Quitting the stability and security of a full-time job to go freelance is an incredibly scary move, but one that can reap rewards if undertaken correctly. To find out just how to successfully make the leap into the world of freelancing, BEAUTYDIRECTORY talks to some of the country’s top lifestyle freelance journalists.
The initial steps
Contacts are crucial when it comes to cracking into freelancing. “Make the move when you feel you have enough contacts and interest in your work to be able to allow a freelance career to float. I have come across a lot of freelancers that assume contracts come to you and that’s far from the case,” says Milly Stilinovic. A statement Caelia Corse agrees with: “Tell people. Spread the word you are now available for work – don’t assume people already know. Use the industry resources available to you to make your announcement and chat to your contacts about the kind of work you’re looking for. Word of mouth is the most powerful marketing tool.”
So who should be on your list of contacts? “This contact list could be comprised of past and present work colleagues and employers, brand contacts, and agencies that utilise the services of freelancers for copywriting and content production,” reveals Lauren Dunne. Michelle Ruzzene advises: “Focus on chasing companies and publications you want to write for or about. I try and contact at least one new lead a week, depending on how busy I am.”
As well as informing contacts, it’s also a good idea to try and secure a little bit of work before jumping ship. “I recommend locking in at least one regular job before making the switch to reduce financial stress. This will take a big weight off your shoulders and give you a foundation to build upon. Then it's all about putting the word out there that you're available and selling your skills to anyone who will listen,” says Yasemin Trollope.
And while you may think you have a solid amount of contacts, they can always be built on. Aimée Wice advises: “Definitely keep the relationships strong that you have already established, as well as continue to meet new people in the industry. This means saying yes to event invites, seeking out people you admire, and reaching out to contacts you’d like to open up a dialogue with.”
Have a business plan
Every freelancer BD spoke to agreed that having a business plan was an essential tool when starting out. “Leaving the security of your job to go freelance is a huge life-changing decision and I believe it takes planning to ensure you're heading in the right direction. It doesn't have to be a formal business plan, but I think sitting down and figuring out your personal and financial goals – and how you're going to achieve them – is a critical step towards success,” says Trollope. Stilinovic adds: “Freelance writing needs to be curated in the same way a full-time job is. It is all about time management and having an end goal to work towards. Business plans can help be solid safety nets, too.”
As well as having a clear business plan, it’s a good idea to have an editorial calendar to track when anything is due. “For me, mapping out my day/job rates was important so that I have a quick and accurate answer for potential clients or employers,” says Jody Phan. Both Ruzzene and Wice use an editorial calendar to track when everything is due – including the article, invoice and payment.
Snagging a job
Just like with a full-time job, freelance gigs come from both employers directly getting in contact as well as from chasing down an opportunity. “It goes both ways. Sometimes I reach out to editors of both print and digital publications to express interest in contributing, and often send along a few story ideas at that time. Once I’ve been assigned work from a particular publication, they generally commission further stories,” says Wice. It’s a similar story for Ruzzene, who has got jobs both from being a chasee and chaser. “A lot of it is word of mouth – I’ve been approached by friends and friends of friends. However, my recent appointment as Angel Maternity resident blogger was through a job ad on Pedestrian TV. I still have job alerts that I check daily and look for leads that way.”
For Dunne, work has mostly come in the form of contacts getting in touch. “The vast majority of freelance gigs I work (or have previously worked) have either been brought to my attention or directly offered to me by former colleagues that I've previously worked with who have moved onto new roles in different companies, or who now run their own brand or business. Aside from friendship, potential job offers are another great reason to stay in touch with former colleagues!”
And no surprises here, but it pays to do a good job – as you’re then more likely to be snapped up for future work. “Most of my jobs have come about in the same way a role would be handed over to an actor. The publisher has seen your work, they like you, but they want to know that your writing skills and work ethic are going to be worth the money they invest in you. Yep, deadlines and respecting them are very much part of the freelance world and are a factor in how publishers perceive you, too,” says Stilinovic. Trollope adds: “I'm always reliable, efficient and deliver on my promises – so I get repeat business and clients know they can rely on me to get the job done.”
