9 Tips On Freelancing: This Is Based On My Experience

I’ve been freelancing on and off for nearly 10 years now, so I’ve tried a little bit of everything, and I want to share my tips on freelancing, so you can avoid some of the many mistakes I made and how you can become a better freelancer.

To succeed as a freelancer, you must develop a strong foundation that includes understanding your market, pricing your services appropriately, managing client relationships, and continuously improving your skills.

Let’s get into it.

Key Takeaways

• Building a solid foundation involves understanding your market and continually improving your skills.
• Developing an online presence and an impressive portfolio can set you apart from the competition.
• Embrace rejection as a part of freelancing while networking and honing your negotiation skills to boost success.

Tip 1: Start Freelancing On The Side

Many freelancers will tell you to jump into it and figure it out along the way. I’m not one of those.

I started freelancing on the side while I was studying for my bachelor’s in web development and then slowly transitioned to full-time.

So many freelancers only freelance on the side of their 9-5 job because it’s an extra income, and they like their job.

You should do the same. Start freelancing on the side of your 9-5 job so you still have some stability in your every day, and then slowly transition into full-time freelancing when you feel ready.

By doing it this way, you get a better experience with freelancing, and it allows you to make a plan and execute it more calmly than stressing about where to find the next prospective clients because you have bills to pay.

I’ve written an article on how to start freelancing on the side, containing all the steps you need to succeed.

Tip 2: Price Your Services

The next tip is to price your services right, and whether it’s a project rate or an hourly rate, you need to ensure your price is fair to what you deliver and your expertise.

Setting Your Rates

As a freelancer, setting the right rates for your services is crucial.

Start by determining your hourly rate based on your expenses, earning goals, and market expectations. For example, if your expenses total $4,000 a month and you’d like to make 25% more for your salary, you’ll need to earn $60,000 annually.

Divide this by the billable hours you plan to work, and you’ll have your base hourly rate.

• Consider your experience and skills: Increase your rates for specialised services or if you have an established reputation.
• Research the market: Analyse the rates of other freelancers with similar backgrounds. (Check platforms like Upwork and Worksome).
• Review your rates regularly: Adjust your rates as your experience, portfolio, and demand grow.

There are different pricing structures freelancers can use, such as:

• Hourly: Charging by the hour is suitable if you’re unsure how long a project will take or have ongoing work.
• Project-based: Charging a flat fee per project works well when you can estimate the time and resources needed.
• Retainer: Charging a fixed monthly fee for a set amount of work gives you recurring income.

When I started freelancing, I calculated my rate to $32, which is super low in Denmark, where I’m from, but it was a great start for me to get started.

From there, I slowly worked my way up to around $90, and I’ll continue to increase it as my skillset improves, and you should do the same.

Tip 3: Managing Clients and Freelance Work

This is a large point, but I’ve tried to keep it short and to the point because it’s super important and some great tips whether you’re a freelance writer, animator or developer.

Get New Clients Via Freelance Platforms

Consider using freelance platforms to find new clients to maintain a steady workflow.

These platforms can help you showcase your skills and establish a positive reputation with potential clients.

Keep your profile updated and regularly submit proposals for projects that match your expertise.

I used Worksome as my go-to platform, and I still find a client or 2 occasionally using Worksome and other Freelance websites.

If you want my recipe on how you write a converting cover letter, then I’ve written about that over here.

Handling Contracts and Agreements

When you secure a new project or client, it’s essential to establish a clear contract or agreement outlining the project’s/collaboration scope, payment terms, and deadlines.

I’ve made the mistake of not making contracts, and after months of work just see the client disappear with the project and never pay me.

There have also been other cases where the client and I were just in doubt about how the initial agreement was. I always create a contract now, saving me from all this and sometimes even late payments.

Get some freelance contract templates here for free.

This will help you avoid any misunderstandings or disputes down the line.

Clearly state your policies on revisions, additional work, and late payments to protect your interests.

Meeting Deadlines and Expectations

As a freelancer, meeting deadlines and client expectations is crucial for building a solid reputation. But I want to say it’s okay to miss a deadline; you just need to be proactive about it.

You’re making a big mistake if you miss a deadline and don’t communicate it to your client. I almost went down with stress once because I missed a deadline and I didn’t tell the client.

Your client is a human too, and they understand that things can happen. Just be upfront with it when you see you’ll miss the deadline.

Always be honest about your availability and time to complete a project. Break down large projects into manageable milestones and update clients on your progress. This way, you can demonstrate your commitment to timely delivering quality work.

Create A Client Onboarding

When you start with a new client, there is always a bunch of stuff you need to get in order, such as a contract, maybe an NDA, logins to the different things and much more.

If you make a structured onboarding process and give it to your client, everyone is on the same page, and your client feels cared for.

It’ll also ease the process for all your freelance clients as they can prepare for future elements of the onboarding process.

Always Ask Your Clients For Feedback

One of the biggest mistakes I see is freelancers not asking for feedback, and the next biggest mistake is only asking for feedback once your client relationship ends.

You need to ask for feedback regularly. Try and ask your client once every 3 months, or maybe every month, if you’re eager to improve.

It’s like a performance interview, your client is probably used to them, and your client wants you to improve as well, as it’ll benefit your client in the long run.

Be The Proactive Freelancer

Anticipate potential challenges and stay ahead by being proactive in your freelance work.

Address any issues before they escalate, and inform clients about changes or setbacks. Demonstrating your ability to adapt and overcome obstacles will help you gain your clients’ trust and foster long-lasting relationships.

Tell them as soon as you have an idea or a suggestion on how your freelance client can improve. Give them all of you, and show them how big of an asset you are to them.

Pro-tip: By being proactive, you’ll automatically create more work for yourself and hopefully end up with a more successful career than the opposite.

Tip 4: Establishing an Online Presence

This is something you shouldn’t do right away. Focus on potential customers and build a client base before you jump into spending time building an online presence.

Even though an online presence can give you clients, it takes time and effort. You need to meet up every day and be active. And you most likely won’t get a client from social media in the first year.

I didn’t start being active online until last year, and I’ve been freelancing on and off for nearly 10 years.

Leveraging Social Media

Social media platforms are great for building your online presence as a freelancer.

They offer an opportunity to showcase your skills, connect with potential clients, and network with fellow professionals. Here are a few steps to get started:

• Set up profiles on relevant social media platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter. Make sure your profile is complete and professional, including your work experience, education, and portfolio, if applicable.
• Grow your network by connecting with colleagues, industry professionals, and potential clients. Share relevant content, engage in conversations, and build relationships with your audience.
• Demonstrate your expertise by posting regular updates, articles, and insights about topics related to your field. This will help establish your credibility and attract potential clients to hire you for their projects.

Make a plan for your content; don’t be afraid to overshare your knowledge. Clients won’t take your knowledge and solve their tasks themselves, but they’ll use it to confirm you know your stuff.

Creating a Blog or Website

In addition to social media, creating a blog or personal website is an effective way to establish your online presence as a freelancer.

This doesn’t only apply to freelance writers. Anyone can benefit from creating blog posts, as they’ll rank on Google and slowly intrigue clients.

It is a central hub for your portfolio and potential clients to learn more about your services.

• Choose a domain name that reflects your name or your freelance business name. Purchase a domain and set up hosting for your website.
• Design your website or blog to represent your personal brand and creative style. Ensure your website is visually appealing, easy to navigate, and contains all necessary information about your services, rates, and contact details.
• Create and maintain a portfolio showcasing your best work, organised by categories or projects. This will make it easy for potential clients to assess your skills and previous experience, increasing the chances of getting freelance gigs.
• Update your blog regularly with relevant posts and articles. By sharing compelling content and insights and showcasing your expertise in your field, you will attract more clients and build a solid online presence.

These 2 ways of building an online presence are great, but building an online presence is not mandatory to achieve success as independent professionals.

I didn’t have a portfolio before I worked with around 10 clients because I wanted something to show, and it was just not my priority. If I can do it, so can you.

Tip 5: Creating an Impressive Portfolio

This is not a necessary step until you have some clients. I did wait until I had some projects to show.

But I’ve also seen other freelancers succeed by showing off their hobby projects on their portfolio because their clients were looking for something similar.

Building a portfolio, it’s super important you shine through the portfolio. It’s all about you, what you can do and what you have done.

Showing off previous projects supported by blog posts is the best way to show off your knowledge and your capabilities.

To build social proof, I like to ask my clients for testimonials, and I always ask before the project ends so I’m sure I’m getting the testimonial and I don’t have to push the client afterwards for it.

Ask Your Clients for Testimonials

One of the most effective ways to build trust in your work is to include testimonials from satisfied clients.

Contact your past clients, talk with your current clients and ask them to write a brief testimonial on your work or services.

It’s often helpful to provide them with guidelines or a template for the testimonial to ensure consistency and relevance.

Pro tips for your portfolio

Experience: Demonstrate your experience by being selective in the projects you include. Highlight your best work, focusing on tasks that align with your specialisation. Present a diverse range of samples to showcase your versatility and adaptability in different fields and projects.

Portfolio: Curate your portfolio to make it visually appealing, easy to navigate, and engaging. Choose the best format to display your work, such as using a grid for visual designs or an online document for written content. Remember, your portfolio should reflect your personal brand, so invest time creating a unique and recognisable design.

LinkedIn: Use LinkedIn as an extension of your portfolio by keeping your profile updated and linking it to your portfolio. Ask clients and colleagues for endorsements and recommendations to boost your visibility and credibility on the platform.

Marketing: Promote your portfolio by sharing it on social media platforms, adding it to your email signature, and referencing it during networking events or online forums. Don’t underestimate the impact of word-of-mouth referrals(Mouth recommendations) in expanding your reach to new clients.

Remember that the key to creating an impressive portfolio is to show potential clients the value you can bring to their projects.

Maintain a professional and consistent tone, and invest time in creating a tailored portfolio highlighting your greatest strengths and accomplishments.

Tip 6: Rejection Is Part Of Being A Freelancer

Facing rejection is a natural part of your freelance career. As you pursue various opportunities, not every client or project will inevitably be a match.

By embracing this fact, you can develop resilience and learn valuable lessons to improve your skills and prospects.

First, it’s essential to separate your work from your identity. Understand that a rejection or criticism is about the specific project or proposal, not a judgement of your worth as a professional or person. This mindset allows you to continue confidently in your freelancing career.

Always seek constructive feedback when facing rejection. Politely ask your clients what aspects of your proposal or work didn’t meet their expectations, then use this information to refine your approach and avoid similar pitfalls in future projects. Remember to maintain a neutral tone and demonstrate a willingness to learn.

Don’t take freelancing rejections personally. Instead, focus on continuous learning and self-improvement. You may encounter multiple rejections before securing the ideal client or project, but remember that this is a common experience for most freelancers. See each rejection as an opportunity to grow and improve in your field.

Lastly, practice self-care and motivation. Dealing with rejections can be mentally draining, so remember to take breaks, surround yourself with supportive people, and engage in activities that bring you joy. This way, you can maintain a positive attitude and remain eager to face new opportunities.

You’ll often experience not even hearing back from the client. For every 20 proposals I send out, I land a client, so you must be patient, especially with larger projects.

In summary, rejection is an inherent aspect of freelancing. Still, by adopting a growth mindset, seeking feedback, and maintaining a positive outlook, you can continue to thrive and enhance your career.

Tip 7: Network With Other Freelancers

Building and maintaining a network helps you expand your reach and allows you to learn from the experiences of those who have faced similar challenges in their careers.

One efficient way to build your network is through LinkedIn. Regularly update your profile, showcasing your skills and past projects.

Connect with other freelancers, especially those who work within your niche. Engage with their content, making you more visible to potential clients and collaborators.

And then it’s just super motivating to communicate with like-minded people. I like to do this on Twitter, but LinkedIn is also a great place.

Networking doesn’t have to be intimidating. When attending in-person events, arrive prepared with a clear idea of who you want to connect with and the objectives you want to achieve.

Offer genuine interest in others’ work and experiences, as this will show that you value their expertise and help foster mutual professional respect.

Remember to follow up with the connections you make, as a simple email or message can strengthen your relationship and open doors to new opportunities.

Referrals are a powerful way to grow your client base, and strong connections with fellow freelancers can lead to recommendations and lasting work partnerships.

In summary, actively networking with other freelancers will benefit your freelance career in many ways.

By leveraging expert advice, collaborating on projects, and gaining referrals, you pave the way for a prosperous and fulfilling professional journey.

Tip 8: Improve Your Freelance Negotiation Skills

Developing and refining your negotiation skills is not crucial, but you’ll benefit from it in the long run in your freelance career.

It will enable you to secure better client deals and increase your overall earnings. These tips will help you confidently negotiate freelance contracts while maintaining a professional and neutral tone.

1. Tell your story: Make sure clients understand your background, expertise, and the unique benefits you bring to the project. By presenting your skills and experiences effectively, you can demonstrate your value and justify your rates.
2. Avoid email negotiations: Steer clear of email negotiations, as these can easily lead to miscommunication and failed deals. Instead, arrange face-to-face or video meetings with clients, which allows for more transparent communication and rapport building.
3. Know your worth: Research the market rates for your services and create a pricing structure that reflects your skills and experience. This will give you a solid foundation for negotiating with clients and ensure you’re not undervaluing your work. It’s okay to decline a client.
4. Have a pipeline: Ensure you have a steady stream of potential clients to reduce dependence on any single deal, making you feel more confident during negotiations. This will allow you to avoid unfavourable agreements without jeopardising your earnings.
5. Write down your non-negotiables: List your non-negotiable terms, such as the minimum rate or certain working conditions, before entering negotiations. This will help you stand firm on essential points and avoid making concessions under pressure.
6. Be flexible: While limits are essential, a small degree of flexibility can go a long way in securing agreements. Adjust your rates or offer alternative solutions if the client has a limited budget or tight deadline.
7. Practice active listening: Ensure you understand the client’s needs and preferences before proposing solutions. This will create a collaborative atmosphere and help establish a strong, trusting relationship.

Read this article to learn more about negotiating as a freelancer.

By following these tips and consistently applying them in your freelance negotiations, you’ll develop a well-rounded skill set that enables you to navigate challenging situations confidently and clearly.

Tip 9: Keep Improving Your Expertise

As a freelancer, it’s vital to hone your skills and expand your knowledge continuously. Staying up-to-date with industry trends and mastering new techniques will make you more competitive in your field.

In my industry, everything develops so fast, so if I just stop for a month following along, my knowledge is outdated, and I’ll become useless to my clients.

Challenge yourself by taking on projects that push the boundaries of your current skill set. Look for opportunities to learn and grow, and never shy away from daunting or complex tasks. Embrace these challenges as a chance to discover new strengths in your craft.

Seek out mentors who can help you refine and broaden your expertise. Connecting with experienced professionals in your field can provide invaluable advice, insights, and guidance. Don’t hesitate to ask for feedback or suggestions, as their experience can pinpoint areas for improvement that you may not have considered.

Stay well-informed by reading industry news and following thought leaders in your field. Keeping a pulse on the latest developments and trends will ensure your skills remain relevant and in demand. Make it a habit to incorporate this research into your work routine to maximise your efficiency.

Another great way, which I really like, is signing up for newsletters. I like the newsletter TLDR, where I get a bunch of information in a brief email daily. You should do the same with your industry.

Invest in your professional development through courses, workshops, and masterclasses. Be proactive in seeking educational opportunities to deepen your understanding of your niche. Whether attending a web seminar or enrolling in a formal class, continuously refining your abilities will help you stay ahead of your competitors.

Remember to update your online presence regularly to showcase your expanding expertise. A polished LinkedIn profile, website, or portfolio demonstrates your dedication to remaining current. Routinely assess the effectiveness of your web presence and make adjustments as needed to reflect your growing skillset and ambition.

By actively pursuing opportunities to expand your knowledge and skills, you’ll keep your expertise sharp and remain a strong contender in the ever-evolving world of freelancing.

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