People are always asking us how they can get started freelancing. Sometimes we feel like the answer to that question is just so huge that there’s no way we can easily answer it. In fact, I often tell them to consider coming to the blog and clicking on the “getting started” category on the right. When we sit down and think about it, though, there are some steps you can take that will make a big difference. Implement these ideas over the course of the next few months, and you may find that the freelance lifestyle is a good fit for you.

This list focuses on how to become a freelance writer, but you can apply the ideas to almost any type of freelancing.

#1. Learn everything you can about how to be a freelancer.

Check out other freelancer’s blogs. Michael Stelzner of Writing White Papers has compiled an awesome Top Ten Blogs for Writers list that represents a great place to start.

#2. Determine if you’re any good.

While bad writers can make money freelancing, good writers can make more. Just because you can type, it doesn’t mean you’re a writer.

#3. Set your rates.

There are plenty of blogs out there that will tell you how to set your rates, but most writers are actually pretty secretive about what they really charge. It boils down to figuring out what your time is worth and setting your rates accordingly.

#4. Be professional.

While you don’t need to have a website and business cards to get started, they can go a long way in presenting you in the right light. The more professional your look, the more seriously potential clients will take you.

#5. Have quality samples on hand.

Most of the jobs you bid on will require writing samples. If you haven’t already been published somewhere else, then go ahead and write samples on topics that interest you.

#6. Find the jobs.

Whether you’re scouring Craigslist (also, consider checking out Freelance Writing Jobs, since they collect jobs from Craigslist and a lot of other sources every day) or bidding on Guru.com, you need to go where potential employers are posting their jobs.

#8. Find a niche.

Being able to write on “any” topic can definitely be handy, but you can often make more money by being a specialist in one or two subject areas.

#9. Set goals for yourself.

Write them down, and in addition to financial goals, think about thinks like how to transition from your current job to freelancing, as well as what type of exit strategy you might want to employ.

#10. Treat it like a job.

If you were working for someone else, you wouldn’t be able to miss deadlines or ignore the less fun parts of your job. If you want to succeed as a freelancer, then you still can’t do these things. Ask yourself a few questions to make sure you’re on the right track.

With the economy the way it is, more and more people want to get started freelancing as an option to help make some extra money. For some, a job layoff has necessitated that they look for work somewhere else, and we all know that there aren’t a lot of places hiring. For others, the rising cost of energy, fuel, groceries, and everything else has led to a shortfall of cash. Many of these people are wondering if freelancing might be a real possibility for solving some of their financial problems.

The answer is “yes.”

Those of you who know us, though, know that we’re not going to tell you that it’s easy. It’s hard work, but so rewarding. If you really want to learn how to do this, stick around this week, as we’ll be going into more detail on all of the topics listed above.