay accordingly by the piece; Freelancing as an SEO specialist (e.g. writing/optimizing content, creating backlinks); Freelancing in the digital world (e.g. freelance web designer, graphic and UI/UX designer); Freelancing in the real world (e.g. personal trainer); Freelancing as a programmer (e.g. developing customized software).

5) You need to be a good self-promoter: If you want to be successful as a freelancer, you'll have to learn how to promoteyourself and your services outside of the platforms where you work - sometimes it's easier than expected, sometimes it's harder than it seems.

For example, you might be easily swamped by their company's noise and forget all about promoting your work on the platforms where you already have clients - it happens. But, you can overcome this issue with a simple strategy. When finding clients, always start from the platforms that are most relevant to them - e.g. if you're writing for a blog, start from the blog, not from the client's website.

This way you'll be able to reach out to your clients more often and do it in a way that fits them best. It's like getting a date - don't start with Facebook, be original and reach out to people where they're hanging out online!