LESSON 4: 5 BASIC TOOLS YOU NEED TO START ONLINE FREELANCING

May 08, 2021

5 BASIC TOOLS YOU NEED TO START ONLINE FREELANCING (2021)

If you are reading this article, the chance is that day job is boring you and may be you are looking for ways to change it and become an Online Freelancer. If that is the case, you are not lost. If it is not the case, don’t worry. You will learn about new avenues of life. You could be looking for new challenges in life or would like to become your own boss or want more flexibility in your work schedule. Online freelancing could be right for you to consider. Remember, as an Online Freelancer you can work anytime from anywhere and for one or many clients of your choice at the same time. However, when starting things are very tough but don’t mind. That is why we are here to help. Here are basic tools you need to kick off:

1. Computer

To do most of your work and access online platforms you will need a computer equipped with relevant hardware and software tools based on the type of the services you intend to offer online. This means that you also need to have basic skills on computer.

2. Reliable internet connection:

This is very critical. If possible, you should have an alternative internet connection just in case. This is actually a key communication tool that will allow you as a freelancer to access online platforms and other resources you need to be able to offer efficient services. It is the heart of your new profession. If you already have a computer, then internet connection should be your project number one. It is also a good idea to think about having mobile hotspots since they save you not only when you are operating as a mobile online worker but also serve as an alternative when internet goes out or power goes off. Remember your smartphone or tablet, among other many gadgets, can provide you with mobile hotspot though this drains your phone’s battery faster.

3. Payment modes

You work to be paid but there is no way this can happen if you do not have a mode of payment. This is the means by which the clients pay you. There is a number of mode of payments but here we will mention a few of them since we will have an elaborate lesson on these mode of payments. Try the following: PayPal, Payoneer and Skrill depending on your country. For those in Kenya M-Pesa is another option. You are advised to have more than one payme mode but not more than three as this can bring confusion. There are many more based on different countries but this will be covered in another lesson.

4. Working space

You need a quiet space free from distractions with a chair, a desk or table from which you can work on your online tasks. At times, your home might be unfavorable due to loneliness, isolation and distractions such as noise. To manage this you may need to join co-working places by paying a reasonable amount of money.

5. An email address

Lastly you need an email address which you will use to sign up online platforms where clients place works for you to bid for them. The email will also allow you to communicate with clients and verify mode of payments. The importance of this email goes beyond those the three functions and you cannot work without one.

In a nutshell, remember, the very basic tools you need to dive in Online Freelancing are a computer and a stable internet connection, a payment method and a good conducive working space and just an email. You will need advanced tools as you grow but be assured that with the few mentioned ones you can start without any problem. In the next lesson we will explore basic skills you need to bid for online works. Before we come to that, keep in mind that basic computer skills will be a must.

MORE LESSONS:

LESSON 1: INTRODUCTION TO ONLINE WORK: https://www.blogger.com/u/3/blog/post/edit/5958831589506082119/1084732855443597742?hl=en

LESSON 2: ADVANTAGES OF WORKING ONLINE:

https://www.blogger.com/u/3/blog/post/edit/5958831589506082119/8736480292744140376?hl=en

LESSON 3: DISADVANTAGES OF WORKING ONLINE:

https://www.blogger.com/u/3/blog/post/edit/5958831589506082119/9215626175346417714?hl=en

LESSON 4: 5 BASIC TOOLS YOU NEED TO START ONLINE FREELANCING

https://www.blogger.com/u/3/blog/post/edit/5958831589506082119/8875564655463521100?hl=en

LESSON 5: OVERVIEW OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF ONLINE FREELANCE WORK

https://www.blogger.com/u/3/blog/post/edit/5958831589506082119/8204564717420579837?hl=en

LESSON 6: THE MINDSET OF A SUCCESSFUL FREELANCER

https://www.blogger.com/u/3/blog/post/edit/5958831589506082119/4576672918924796883?hl=en