Advertising copywriters, graphic designers and web designers can all make quite a bit of money doing freelance work "on the side."
Here's find jobs and make sure the project turns out best for both you and your 'client.'
Instructions
1. First, figure out whether or not your current employer will be okay with you doing 'side work.'
Some agencies do NOT like their employees doing side work - it lowers the value of their services. On the other hand, as long as you're doing the work for a company that doesn't compete with a client of your employer, many won't mind.
Or, you can just do it secretly. This is tricky, though, and you wouldn't want to jeopardize your job.
If you aren't currently employed, don't worry about it.
2. Find work.
This is probably the most difficult part of the process. The easiest way to find freelance work is to talk to any and all business contacts/relatives with businesses that you have. Your work will be much cheaper than a professional freelancer or agency, so often businesses will be more than happy to hire you for a project.
Another option is to simply 'cold call' businesses or go door to door. This is time consuing however, and the ratio of effort to work found will probably be much smaller.
Overall, you probably want to aim your efforts at smaller, non-chain, family-run businesses. These types of places often already are running ads in newpapers and may even have their own websites. Offering to just spruce-up this media and make it more proffesional,either design or copy-wise, would be cost-effective for them and simple for you.
You will need to show any prospective client your past work, either in a portfolio or on your website. Make sure it's only your best work. See my article on making your own website or portfolio.
3. Determine the budget, scope and timeline of the project BEFOREHAND.
Before ANY work is done, find out how much the client would like to spend and determine the scope of the project. This way, you can determine if the money you will make vs. the time you spend is worthwhile. And limit the number of times the client can revise your work - if you don't they could revise it 10 times, killing your time spent/money made ratio.
Some freelancers give an hourly rate up front. This is an option, but usually the client will only have a limited budget anyways, and it's just easier to figure out exactly what you can do for them given what they have to spend. Plus, a flat fee prevents you from having to tally hours spent working.
What you charge will vary depending on your level of experience and the goingt -rate in your area. Ask other freelancers or see what agencies are charging. (Obviously, you will be charging WAY less than an agency would.) And for your first couple jobs, give the client a discount - you're untested, and the experience will be worth it.
As far as timelines go - overestimate, if the client isn't in a rush. Projects almost always take longer than you think. If the client is in a rush, you are allowed to ask for an increase in the budget. Or, you may have to say you simply can't finish in the time give.
4. Have the client sign a contract.
This is important so that you BOTH are clear on exactly what services you will be providing, and how much they will be paying. Detail exactly what the project will involve, so that the client cannot add on work mid-project. If they do, you'll have the contract in hand and can request an increase in the budget that corresponds to the increase in work load.
Formats for freelance contracts can be found online - Google it.
Or, you can make your own. Include the date, your address, you contact's name, the project title, exactly what the project involves, the costs to the client (including photos, printing costs, etc.), a timeline, and an area for you to sign.
Don't worry TOO much about this being an official, legally-binding document, unless you really don't trust your client. It shouldn't be a problem, and the contract is more for laying out the exact agreement for both your knowledge beforehand, anyways.
Also, discuss getting payment in two installments - one halfway through the project, one after completion. This way, if the client bails on the project mid-way, you've at least been paid for your initial work, as you should be. A good time for the first payment is right before you show your first round of work.
5. Work!
Work dilligently on finishing the project by the previously agreed upon deadline. Leaving it for the last minute can have disaterous results.
Plus, you'll be showing the client the work in progress as you go, making changes as requested. As said, limit the number of changes the client can make, but still make sure they're happy with what they're seeing. If you go a little over the agreed upon number of revises, don't worry. Their happiness is worth it. Usually, you'll give the client a few options to choose from anyways.
Keep communication extremely open and frequent. Try e-mailing instead of phone calls - this way you have a written record of all their comments, which you can use to make sure your work is on target.
If you are a writer, you may need to pair up with a designer to complete a given project, and vice-versa. Determine beforehand how you will split the money. Make sure you're confident in the work of your partner - if you're the main contact to the client, you're responsible and have to answer for the final product.
6. Wrap up.
Once the work is done, get feedback from the client. Ask how they feel about the final product and your conduct throughout the project. This way you can improve for your next job. Plus, if you work for the same client again, you can be sure to impress.
You could even ask for a written refferal, which you can snew clients.
