Did you know that one in three workers is actually a freelancer? In light of recent job trends, that number is only going to continue to go up too.

As the freelance industry continues to grow, a lot more people are looking to start a freelance business, and you might’ve clicked on this article because you’re curious about it yourself. There’s a learning curve when it comes to running your own business, though, and it’s easy to make mistakes.

This guide makes it easy to avoid them, though. Read on to learn four of the best tips for freelance business management.

1. Create a Plan

Before you take on any freelance clients, you have to have a plan. Depending on your goals, your plan doesn’t have to be in-depth or long-term, though. In fact, it’s better to plan how you’re going to start and then work from there.

You don’t know how many clients you’re going to be taking on, and it’s easier to plan for a few clients and then rework later than it is to walk into things thinking you’re going to be taking on 30 clients immediately.

2. Solidify Your Workflow

As you get started, this step will become easier, but you’ll have to find your workflow. Your specific process is going to depend on you and your industry, but having a routine you follow is going to make things easier in the long run. In fact, it’s sure to become second nature after a few months, and you’re likely to change it as you move forward.

The other thing to remember is that you don’t have to commit to one workflow. As your business evolves, you’re going to as well.

3. Keep Track of Things

The single most important thing to care for when you’re starting your freelance business is to make sure you’re keeping track of all your documents, orders, the things you purchase, and even the money you make.

Business tools like this online invoice maker make things easier to track while you’re running your business.

When you open a business bank account, be sure you keep track of everything that flows in and out of it, and remember to keep your business expenses separate from your personal ones.

4. Build Your Brand

When you build your brand, you give yourself a bigger chance to take on potential clients. Businesses like working with freelancers who are established, and who they feel like they can trust. When you create a solid brand for yourself, you start emulating this feeling for them without really trying.

Start with creating a portfolio, and ask your previous clients for testimonies to be featured on your website. Reviews are another great way to gain trust.

Ready to Run an Efficient Freelance Business?

Now that we’ve gone over a few of the best tips for running an efficient freelance business, are you ready to get started? Whether you already have clients or you’re just starting your freelancing ventures, you can begin building your own efficient freelance business with these tips, a little time, and a lot of dedication.

For more on the latest in business and tech, check out the rest of our website.