10 tips for being productive as a freelancer

Freelancing gives you freedom over your workload and much-needed flexibility that most full-time jobs don’t. You can work from home, cafes, co-working spaces or just about anywhere with a stable Wi-Fi connection.

However, with great flexibility comes great responsibility. Since you are your own boss, you will have to make every decision yourself. From acquiring customers, managing them, handling payments, promoting your brand, multitasking and more. Every freelancing decision should be made by you. Unpredictability is a real glitch that you have to deal with. In the freelance world, projects are shelved, collaborations are falling apart, and contracts are canceled prematurely. However, if you’re ready for it, freelancing can be an enriching and rewarding process.

Having said that, we know that it can be difficult to find motivation and be productive in this age of constant distraction. But we are here to help. If you’re a freelancer looking for ways to increase your productivity, here are 10 tips to be more productive.

1. Creating a schedule

First of all, when it comes to being productive, creating a schedule is vital. Unlike full-time jobs, freelancing allows you to choose your working hours. However, it can be a curse or a blessing, depending on how you treat that freedom. It is very important to choose your freelance hours so that you can plan the rest of your day accordingly.

Timelines are a tried and tested method for increasing productivity. An average timetable should include your wake up time, meal time, free time, and work hours (of course). Freelancing requires diligence, and a well thought-out program will help you with that.

2. To-do list is a must

It goes without saying, but you cannot work effectively without a to-do list. However, make sure your list is workable. Additionally, structure your list based on daily or weekly goals.

You can use the old-fashioned pen and paper method to make to-do lists, or choose from the many mobile apps available online, such as Trello. Trello allows you to create boards and cards for your different projects, upload links, make revisions and track your progress. An additional thing to keep in mind is honesty. Deep down, you realize your own potential, right? So be realistic and set attainable goals. Then you will surely succeed.

3. Configure your work

As a freelancer, you constantly switch between different projects and work with multiple organizations at the same time. Managing multiple deadlines while delivering high-quality output can be tedious, so it’s crucial to structure your freelance work. Your customers count on you for on-time delivery. So be sure to track all your deadlines and deliveries. The easiest way to do this is to use the Google calendar.

Try to create folders for specific tasks for your convenience. Also, try grouping similar tasks as you’ll be working on multiple things each day. This approach will increase your focus and enable you to achieve more in less time. Grouping similar tasks will bring structure to your daily life and ultimately to your freelance work.

4. Taking a break is key

One of the worst things any freelancer can do is to overwork themselves. In this world of constant hustle and bustle, we all want to achieve more by persistently pushing ourselves. While this approach allows us to move forward in the short term, exploiting our physical and mental health does not work in the long term.

Contrary to popular belief, taking a break does not hinder your productivity. Instead, taking the time to recharge will optimize your productivity and allow your creative energy to flow more freely. It is very important to relax and take meaningful breaks to recharge your energy. Try taking a 15-30 minute break every 2 hours to get a laser clear focus. You can also choose shorter intervals. A common rule of thumb is a 25/5-minute break, where you take a 5-minute break after 25 minutes of work. Going for a walk, drinking coffee or listening to music is a great way to recharge your batteries.

5. Eliminate distractions

We all humbly wait for motivation to come and find us. But the thing about motivation is that it’s grossly overrated. Instead of waiting for it to arrive, why not remove the root cause of its delay? In this case, these are the distractions we tend to indulge in. We are constantly distracted by one thing or another, resulting in endless procrastination. Most of us are addicted to our smartphones and social media accounts. We are all guilty of constantly scrolling through our Instagram and Facebook feeds while we work.

The result of this misused time is less productivity in our freelance work. Therefore, instead of constantly checking your smartphone while working, use it periodically. Keep it quiet, keep it off your desk, and use it only during breaks. Turning off notifications also helps prevent distractions.

6. Reward yourself

Every now and then you need to pamper yourself and pat your back. As a freelancer, you can immerse yourself in endless projects and building your brand. However, it is essential that you take a minute each day to absorb and reflect on the growth you have achieved. So, indulge more often by indulging in your favorite food or activity of your choice.

For example, every time you hone your skills and build your portfolio, go to that fancy restaurant you’ve had your eye on or do something else that really makes you happy. You can use these rewards as incentives to increase your productivity and help you stay happy in the long run.

7. Always wear your work clothes

Most remote workers sit in their pajamas all day while working from their beds. While they’re already diligent workers, they can get a boost from this little productivity trick: work clothes.

Wearing work clothes in the morning not only instantly changes our mood, but also helps us prepare for the day psychologically. For all the freelancers who enjoy working in their pajamas, give this a try. Your productivity will increase and your freelancing will bring a sense of positivity to your life.

8. Evaluate your performance

Some effective questions to ask yourself at the end of the day are: “Have I accomplished everything I planned to do?” or “Did I perform at an optimal level?” Asking these questions will not only help you evaluate your performance, but will also motivate you for the next day.

Have goals depending on your projects. For example, a social media manager should have clear target metrics such as follow, reach, and engagement to reach at the end of each month or quarter.

As you measure your performance, try to think about the reasons why you are performing as you do and what might have hindered your performance. Take notes and apply them on your next workday. This will definitely increase your productivity. People with a well-known self-employed profile use this technique to stay ahead of their competitors.

9. Be clear about your customer’s expectations

One of the biggest setbacks you can face as a freelancer is misunderstanding what the client wants. By misunderstanding the customer’s expectations, you are wasting your own valuable time and the customer’s time. There may be times when the client finds it difficult to communicate or put everything into words. In these scenarios, be sure to cross-examine the customer with no retention restrictions. Even if your query seems trivial, be sure to clarify.

A simple way to avoid any uncertainty is to prepare a list of questions before the meeting. You can also take notes for later consideration while the meeting is in progress. The customer’s vision is extremely important. Therefore, to avoid any unnecessary confusion, you should always understand their summaries properly before you start working on a project.

10. Provide a private workspace

Many freelancers work from their homes. While working from home is very convenient, it also has its own challenges, such as not having a dedicated workspace. You should have a desk or other area where your productivity is optimal. To achieve this, it is vital to create an environment that encourages creative thinking and provides focused attention. Different environments work for different individuals. Therefore, create a workspace that will help you concentrate. It can be in your room or in another corner of your home.

But make sure the space you choose is uncluttered, uncluttered and offers privacy. It should not be a leisure area. You can also personalize your workspace by adding items that invigorate you, such as a particular scent, indoor plants, or stylish stationery.

However, having a co-working space or work cafe can do wonders for your overall productivity. An extensive network of co-working spaces is offered at reasonable prices. Coworking spaces are a hassle-free, long-term solution for all freelancers.

Solution

Now, while it may seem crucial to focus solely on completing projects and retaining customers, and it might work for you in the short run, it just isn’t possible. If you’ve been in this business for a long time, you will need to work on your all-inclusive growth. This may take some effort at first, but following these tips will increase your productivity and help you grow. So go ahead and optimize your freelancing by following the tips above.