How to Increase Your Productivity as a Freelancer. In recent years, big freelancing platforms have seen a steady increase in freelancers, reaching 39% of the total US workforce – referring to almost 60 million US citizens.
Ever since the outbreak of COVID-19, freelancing has become a more favourable option for many individuals. Working on their own schedule and from the comfort of their own homes has allowed them to achieve success.
Starting your own business can have its setbacks, and being in charge of yourself may not always lead to maximum productivity.
With the rise of remote work and many individuals embarking on entrepreneurial journeys, the workforce must adapt to a constantly changing environment.
In this HostPapa blog, we’ll share invaluable insights on how to boost your productivity and also unveil exciting opportunities that could transform your freelance career.
So, gear up and let’s go!
- Setting the Foundation for Freelancer Productivity
- Increasing Freelancer Productivity In A Few Steps
- Why Are More People Becoming Freelancers Around the World?
Setting the Foundation for Freelancer Productivity
Productivity works differently for each person, but all forms have the same effect – going through your tasks effectively.
But before we tell you more, let’s set the mood to help you boost your productivity and craft a professional image.
Your online presence, particularly in the form of an impressive portfolio, plays a pivotal role in your journey. It’s a reflection of your own work and should be accompanied by a stylish and fast website.
A well-crafted portfolio tells a compelling story of your skills, experience, and dedication, boosting the confidence level of those who seek your services.
While we won’t delve into plenty of details, we’ll just say that with just $2.95/mo USD, you have a guaranteed place in the online community with HostPapa’s shared hosting solutions.
And, if time is of the essence, the Do It For Me solution saves valuable time by letting us do the hard work of building a website just for you.
With these foundations set, you’re off to a great start.
Increasing Freelancer Productivity In A Few Steps
Having an online presence as a freelancer is a fairly important first step you need to take to ensure that people are going to find you online.
An up-to-date page on LinkedIn helps a lot, while an up-to-date profile on the most popular freelancing networks ensures you get a good headstart on your freelancing career.
But now, let’s check out all the great steps to boost your productivity today. Many of these strategies are flexible and can be applied whether you’re working remotely (using some online platforms like Upwork or Fiverr) or working as a freelancer in your local area.
1. Task Management and Time Tracking
The freelance productivity world hinges on effective task management and meticulous time tracking. Here’s how you can master these critical skills:
- Prioritize and group tasks: Break your projects into manageable pieces and prioritize them based on urgency and importance. Group similar tasks together, as this streamlines your workflow and enhances your overall efficiency.
- Harness the Pomodoro: Discover the power of time management with the Pomodoro Technique. Stay focused by setting timers for specific intervals, usually 25 minutes, and taking brief breaks in between. This method maximizes your productivity by keeping you engaged and refreshed.
- The online image advantage: An organized task management system not only streamlines your projects but also reflects positively on your online image. Clients and collaborators value freelancers who are systematic, and shared web hosting can provide the platform for your professional online presence.
2. Staying Motivated and Minimizing Distractions
Your freelance work success requires a balance between motivation and focus. Let’s delve into the art of personal productivity while minimizing distractions:
- Fuel your motivation: Remember why you chose the freelance path. Visualize your goals, both short-term and long-term. Keep your passion alive by revisiting your aspirations and using them to fuel your journey.
- Embrace focus apps: Leverage focus apps designed to keep distractions at bay. Whether it’s blocking tempting websites or helping you stay on task, these tools can be your secret weapon against digital interruptions.
- Design a productive workspace: Create a workspace that speaks “productivity.” Ensure it’s well-lit, comfortable, and devoid of distractions. Make this space exclusively about work to mentally separate your professional life from your personal life.
- Exploring web hosting options: Explore the idea of a different work environment by utilizing web hosting services or transitioning to Reseller VPS. These options can offer you a more controlled, dedicated space, boosting your productivity while maintaining a professional online presence.
3. Routine and Self-Care
Self-care is a serious subject for everyone. A freelancer’s life thrives on structure and self-care, and just like anyone, we must treat ourselves with respect.
Here’s how to infuse both into your freelance routine:
- Create a daily routine: Set a daily schedule to structure your work and personal life. Incorporate small rituals, such as starting your day with a brisk walk or enjoying a midday coffee break, to create a routine that keeps your work mindset sharp.
- Boost your online image: An established routine not only enhances your productivity but also showcases your commitment as a professional. Just as shared web hosting provides a robust online presence, your consistent routine reflects your reliability to clients and collaborators.
4. Taking Effective Breaks
Why are more people choosing freelancing, and what does this mean for your journey as a freelancer? Frequent breaks greatly affect productivity, and this applies to freelancers and any kind of employee.
Let’s explore:
- The rise of freelancing: Freelancing is on the ascent, and the numbers don’t lie. The freelance market has grown exponentially, with an impressive 36% of full-time freelancers in 2020, and it’s only going up from here.
- Gen Z leading the way: Younger generations, particularly Gen Z, are at the forefront of this shift. Their preference for freelancing stems from a different perspective on traditional employment. They see the freedom and opportunity in freelancing that full-time employment may lack.
- Embracing entrepreneurship: Freelancing isn’t just an alternative; it’s an entrepreneurial path many find appealing. It offers flexibility, creativity, and a sense of control that resonates with the changing tides of the workforce.
- The freelancer’s future: With the demand for freelancers rising, your journey as a freelancer holds immense potential. It’s a landscape where your skills and dedication can truly shine. The future is freelance, and it’s more promising than ever before.
Why Are More People Becoming Freelancers Around the World?
The freelancing landscape has been radically changing since the last pandemic of 2019.
To decipher why this transformation is unfolding, we turn to what Hayden Brown said not long ago about the subject. Hayden is the President and CEO of Upwork, one of the biggest freelancing platforms available. She pointed out that while the overall number of freelancers is rising, Gen Z workers have taken the freelance world by storm.
It’s common for younger adults beginning their careers to question the idea of traditional full-time employment and seek alternate ways to earn a living.
On the flip side, older generations may view starting a business as a riskier option compared to the security of a steady job.
Some labour statistics confirm that there are even full-time jobs that have adapted to a more flexible work environment.
According to McKinsey, more than half of employers allow employees to work from home for some parts or the entire week, meaning that productivity remains strong, even when working remotely.
HostPapa is a prime example of a company that operates remotely. By enabling their employees to work from home, they provide an excellent chance for their staff to be productive while enjoying the comfort of their homes.
But the tale doesn’t end there.
Projections paint an even more exciting future. By the year 2028, it’s expected that a staggering 90.1 million people in the United States will be donning the freelancer’s hat.
This astonishing number represents half of the nation’s entire workforce, underlining the seismic shift in how we perceive work.
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Loukas Kouvelis, “How to Increase Your Productivity as a Freelancer | HostPapa,” The HostPapa Blog, December 7, 2023, https://www.hostpapa.com/blog/business/how-to-increase-your-productivity-as-a-freelancer/.
