Are you a freelancer in Belgium looking for ways to boost your income and expand your career horizons? Adrian Probst, a Swiss-German translator, has a remarkable success story that can serve as a source of inspiration to you. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Adrian embarked on a unique journey by starting a YouTube channel for freelance translators, Freelanceverse. Let’s explore his journey and learn valuable insights on how you can diversify your income streams as a freelancer in Belgium.
Starting from Scratch: Adrian’s YouTube Adventure
Adrian’s journey began in July 2020 when he decided to create Freelanceverse, a YouTube channel dedicated to helping freelancers, with a special focus on freelance translation. At that time, he had no idea how this venture would turn out, but he was determined to provide valuable content to his audience.
Consistency is Key
Adrian committed to uploading one video per week, following a rigorous schedule, only with a Christmas and summer break. His dedication paid off, as he soon amassed 27,000 subscribers and received 40,000 to 50,000 monthly views. His lesson here is clear: consistency builds trust and a loyal audience.
Identifying a Niche and Content Strategy
Adrian noticed a gap in the market for polished content in his niche of freelance translators. While others were creating rudimentary videos, he aimed for high-quality, informative content. He prepared 52 content ideas, one for each week of the year, based on topics he had struggled with himself and sourced from Facebook groups. He also gathered ideas from the comments on his videos, ensuring he remained relevant to his viewers’ needs.
Monetization and Brand Collaborations
Adrian’s channel reached the milestone of 1,000 subscribers in April 2021, enabling him to monetize his content through YouTube ads. Additionally, he started collaborating with brands, earning between €500 and €1,000 per episode. His advice for freelancers in Belgium is to be selective when choosing sponsors, ensuring that they align with your audience’s interests and provide genuine value.
The Power of Promotion and Networking
Adrian initially didn’t promote his videos, but he realized the importance of promotion later on. He even collaborates with an aspiring translator who helped him with social media promotion. Networking and collaborating with like-minded individuals can significantly boost your visibility and reach.
Insights into the Translation Industry
Adrian predicts a shift in the translation industry, suggesting that the traditional agency model will evolve into something more simultaneous and collaborative. He recommends watching his video about this for a deeper understanding of this perspective.
Diversifying Your Income as a Freelancer
In summary, Adrian Probst’s journey demonstrates that diversifying your income as a freelancer is not only possible but can lead to financial stability and exciting opportunities. Here are some key takeaways for freelancers in Belgium:
- Start a Side Venture: Consider starting a side project or channel that aligns with your skills and interests.
- Consistency Matters: Stick to a consistent schedule to build trust and a loyal audience.
- Identify Your Niche: Find a niche in your industry where you can provide polished and valuable content.
- Monetize Your Skills: Explore multiple income streams, such as ads, memberships, merchandise, sponsorships, and speaking engagements.
- Promote Your Work: Don’t underestimate the power of promotion and networking. Collaborate with others to expand your reach.
- Stay Informed: Keep an eye on industry trends and be open to adapting to changes in your field.
By following these principles and learning from Adrian Probst’s success, freelancers in Belgium can embark on a journey to diversify their income and build a thriving freelance career. Remember, it’s not just about the money; it’s about seizing opportunities, gaining recognition, and having fun along the way.
Want to learn more about Adrian and his YouTube venture?
Link: Follow Freelanceverse
Link: Reach out to Adrian