In a world where so many people have side-hustles (around 4.5 million of us are registered as self-employed) and are trying to make the most of their “not so free time”, there are plenty of ways that you can get ahead and make your self-employed business more profitable than the rest. Being successful as a freelancer is not easy. So, here are 5 top tips on how you can improve your business, no matter which industry you’re in.

1. Have a routine as if you were going to work

Whatever you do, don’t treat it as another day off at home. Get up at a normal working day time, get showered, changed and set yourself up for the day. Many people fall into the trap of getting up, staying in your pyjamas or working from the sofa. None of this is conducive towards producing good products or offering a top class service. 

If you struggle to work from home all the time, head out to ashared working space and sit at a proper desk, or even visit your local coffee shop, put your headphones in and work away with a piece of cake and your favourite hot drink. 

2. Pay yourself a wage

It may sound obvious, but don’t forget to pay yourself a proper salary. No matter how big or small the amount, set a specific payment date each month. Also, don’t forget to invoice your clients on a set date, and give them a time in which they need to pay by. You’d be surprised how many people end up waiting months for invoices to be settled!

3. Take real world breaks

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Whether this is giving yourself a proper lunch hour, time to make cups of tea or even allowing yourself to have a holiday, make sure you take proper breaks. Oh, and don’t forget to give yourself at least one day off a week (preferably two like a weekend), even if these days don’t fall on a Saturday or a Sunday.

4. Make sure you have the right equipment

This is incredibly important, because without the right tools or equipment, you’ll be lost from the word go. If you’re offering marketing services, make sure you have the right platforms to schedule social media posts or produce content. If you’re a freelance hairdresser or beautician, make sure you’ve got all the hairdressing scissors and products you’ll need to use. Not having the equipment you need can not only ruin your reputation, it can also prevent new customers from coming to you. 

5. Treat yourself to a Christmas party

Christmas can be a tough time in the self-employed world! Whether you head off with your partner, business partner or a group of friends, treat yourself to a good old knees up around Christmas! Go wild, you deserve it.