Thinking about getting into freelance SharePoint work? It’s a solid field with plenty of chances to make good money. We’ve put together some thoughts on how to find and do well in this kind of work. It’s not always easy, but with the right approach, we can all find success. Let’s look at how we can make this happen.
When we look at the freelance SharePoint market, it’s clear some services are in higher demand than others. Knowing what clients are actively seeking can really help us focus our efforts and find more work. It’s not just about knowing SharePoint; it’s about knowing what people need done with SharePoint.
Many businesses use SharePoint as a base, but they need it to do specific things that out-of-the-box features don’t cover. This is where custom development comes in. We’re talking about building unique web parts, custom workflows, or integrating SharePoint with other business systems. These projects often involve complex problem-solving and require a good grasp of SharePoint’s architecture. Think about creating a custom dashboard for sales data or automating a complex approval process that spans multiple departments. These aren’t small tasks, and clients are willing to pay for solutions that truly fit their needs.
Companies are always looking to move to newer versions of SharePoint, whether it’s from an older on-premises version to SharePoint Online (part of Microsoft 365) or from one cloud version to another. Migrations can be tricky. There’s data to move, permissions to manage, and custom solutions that might need adjustments. Clients often feel overwhelmed by this process and look for experienced professionals to handle it smoothly. We can help them plan the migration, execute it with minimal disruption, and validate that everything is working correctly afterward. This is a big one, especially with the ongoing shift to cloud-based solutions.
Once a SharePoint environment is set up or migrated, it needs regular care. This includes managing user accounts, setting up new sites, configuring permissions, monitoring performance, and troubleshooting issues. Many smaller to medium-sized businesses don’t have dedicated IT staff with deep SharePoint knowledge, so they hire freelancers for this ongoing support. It’s like having a part-time SharePoint IT person. This can lead to steady, recurring work, which is great for income stability. We can offer different support packages, from basic helpdesk functions to more proactive system maintenance.
It’s important to remember that clients often come to us with a problem they can’t solve themselves. Our job is to understand that problem and provide a SharePoint solution that works for them, making their business run better. This often means translating their business needs into technical requirements and then building or configuring SharePoint to meet those requirements.
Here are some common tasks within these high-demand areas:
So, you’ve decided to jump into the freelance SharePoint world. That’s great! But before clients start knocking down your virtual door, we need to make sure your profile really shines. Think of your profile as your digital handshake and your first impression all rolled into one. It’s how potential clients get to know you, what you can do, and why you’re the right person for their SharePoint project.
This is where you prove you’re not just talking the talk. Your portfolio is your evidence. It’s a collection of your past work that demonstrates your skills and the results you’ve achieved for others. Don’t just list projects; give them context.
If you’re just starting out, consider creating some sample projects or offering your services at a reduced rate for a non-profit to build up this section. A strong portfolio is your most powerful marketing tool.
While experience often speaks loudest, certifications can add a layer of credibility. They show you’ve gone through formal training and passed tests to prove your knowledge. Think about certifications related to:
List these clearly on your profile. They can be a quick way for clients to see you have a recognized level of skill.
What do others say about working with you? Testimonials are like mini-endorsements from happy clients. They build trust and give potential clients confidence in your abilities. Don’t be shy about asking for them after a project is successfully completed.
A good testimonial is specific. Instead of ‘John was great,’ aim for something like ‘John helped us streamline our document approval process in SharePoint, saving us hours each week. His communication was excellent throughout the project.’
Try to get a few different ones that cover various aspects of your work, like technical skill, communication, and reliability. A mix of written and even short video testimonials can be very effective.
Finding good SharePoint gigs can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack sometimes. We’ve all been there, scrolling through endless listings. But there are definitely smart ways to find the work that fits your skills. The key is knowing where to look and how to present yourself.
These sites are goldmines for tech-specific work. They often have clients who know exactly what they need and are willing to pay for it. Think platforms focused on IT, development, and cloud services. You’ll find projects ranging from small fixes to full-blown custom solutions.
Don’t discount the big general boards. They might not be SharePoint-specific, but they attract a wide variety of clients, some of whom will definitely need SharePoint help. You just have to be good at searching and filtering.
Sometimes, the best opportunities aren’t advertised. Reaching out directly to companies you know use SharePoint can be very effective. This takes more effort, but the rewards can be significant.
Building relationships is often more effective than just applying to job postings. Think about companies that might have an aging SharePoint environment or are looking to upgrade. A well-timed offer of your services could be exactly what they need.
Remember, consistency is key. Keep your profiles updated, keep searching, and don’t be afraid to reach out directly. The right SharePoint projects are out there waiting for you.
Figuring out what to charge for our SharePoint skills can feel like a puzzle. We want to be paid fairly for our time and know-how, but we also need to stay competitive. Getting your pricing right is key to attracting good clients and building a sustainable freelance business. It’s not just about picking a number; it’s about understanding the value we bring.
Before we set our own prices, it’s smart to see what others are charging. We can look at job boards, freelance platforms, and even talk to other SharePoint pros we know. What are companies typically paying for similar SharePoint tasks? This gives us a baseline. Keep in mind that rates can change based on where the client is located, the complexity of the project, and how much experience we have. A junior SharePoint person will likely charge less than someone who’s been doing this for a decade.
For many SharePoint projects, like building a new site collection or setting up a complex workflow, a fixed project fee makes sense. How do we figure that out? First, we break down the project into smaller tasks. Then, we estimate how long each task will take. Multiply that time by our desired hourly rate (more on that in a sec) and add a bit extra for unexpected issues or revisions. This way, the client knows the total cost upfront, and we’re covered if things take a little longer than planned.
Sometimes, clients just need advice or help with ongoing maintenance. For these situations, an hourly rate works best. We need to think about our overhead costs – things like software, internet, and taxes. We also need to consider our own living expenses and how much we want to earn. A good starting point is to calculate your desired annual income, divide it by the number of billable hours you realistically expect to work in a year, and then add a percentage for business expenses and profit.
It’s easy to undervalue our SharePoint skills. We spend a lot of time learning and staying up-to-date. When we quote a price, we’re not just charging for the hours we work; we’re charging for the solutions we provide, the problems we solve, and the efficiency we bring to our clients’ businesses. Think about the time and money a client saves because of our work.
Here’s a rough idea of what rates might look like, but remember these are just examples:
| Service Type | Typical Rate Range (USD) |
|---|---|
| SharePoint Development | $75 – $150/hour |
| SharePoint Migration | $80 – $175/hour |
| SharePoint Administration | $60 – $120/hour |
| SharePoint Consulting | $100 – $200/hour |
Don’t forget to factor in the complexity of the SharePoint task. A simple data migration is different from a full-blown SharePoint Online tenant setup with custom integrations. We should also be prepared to adjust our rates based on the client’s budget and the overall scope of the engagement. It’s a balancing act, for sure.
Landing a freelance SharePoint gig is just the first step. The real work, and where we build our reputation, is in how we secure and then actually get the job done right. It’s about making sure the client is happy and that the project runs smoothly from start to finish. We want them to feel like they made a good choice hiring us.
When a potential client reaches out, we need to respond with a proposal that shows we get what they need. This isn’t just about listing our skills; it’s about addressing their specific problems. We should break down the project into clear steps, explain what we’ll do, and give a realistic timeline. A well-thought-out proposal sets the stage for a successful project. It shows we’ve done our homework and are serious about the work. Think about including:
Once the project is a go, good management is key. We can’t just wing it. We need a system. For us, this often means using tools to keep track of tasks, deadlines, and communication. Regular check-ins with the client are also important, maybe weekly updates or brief calls. This keeps everyone on the same page and helps catch any issues early. It’s better to find out about a problem during the project than after it’s "finished." We’ve found that clear communication and a structured approach make a big difference. This is where understanding SharePoint development really comes into play, as unexpected technical hurdles can arise.
Our goal isn’t just to finish a project; it’s to have a happy client who might call us again or recommend us to others. This means going the extra mile when we can. It could be providing a bit of extra training, documenting something clearly, or just being responsive and easy to work with. We want them to feel supported even after the main work is done. Building that trust is how we get repeat business and build a solid freelance career. It’s about the relationship as much as the code.
Delivering quality work consistently builds trust. Clients remember who did a good job and who was easy to work with. This positive experience is what leads to repeat engagements and strong referrals, forming the backbone of a sustainable freelance practice.
So, you’ve got a good handle on freelance SharePoint work. You’re getting gigs, clients are happy, and you’re making decent money. That’s awesome! But what’s next? We don’t want to get stuck doing the same old thing forever, right? Let’s talk about how we can grow this thing.
Think about it: the SharePoint world is pretty big. There are tons of different things you can do. Instead of being a jack-of-all-trades, maybe focus on one or two specific areas. For example, maybe you’re really good at building custom workflows using Power Automate, or perhaps you have a knack for SharePoint security and compliance. Focusing can make you the go-to person for those specific problems. Clients will seek you out because they know you’re the expert in that particular niche.
Here are a few ideas for specialization:
Don’t underestimate the power of talking to other people in the field. We’re not just competing; we can also learn from each other. Join online forums, attend webinars (even virtual ones count!), and connect with other SharePoint professionals on LinkedIn. You never know where your next big project lead or helpful tip will come from. Sometimes, another freelancer might need help with a project they can’t handle alone, and they’ll think of you.
Building relationships in the community can open doors you didn’t even know existed. It’s about being part of something bigger than just your own client list.
SharePoint isn’t static. Microsoft is always updating it, and new related technologies pop up all the time. To stay relevant and keep getting good work, we have to keep learning. This might mean taking online courses, getting new certifications, or just dedicating some time each week to read up on the latest changes. Staying current means you can offer more services and command higher rates. It’s an investment in your future as a freelancer.
Ready to take your freelance SharePoint skills to the next level? Our platform connects you with amazing opportunities to grow your career. Don’t miss out on expanding your freelance journey. Visit our website today to discover how you can advance!
So, we’ve looked at how to find work with SharePoint. It’s not always easy, but there are definitely chances out there if you know where to look. We talked about building up your skills and showing what you can do. Remember to keep learning because this stuff changes. We think if you put in the effort, you can find some good projects. Don’t get discouraged if it takes a bit of time. Just keep at it, and you’ll likely find your spot in the SharePoint freelance world.
We can find all sorts of SharePoint work! This includes building custom SharePoint solutions for businesses, helping them move their old SharePoint stuff to new versions, and providing ongoing help to keep their SharePoint systems running smoothly. Think of us as SharePoint helpers for hire.
We need to show off our past projects, like a digital scrapbook of our best SharePoint work. Getting certificates that prove we know our stuff is a great idea too. And, we should ask happy clients to share their good experiences with us – their words can really help us get hired.
We can check out websites that are just for tech jobs, or even bigger websites where people find all kinds of freelance work. Sometimes, the best way is to reach out directly to companies we think might need our SharePoint skills. It’s like casting a wide net!
We should first see what other SharePoint freelancers are charging. Then, we can figure out if we want to charge a set price for a whole project or charge by the hour, depending on what makes the most sense for the job. We want to be fair but also get paid what we’re worth.
We need to write proposals that really grab the client’s attention and show them we understand what they need. Once we get the job, we have to manage our time well and keep the client happy throughout the project. A happy client often means more work later!
We can become super experts in one specific part of SharePoint. Connecting with other people who work with SharePoint is also smart – we can learn from them and maybe find new opportunities. And, since technology changes, we must keep learning new things about SharePoint to stay on top.