Being a freelancer takes some innate qualities without which you will not succeed. 

Discipline:  You will need to do what it takes to meet your deadlines.  Do the research, prepare your submission and deliver on time ALL the time.  Forget about an excuse. Ask for extension well before the deadline and try to judge accurately how long the assignment will take.  DON’T offer a short delivery time to get the job and then find that it is just too much work deliver within that time.

Skill:  Make sure that the job you are offering to do that you CAN actually do it.  Deliver quality work every time. You really don’t need a bad reputation online.

Dedication: Freelancing is not for the faint of heart or the quitter.  Half-hearted attempts every now and then will not reap any rewards.  You need to have ‘stick-to-it=iveness’.  While some may start receiving offers immediately, others may not be so fortunate.  Also, the traffic for your goods or services may slow down.  This is not the time to get discouraged, it is time to probably learn new skills or practice some marketing techniques that you previously did not have time for.

These are three key ingredients in making it as a freelancer.  All other areas such as correct pricing and competition will be affected and enhanced when these areas are strong.