The job market in London is tough, and the freelancing world is very competitive, especially within the creative industries.
But think about it. Freelancers make their own rules. You decide when you work and for how long, which means you could casually work on your laptop in one of London’s many cool cafes, popping out every now and then to explore a museum or art gallery.
Freelancing also means you won’t have to worry about when you’ll next be able to go back to Australia to see your friends and family, you can simply take your office with you. Sound like a dream come true? Before you tell your boss you’re packing it all in, take note of these useful tips.
First things first, get online. From social media, to blogs, online portfolios and websites, there are a lot of different ways you can utilise online communities and platforms to promote your skills, find work, and get connected.
Creating a website and blog is a great way of showcasing your work, and it’s not as hard as it sounds. With web hosting companies like this one, you can easily host a WordPress website, which is regarded as having the most user friendly templates (especially good for newbies).
The next step is to make your website reflect the quality of your work, by looking stylish and professional with excellent content. Once you’ve done that, get yourself on social media and show off your talent.
If you have been to London before, then you will know how crowded the streets, pubs, clubs, shops, and pretty much every place in the city, can feel.
The freelance job market is just as crowded, and one of the most important things to remember when beginning a career as a freelancer is the importance of contacts. As they say, it’s not what you know, it’s who you know, and that is certainly true when it comes to freelancing.
Many freelancers find work through contacts, people they meet at industry events, people they used to work with, or friends of friends. Make sure you make yourself known, get a business card, go to industry events, and network.