As a freelancer, even with top-notch skills and experience, work slow periods are bound to occur. Although it may not be ideal, these fluctuations are a natural part of working independently. Rather than succumbing to stress, let’s find creative solutions. Use these tips to survive and thrive during a work downtime, increase your earnings and enhance your abilities, ensuring financial stability and peace of mind.
Repackage and diversify your services
Take advantage of the slowdown to think creatively about ways to expand your offerings. Determine which skills complement your primary services and bundle them into new packages. By repackaging your services to include more in-demand options, you may attract more clients.
For example, a graphic designer who specializes in print marketing campaigns can also offer photoshop editing, logo design, and flyer and brochure creation. An article writer can offer product descriptions, sales copy, and email copy. Reach out to clients to inform them of your new packages and services.
E-learn a new skill
Slowdowns are the perfect time to enhance your skills and grow your business. Take the opportunity to learn something new or expand your existing knowledge. By adding to your skill set, you can offer clients more and increase your personal brand.
Consider using the different e-learning platforms to improve your existing skills or learn something new. Displaying your new badge will help to boost your credibility.
Work on a project of your
Use a work lull to revisit a creative project that you’ve been wanting to tackle. When we’re busy with clients and projects, it’s easy to neglect our personal projects. A passion project gives you the opportunity to showcase your full creative potential and expand your skills. You never know, it could lead to new and exciting opportunities.
Ask yourself what you want to prove creatively and what you’d regret not doing in the future. Use this as a starting point to focus your efforts. For instance, an illustrator may want to create a short comic book or experiment with a different style. A content writer known for technical guides may want to write short fiction stories to showcase their versatility.
Don’t lower your rates
It may be tempting to offer discounts during slow periods, but this can harm your morale and business in the long run. Instead, offer different services that you’re comfortable charging less for.
For example, a writer charging $75 an hour could offer editing services for $50 an hour or $50 for a set of six product descriptions. An illustrator charging $50 for a custom illustration could create pre-designed illustrations for $20 each.
Work lulls can be a challenging time, but they also present an opportunity to rethink your business, expand your skills, and make the most of the downtime. By approaching the slowdown with a positive and resourceful attitude, you can not only get through it, but also lay the foundation for a thriving freelancing business.
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