Here's how you can navigate freelance work as a mid-career professional in content creation.

Now that I'm a Senior SEO Executive with both my freelance portfolio and day job experience to serve potential clients, I realize throughout my freelance journey from ground zero to a mid-career content creator, that assessing skills is an important first step. When highlighting skills in my profile, I will list all the hard and soft skills I have and then only retain those I find most comfortable working with. It's possible you are multi-talented but expert only in certain fields, so go for those rather than being greedy and trying to score every job available. After all, the skillset you highlight to clients IS your branding - so showcase your best skills yet remember to give allowance if clients connect to ask about other skills.

While freelancing, especially as a mid-career content creator, you are likely to explore different types of work; therefore, it is important to highlight your development while presenting new and revamped material as your portfolio. Make updates on your portfolio of the current works that shows the relevant skills and experience. Pick a couple of best and interesting projects that will show that you are versatile and can deal with various problems in numerous fields. Do not forget to accompany your work and the short description of the business with client testimonials or any other metrics. A portfolio in a current form is beneficial, creating a good impression and provides proof. Expand your skills and undertake a new challenging project.

Keeping your portfolio updated is important, and consider rearranging your portfolio and clips when pitching important clients. Move your most relevant samples to the top of your portfolio, or send the most relevant links when you pitch your client so the client doesn't have to wade through irrelevant samples to see how amazing your work is.

This is the second most important thing. The first is your samples. Have a plan to grow your network and execute it. Thank me later.

Use project management tools like Trello, Asana, or Monday.com to keep your projects organized. These tools help you track deadlines, see how tasks are progressing, and keep all client communications in one central location.

-Develop a strong online presence that showcases your work, values, and personality. Use platforms like LinkedIn, personal websites, and social media to build your brand. -Not all projects are worth your time. Learn to say no to projects that don’t align with your goals or values. -Explore different types of content work like blogging, ghostwriting etc. to diversify your income sources. -Set up a system for managing your finances, including budgeting, saving for taxes, and planning for irregular income. -Understand the legal aspects of freelancing, including contracts and liability issues. -Prioritize self-care to avoid burnout. Regular breaks, exercise, and hobbies are essential for maintaining your mental and physical health.

Create a speciality, or several of them. By specializing, it's easier to attract new clients in that area; charge higher rates; and ink bigger projects. (You can always do work outside of your specialty but focusing your efforts is likely to be fruitful in the long haul.)