The Tools for the Job
Anyone considering freelance work must have enough experience in their chosen field in order to sell their services credibly as a freelancer. But beyond that, the most vital thing is that you look like a professional. Many freelancers do run successful businesses using Hotmail email addresses and the like, but you really will create a better impression if you invest in a proper domain name. These are not expensive and can be bought online easily and simply, usually with email hosting packages (which you will need) and web hosting packages.
Once you have an email address it is worth investing in a single web page at the very least. Being able to point people at your web page for further information and contact details really helps when marketing your services and also makes you look more professional. If you know someone (or are a web developer!) then this will not be a problem, but if you don’t, then there are a number of good quality low-cost website packages ‘in a box’ out there that will enable you to get up and running.
Something else that will definitely be useful is business cards, for giving to friends, suppliers and industry contacts - and for handing out when visiting industry events. Make sure you include a supporting sentence on the card which explains what services you offer, if it’s not obvious from your company name. You don’t need a logo (unless you can get one for nothing!) and other stationery items are not vital either in the Internet age, as all correspondence and invoicing can be done via email.
Any other marketing tools, like a brochure or hard copy sales materials, are a nice-to-have but really are not essential. If someone asks for a brochure simply refer them to your web page instead. Further down the line if you really want a brochure then you can choose to have one, but in the short term, there are better things to spend your limited budget on!
Your other vital marketing tool will be samples of work and/or client references. but these take time to build up. Make sure you always ask for these and update your website regularly with new work samples (if relevant) or new client testimonials.
If you have any questions about freelancing or would like any further advice please either contact your SJD Accountant or call our New Client Services helpdesk on 0500 152500 / 01442 275789 or e-mail michelle.turbutt@sjdaccountancy.com
For a more detailed breakdown of the different areas to consider when freelancing read the following pages, all dedicated to providing information to freelancers:
Accountants for Freelancers
Sole trader to Limited - Freelancer case study
The opportunity for Freelancers
Structuring your business
How to find freelance work
SJD Accountancy
SJD Accountancy are the UK's largest specialist provider of fixed fee, limited company accountancy services to freelancers; we've been acting for freelancers across the UK since 1992 and have more than 11,000 clients.
We are the only National specialist firm of accountants with offices in all major UK cities so you’ll never be far from your accountant. SJD also have more qualified staff than any other firm in our market with qualifications from the following major tax and accountancy bodies - ATII, ATT, ACCA, CA, ACA, FCCA, ACMA. You’ll also be pleased to know that we are one of the lowest priced as well.
Free face-to-face meetings. This is another unique service, only SJD offers free face to face meetings - tax is complicated and sometimes only a meeting will do.
Unlimited access to your own dedicated accountant. No call centres, no outsourcing, no automated call handling. Simply telephone, e-mail or meet your own dedicated accountant face to face.
Money backed service guarantee. All your telephone calls and e-mails will be answered the same day or we will refund your monthly fee's.
Outstanding reputation. We have won more awards for customer service and accountancy excellence than any other firm in our market.
All inclusive low cost monthly package which includes completion of accounts, payroll bureau, dividends and corporation tax computations, personal taxation, free bookkeeping software, unlimited access to your accountant and all company returns.
All this for a fixed monthly fee of £110 plus VAT, which is one of the lowest prices in the market. And most importantly, in a recent survey 98% of our clients rated SJD as 'better than other accountants' - we are working hard to convince the other 2%!
If you have any question about contracting or would like any further advice please either contact your SJD Accountant or call our new client services helpdesk on 0500 152500 / 01442 275789 or e-mail michelle.turbutt@sjdaccountancy.com
Appoint SJD Accountancy and never worry about your tax or accountancy affairs again!
You may also find the following pages, guides and case studies useful:
Take home pay calculator - How much could you be taking home
Contractor FAQ - All your frequently asked questions and their answers
First time Contracting or Freelancing? - A summary of the alternatives along with pros and cons
Step-by-step Guide to Contracting - Download a FREE copy of our guide
Limited or Umbrella? Can't decide? - We help you decide which is best for you
Take home pay case studies - Examples of contractors using limited and umbrella companies
Expenses Guide - Know exactly what you can claim
Umbrella company guide - Everything you ever wanted to know about umbrella company services
IR35 Guide - A great plain English guide to IR35
