Freelancing is not a FAD. It's not a get rich scheme and it's not for everyone. I know last week I said if I got no questions I'd be recommending books, products mentors or anything that could help you reach your potential. I'm still doing that don't worry it wasn't clickbait.

I didn't get questions on here but I did get a few in person so below are some. It's not a long read.

1. How Often Should I Update my Freelance Portfolio?
2. Are Facebook gigs legit?
3. What Niche Should I do?
4. Can I Make Serious Money Freelancing?
5. Is Online the Only Way to Freelance??
6. How long Before I Can Call Myself a Professional Freelancer?
7. What's The Best Way to Freelance in Person?

How Often Should I Update my Freelance Portfolio?

Whenever you finish the gig, you're working on. You always want to make sure it's fresh and you work on it while everything is still in your head.

Your portfolio is ultimately what makes or breaks getting that client. It's the first thing anyone who wants to hire you will see. Don't use Google doc or spreadsheets instead there's sites you can use to get everything looking neat.

Are Facebook gigs legit?

Short answer yes. Long answer still yes but it's very competitive and sometimes unreliable.

I've used groups to look for work before and from what I saw you need to have an interesting enough post to get picked.

Example

I've been a creative freelance writer for 20 years and have done several projects in relation to this post.

I'm looking to help local or small businesses grow and would love to make it happen for you.

Below is my portfolio.

Look forward to hearing from you.

This is just one of the many posts I've seen. People do get hired but just be wary of scams. You should never pay to start a job.

What Niche Should I do?

Honestly whatever you feel comfortable with. You don't want to take on a gig you can't handle it will ruin your reputation, mindset and workflow.

If you're just starting out its ok to try different niches until you find the one that works for you.

Just remember, once you find that niche home in on it and update your portfolio, so you don't have over 10 different skills. Nothing wrong if you do but I found that being a specialist in one area works wonders.

Can I Make Serious Money Freelancing?

That depends on your definition of what you think serious money is. Are you trying to make an extra $300 each month? Are you trying to create a second income stream? Or a first one? Are you trying to hit 6 figures and live that "carefree" lifestyle?

There's no one size answer fits all but some things you can do is network with the RIGHT people, stay consistent, save your freelance income, and search for opportunities daily.

Let's say you know how to code.

If you network with all the small businesses who need coder's, you'll most likely stumble upon an opportunity. This might require you to leave your house and meet face to face. It's better that way though.

Is Online the Only Way to Freelance??

Nope. In fact you can do this entirely B2B or face to face if you wanted to. Freelancing doesn't mean you have to sit in front of a computer screen all day.

Though most of your work will be on there so it's good to understand the basics at least.

How long Before I Can Call Myself a Professional Freelancer?

It takes 5 to 7 years to be a master or professional. This is for any field. For freelancing it's no different. Just because you had 20 clients your first year and averaged $1000 dollars a month (12k a year less after taxes)

Doesn't make you a professional.

Don't get fooled. There's still a lot you don't know and challenges you have yet to face.

Some freelancers have been doing it for 20 years and they would be considered professional or master in their field.

What's The Best Way to Freelance in Person?

Networking. You'll find more work and build better relationships if you do it face to face. One 5-minute conversation could be all you need to get a decent paying gig.

Create business cards and hand them out in stores or local businesses. Go to local events and talk to the organizer. Tell your boss what kind of freelance work you do and if they need help.

Doing all this in person builds your credibility and trust factor amongst potential clients. It's also a great way to get out of comfort zone if you're an introvert.

Remember to stay safe, be kind and know that only you can change your future.