The Freelancers' Blog

In the past decade, we’ve seen rapid growth in the number of websites and platforms that allow freelancers to sell their services and products. Each marketplace has its own unique features, advantages, and disadvantages. Here is a brief guide of the three main digital marketplace platform categories:

Creating a website to advertise and sell your products or services can be crucial to building your business and brand. That being said, having a website is certainly not the only way to run a successful freelancing business. In fact, for those who have just begun their freelancing journey, or for those who have not yet honed-in on their specific market, starting a website may not be the best option. One thing to remember is even if you don’t have a website, you can still have a web presence.

College students have a unique challenge in the changing labor market. A COVID-19 recession could impact their future earnings for years to come. With record high unemployment, a pandemic limiting work prospects, and the gig economy booming, the traditional post-graduation career paths are no longer viable or appealing options. Companies may not be hiring, but contractors in every industry are finding work. That’s why now is the perfect time to start your own freelance business. I spoke with studio art majors and sisters, Kelly and Krystal Majid, about their plans to start selling their artwork and building their business during this uncertain time. Here’s what I learned.

For many people in the United States, access to healthcare is contingent on their employment status. The changing nature of work over the past few decades, and particularly over the past few months, has revealed the shortcomings of the employer-based health insurance system.

Understanding the different worker classifications can help you make informed decisions for your business. Interns, independent contractors, and employees all have different legal definitions and legal protections. Finding the right designation for your worker can set the foundation for a legal and fair employment relationship.

Small businesses drive the US economy, so tax laws are set up to give them incentives and rewards.  If you are a self-employed freelancer, gig worker, or contractor, it’s time to evolve and take advantage of those benefits.  Your success may depend on whether you transform yourself into a business. 

Your gigs may have dried up, your contracts cancelled, and your future looks bleak.  You’re running low on binge-worthy series, your grandma can’t figure out Zoom, and you never want to see another box of mac and cheese.