Do you prefer to have full control over your work schedule? Do you not someone who wants to work according to your schedule and wants to be your boss? Want to become a prominent figure in your field? Then you are perfect to consider freelancing, where individuals are offered the flexibility to pursue additional work opportunities while maintaining their primary employment.
Recent statistics show that 60% of Indian freelancers are currently under the age of 30. The average annual income of freelancers in India is INR 20 lakh, and 23% earn more than INR 40 lakh. This is exciting, right?
Raising a startup is what freelancing is like, but you work alone and are your boss. As the days grow longer, you identify your area of expertise, ponder where to begin, look for a platform, study how to bid contracts, calculate your expected income, and endure restless hours until you figure it all out.
Getting out of the cubicle will take a revolution and a lot of patience.
Key steps to follow to set up and grow a Freelance Architecture Business
Have a clear plan
Plan! You heard it right! But instead of the typical architect’s layout for a structure, it is a step-by-step strategy that will assist you in creating a great business, just as a good plan is the first step in creating a building.
So, think about your path first. Are you preparing for a full office setup with a defined workspace and business-grade tools, or are you interested in starting as a solopreneur, working from home and keeping expenses as low as possible? Deciding how to prioritise your business investments will help you make better decisions for that; ask yourself where you are now, and that will answer most of your questions.
Register yourself
Depending on your business size and where you reside, there may be many ways to register it. These are the fundamental actions you must take, though, in general. Architects and architectural firms risk incurring hefty fines or even having their businesses shut down if they do not have the necessary permits and licenses. However, generally speaking, a firm must employ and be operated by licensed architects, at least one of whom has a license from the state. And it is always advisable to get your firm registered even if it has just started to fly!
Build a strong online presence
Register the name of your business on many websites and domains. Create a simple website and email account for you and your business. As professional as you can, try to be. Create effective social media accounts, then start broadening your audience as much as you can. To approach clients, print business cards and distribute them among your contacts. Branding nowadays is the essential step for starting something on your own.
That is, you need to be reachable as much as possible!
Specialise in a particular area
Focus on constant development and education to specialise in a particular area of the architecture business for potential future freelancing. Pick a specialisation that complements your hobbies and strong points. Obtain specialised knowledge via taking classes, earning certificates, and working on the job. Create a good portfolio demonstrating your knowledge of the chosen area to draw in customers looking for specialised architectural services.
Start building a strong connection
Building solid relationships in the architectural industry is crucial for future freelance success. First and foremost, networking is essential. Go to industry events, join organisations for professionals, and interact with other architects. Utilise social media networks and a professionally built portfolio website to establish a strong online presence. Deliver outstanding client service by meeting deadlines and going above and beyond. Your relationship will be strengthened, and you’ll draw in more freelancing opportunities if you are consistent, professional, and passionate about design.
Start asking for reviews
Start seeking architecture recommendations and reviews for potential freelance employment, provide top-notch service, and keep reliable customer connections. After the project is finished, ask for feedback and thank them for their advice. Provide simple review venues on your website, such as web-based directories or customer reviews. Positive comments will boost your reputation and draw in new customers.
Ask for referrals and promote yourself
Inquire about your current clients and whether they know anyone else you can assist. In essence, word of mouth is unpaid advertising. If you give your current customers excellent service, they will be delighted to recommend you to their friends and coworkers.
Most of the time, positive client experiences where something goes above and beyond expectations spur word-of-mouth referrals. Are you providing your clients with excellent value and exceeding their expectations? If so, they’ll be eager to spread the word.
Challenges and how to avoid them
Finding and keeping clients
It is one of the many problems that come with being a freelancer. To separate from the competition, create a strong portfolio. And try to interact and be consistent on social media and other platforms. You can still build a portfolio using your significant student projects, personal projects, volunteer work, etc. if you’re a new freelancer and have yet to have enough exposure. You may also make some samples of your work to demonstrate your abilities to potential clients.
Maximum Productivity
Less productivity could be a big deal in freelancing as you are your boss. To manage their assignments effectively, freelancers must maintain organisation. In particular, while freelancing, staying organised is crucial because it enables you to prioritise tasks and adjust to various clients, projects, and deadlines. To maintain a healthy work-life balance, you should set up a timetable and pattern for working.
Communication gaps with clients
Since you are both the employer and the boss when you freelance, it appears challenging to handle everything on your own. Prioritise efficient communication channels to eliminate communication chasms in the architecture industry for upcoming freelancing. To ensure clear and timely communication, use software that helps in management and video conferencing to be transparent with the clients. Create a thorough brief, pay attention to the needs of the client, and give frequent updates.
Payment delays
Pricing and payments in architecture can be complicated, and ensuring the right compensation is given can be difficult. Managing payment discussions, achieving fair compensation, and resolving client conflicts without compromising are challenges employed architects may encounter.
It is essential to take proactive measures to ensure a proper salary when freelancing while employed as an architect; therefore, always start with making a proper agreement.
I wish you the best of luck as you begin your freelance path. Accept the independence, freedom, and adaptability that freelancing gives. Keep your wits about you, keep honing your craft, forge solid relationships, and never stop learning and wishing you the best of luck in your freelance profession as you pursue it with enthusiasm and tenacity.
References:
- 8 major challenges affecting the growth of freelance businesses (no date) Pepper Content. Available at: https://www.peppercontent.io/blog/8-major-challenges-affecting-the-growth-of-freelance-businesses/ (Accessed: 02 July 2023).
- Author Shaktinandan Satyakam When I’m not gushing over World of Warcraft or playing Witcher you’ll find me strumming my six strings and minting rhymes. LinkedIn, Satyakam, A.S. and When I’m not gushing over World of Warcraft or playing Witcher you’ll find me strumming my six strings and minting rhymes. (2023) The scope and challenges of freelancers in India 2023, Razorpay Learn. Available at: https://razorpay.com/learn/scope-and-challenges-of-freelancers/ (Accessed: 02 July 2023).
- GoCardless (2023) Five common challenges for freelancers, GoCardless. Available at: https://gocardless.com/guides/posts/5-common-challenges-for-freelancers/ (Accessed: 02 July 2023).
- Jalan, A. (2022) 6 reasons why you can’t find new freelance clients (with solutions), MUO. Available at: https://www.makeuseof.com/reasons-you-cant-find-freelance-clients-solutions/#:~:text=You%20Don’t%20Have%20a%20Good%20Portfolio&text=Prospective%20clients%20use%20it%20to,as%20you%20claim%20to%20be. (Accessed: 02 July 2023).
- Rock et al. (2022) 3 key actions to maximize your productivity as a freelancer, Twine Blog. Available at: https://www.twine.net/blog/3-actions-to-maximize-freelancer-productivity/ (Accessed: 02 July 2023).
