Five Easy Steps! How Freelancing Works
LYNNIE VERSION
Would you like to read this article in more grown-up words, still easy to understand? Jump here.
Hi! I’m Lynnie! Today I’m telling you how freelancing works, in five easy steps!
Services vs products
In freelancing, you talk with every client a bit before you get paid. That’s how services usually work in real life too! At the hairdresser, you pay AFTER your haircut. That’s a service. But in a store, you pay for shampoo BEFORE you take it home. That’s a product!
So you’re not selling something ready-made. You’re doing a task made just for each client.
The five steps
Step 1: Bring visitors
First, you bring visitors, or “eyeballs,” to what you offer. From a marketplace’s search, social media, your website, Google, or recommendations. Without visitors, even an amazing offer stays invisible!
Step 2: A client orders
A client sees your offer and orders! Right from your website, or through the freelancing marketplace you’re on.
Step 3: You make the special work
Since every client is different, now you make their special work. You might talk back and forth a few times, to understand exactly what they imagine. Asking good questions early saves time later!
Step 4: You deliver
When it’s ready, you deliver it! Maybe a file, a recorded video, a finished task, or a live session. Often there’s a round of changes too, as agreed at the start.
Step 5: You get paid!
After you deliver, you get paid. On a marketplace, you get the payment minus the website’s piece, usually between ten and twenty percent. On your own website, you get almost all of it, minus a small fee for the payment helper.
Customer service all along
Taking care of clients is part of EVERY step! Freelancer customer service shares four great habits.
Where your time goes
Most of your time goes into step 3: making the special work. Step 1, bringing visitors, needs regular time too, especially at the start. Steps 2, 4 and 5 are usually quick!
Since your money depends on your hours, make step 3 faster with templates and AI helpers!
An example
Imagine a freelance writer on a marketplace. A little skincare brand finds her through search, and orders five product descriptions. She asks three questions about how the brand talks, and who its customers are.
She delivers on time, makes small changes, gets paid and gets a review. A month later, the brand orders ten more!
Mixing with other ways
Freelancing mixes well with other ways to earn! A designer might turn popular templates into a digital product.
How long does it take?
First clients can take a few weeks. Then projects take a day to a few weeks. Only take as many as you can do well and on time!
Small and private
You can start on a free marketplace with no starting costs! You’d be surprised how little you need. No monthly payments before you have clients. And everything can happen with written messages and files. No face needed!
What’s next?
The next article explains where to find freelance clients. The whole module is in the book on our products page. Want a grown-up to help plan your freelancing? Go to our services page.
What grown-ups usually ask (and I answer)
How does freelancing work, step by step?
Bring visitors, get an order, make the work, deliver, get paid!
When do freelancers get paid?
Usually after delivering, like at the hairdresser.
Why so much talking back and forth?
Because each job is special, and you need to understand what the client imagines.
Are there step-by-step lessons for starting each of the ten ways cheaply?
Maybe! If lots of people want them. Join the waitlist and you’ll know first.
Can clients order straight from me?
Yes! Through your own website or social store.
What does “eyeballs” mean?
People’s attention!
Is customer service a separate step?
No! It’s part of every step.
What’s the difference between a service and a product?
A product is made first and paid right away. A service is made for you, and usually paid after.
Can I start for free or almost free?
Yes! Lynnaider shows you how to start freelancing for free, or for very, very little money. You’d be surprised! And a free robot helper called Lynnaider Compass helps you step by step!
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and should not be regarded as legal, tax, or business advice. Pursuing an online business does not guarantee income; results depend on many factors including the business environment, individual effort, skills, and consistency. Some links on this site may allow Lynnaider to earn a commission at no additional cost to the reader.
