Many people choose to take their employment into their own hands and go into freelancing. Freelancing is a form of entrepreneurship, because you are your own boss, as well as your own business. You are your brand, and you spend time developing that, as well as your network and client base.

Freelancing is a great option for those who have experience or talent in a certain field and want the freedom to choose and develop their own work. It also means you call pretty much all of the shots, from where you work to how long your day is. Still, it can be challenging to work as a freelancer, especially at the beginning when the frequency of projects and jobs is less certain. If you are considering launching a career as a freelancer, review the following tips for successful freelancing and get your business off the ground. 1. Build your website. We live in a digital world, and the first and last place someone will go to research your work or learn more about you is online. Make sure you have a professional, functioning website that reflects your talents and skills. Including portfolio work or descriptions of past projects is ideal, and make sure — and this is a big one — your contact information is clear, accessible and visible. 2. Research your competition. Find out what other people in your field are charging for their work, and what kind of work they are doing. Compare your experience and work to theirs to determine your own fees and specializations. Also, do not hesitate to reach out to established freelancers and seek their advice and guidance. You probably will find a supportive community and perhaps a mentor. 3. Get the word out. Tap into your network and let everyone know you are starting to freelance. A Facebook friend or neighbor might turn out to have a very valuable connection. Carry around business cards, as well, in case you come across a networking opportunity while out and about. The more people who know about you and your services, the better, even if they cannot provide an immediate job lead. You want people to be able to think of you immediately when they hear about an opportunity. 4. Develop a schedule. It’s equally as easy to work way too hard or slack off as a freelancer, and you want to avoid both. Devise a schedule that works for you, and stick to it. 5. Mind your money. Make sure you get paid! Create a formal system to keep track of what you are owed, as well as your expenses. Formalize a payment system for clients you can inform them about up-front so as to avoid uncomfortable conversations and inadvertently doing free work. Paper invoices or PayPal; just make sure you have records. Also, keep in mind you will have to pay taxes — even freelancers can’t avoid them.