Starting strong as a freelancer: 5 must-haves

Freelancing is an adventure filled with creative freedom, personal growth, and, let’s be honest, the occasional “Why did I do this again?” moment. For those stepping into this brave new world, here’s how to set yourself up for success from day one.

1. Get your financial ducks in a row Imagine finally getting paid after a big project only to realise that tax season is lurking around the corner, ready to pounce. Not fun. Set up a dedicated business bank account and invest in an accounting tool like QuickBooks or Xero. It’ll save you hours of manual calculations and the panic that comes with tracking down receipts from last year.

Pro tip: Budget for taxes with each payment. Treat it like a non-negotiable expense. Future you will be forever grateful.

2. Put a ring on it (legally speaking) No more trusting on good faith alone. Protect yourself and your work with a solid legal structure. And never skip the contract phase. A well-crafted agreement not only sets expectations for your clients but also says, “I mean business.” Terms for payment, timelines, and scope? Lock those down.

Remember: A simple contract template you tweak per project is better than none at all.

3. Flaunt That Talent with a Stellar Portfolio We all know that you’re as talented as they come, but does your online portfolio shout it from the digital rooftops? It should. A slick, clear website displaying your best work (the “wow” kind) is essential. Sprinkle in testimonials and case studies that tell the story behind the pixels or prose.

Bonus points: Keep your LinkedIn, instagram and Behance updated. You never know who’s searching for exactly what you offer.

4. Master the art of time management Working for yourself means wearing all the hats at once, creative director, project manager, even office cleaner some days. Tools like Trello and Asana help keep those hats organized. Trust us, juggling client calls and deadlines becomes a lot smoother with a project timeline laid out.

Pro tip: Use a time-tracking tool to learn how long tasks actually take. It’ll save your sanity and help set realistic timelines. Plus it's a great thing to be able to share with agencies as you progress through the project, they can see where you've been dedicating your time.

5. Don’t overlook protection Freelancers often skip this step until it’s too late. Insurance tailored for creatives covers unforeseen hiccups (and we all know they happen). Plus, join a platform that guarantees payment, because nothing crushes the soul faster than a client ghosting after delivery.

Tip: Networks like We Are The Allies offer insurance, payment protection, and vetting, making sure your hard work doesn’t just get admired, it gets paid for.