Should you have a business plan as a freelancer?

Beverly Level X³

April 10, 2014, 5:11 am

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Should you have a business plan as a freelancer?

As a freelancer, it's very important to have a business plan as it will allow you to think through all the scenarios and possibilities associated with your freelance career. Some of the things you could consider when formulating a business plan include:

Will I freelance full or part time? And, what income or savings do I have to support myself while building my business?
What fees will I charge my clients per service or billable hour?
How will I market and promote my freelance services?

Please suggest other questions to consider.

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Ophelia

Who are my potential clients? This is something you will want to know before starting your career. For instance, your clients might be stay at home moms or busy executives. Whoever they are, you should take time to identify your demographics so that you can properly target them in your advertising campaign.

12 years ago

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hitmeasap

Competitors and why anyone should choose me instead would be questions I'd answer too.

12 years ago

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brownie

I have one. It is always a good idea to have a plan so you know what you are doing.

12 years ago

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Jolie

The business plan would be a good guideline to help you know what services you could most likely offer to clients for a profit. This would keep you from straying too far into unknown skill territory and allow you to have boundaries for clients who want you to try out skills you know nothing about.

12 years ago

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nilarkety1

i want to became a best freelancer about seo clerk but how

11 years ago

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kolala

now just focusing on some very limited issues

11 years ago

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loulou

Business plans are good to have. This way you know what you are doing and what you need to have done. I like the sounds of it.

11 years ago

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ppscslv

Here are 3 tips:
- research;
- sell awesome services (not shit services);
- to grow fast add at least $100 to your advertising budget on every month (to get fast orders from Facebook, Adwords, Forums, etc).

11 years ago

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webnesia

A business plan is a blueprint of the steps you need to take to become a successful freelancer.Going to work as a freelancer is not some hobby. This is serious business. If you want to succeed, you need to plan for it. Otherwise expect to fail.
My steps would be:

Create your vision statement
Break down your goals
Map out your plans to grow your business
List the potential customers - Market research
Be creative and identify your specialty
Treat every client as if he is the only one
Keep a reasonable charge per hour
Reward your loyal customers - I give 50% discount for my regular customers
Look professional, in every way possible
Ask for feedback
Build your brand - Promote your availability on social media
Grow — What to do next?

11 years ago

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angie828

Yes you do need to have a plan for your business. That way you know what is going on and how to handle it and yourself.

11 years ago

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benlovesjane

You do need a plan. This is the only way to make things happen is to have a plan that will work for you.

11 years ago

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evie

Yes you do need a business plan. I think that it is a great idea to have one because then one will be able to know what they want or need to do.

11 years ago

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vinaya

Everyone needs a through planning to perform better in his/her field. A mother has to feed the baby, clean the baby, help the baby learn etc. Without proper planning, the mother will not be able to perform her parenting role better. Likewise, as a freelancer, you need a clear vision and proper planning. You need to be clear on what you want to do, how you will do, and how you will achieve this. Once your goal is clear, you need to plan the proper way to achieve your goal.

9 years ago

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Corzhens

I am just a part timer in freelancing although I have been at it for 3 years now. A business plan is not needed as of now since I have an office job with a good salary which makes my freelancing work as a hobby of sorts. But when I go full time in my online work, a business plan is definitely needed so I can manage my time to the fullest.

8 years ago

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vinaya

Even if you are freelancing as a hobby, there is no harm in having a business plan for your freelancing work. With little effort, you can earn better. When you can earn better, there is no harm in trying it. Freelancing alone will not make you rich (some people have become very rich through freelancing though), you need to invest in businesses or start your own business that will earn you better. A freelancer should have a business.

8 years ago

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