4 steps to successfully launch your freelance business
Being independent, working at your own pace, and on interesting projects: it’s something many professionals aspire to. More freedom, the pride of having created your own business… Are you considering going freelance but unsure of the steps involved? Starting as an entrepreneur can be daunting. Here are four steps to get you started and set up your project. From reassessing your salaried job to landing your first client, each point is detailed to help you achieve your goal.
Quit your job or free up time for your new activity
To start your freelance career, you need to have time and energy to dedicate to your project. If you are currently employed when you want to launch your freelance career, several factors need to be considered.
- Are your current job and your current business similar? If so, you’ll have to wait until you’re no longer with the company to start your own business. If there’s no connection between the two, nothing prevents you from starting your own business while you’re still employed.
- The nature of your employment contract . If you are on a fixed-term contract, you can wait until the end of your contract and refuse any renewal to become a freelancer. If you are on a permanent contract, you will either have to resign or negotiate your departure.
- Your personal situation . Perhaps you can’t do without your salaried job. It does, in fact, provide security. Other options are possible, such as reducing your working hours to dedicate time to your business (by switching to part-time, for example). Or, you could take leave to start your own business or use an umbrella company. This way, if you don’t reach your goals, you can return to your job.
- The possibility of benefiting from business start-up assistance . I you are eligible for unemployment benefits, be aware that there are certain forms of assistance available to help you launch your own business. You can either receive a portion of your benefits in a single payment (ARCE), benefit from reduced social security contributions for the first few months with ACCRE, or receive a supplement from Pôle Emploi (the French public employment service), depending on your entitlement and turnover.
Create your business
Once you are clear about your salaried job, all you have to do is create your own business.
Determine your status
Your business structure is crucial for launching your freelance career. Several options exist. We distinguish between sole proprietorships (including micro-enterprises or EIRLs, Individual Limited Liability Enterprises ) and companies ( EURL or SASU ).
Many freelancers initially opt for the micro-enterprise status. This status offers numerous advantages:
- Starting a business is extremely simplified (everything is done online, in just a few minutes);
- VAT.exemption;
- a simplified tax and social security system.
However, it is up to you to weigh up the advantages and disadvantages of the different statuses, including micro-enterprise, before making your choice.
Think about your pricing and the financial management of your business.
As an entrepreneur, you aspire to make a living from your business. To achieve this, your prices must be fair. Therefore, you need to determine a rate you can charge for your first project. Create a pricing structure based on the different services you offer or the different products you sell. When your first client requests a quote, it will be easier for you to provide a price. This pricing structure will serve as a guide in the beginning. It will then evolve as you gain experience as a freelancer.
Finally, for the smooth running of your business, make sure you have tools to allow you to track your quotes, invoices, a nd payments (from your clients and for your social charges).
Find your first client as a freelancer
A freelancer cannot earn a living without clients. Therefore, the beginning of your freelance career will be driven by prospecting. This can take various forms:
- by making your network work;
- using social media;
- by attending professional meetings;
- by responding to advertisements or calls for tenders;
- by registering on web platforms that bring together freelancers;
- by creating your website (or by hiring a developer);
- by sending email campaigns.
To quickly land your first client for your business, try to determine where you can find them. Focus your efforts on social media, online platforms, etc. As you complete more projects, you’ll build a professional network. By offering quality work and gaining experience, your skills will be validated, clients will recommend you, and word-of-mouth will do its work. However, in the beginning, you’ll need to reach out to them.
Develop your professional network
Getting recommendations is also a good way to attract customers and grow your business.
By creating partnerships
To raise your profile and grow your client base, it can be beneficial to establish partnerships with other professional freelancers working in a complementary field. This allows them to recommend you to their clients – and you can do the same. This establishes you as a trustworthy professional, which tends to reassure clients.
To this end, various types of networks have been created, such as BNI. In exchange for a membership fee, you have the opportunity to meet numerous entrepreneurs and potential business partners.
By making yourself known locally as a freelancer
Another option is to network with associations, businesses, and professionals in your local area. To do this, contact them and give them your business card, briefly explaining your skills and experience.
Another interesting project could be to create a group of freelancers in your community. This would be an opportunity to raise your profile, expand your network, and share your experiences as a freelancer.
Starting as an entrepreneur is a challenge. Have you managed to land your first clients? Congratulations! Now, keep working to develop your skills, grow your business, and thrive in your freelance work.
