It’s not always simple being a freelancer. When you work solo, you confront unique obstacles, even if you’re a master in your profession. You’ll need to learn how to manage your finances, communicate more effectively, and maybe overcome financial and professional anxieties. You must strike a balance between attracting new clients, completing projects on schedule, and receiving quick payment. Maybe you’re asking, « Doesn’t there seem to be enough hours in the day? »
Freelancing, on the other hand, maybe a means of achieving your dream lifestyle. You may have job stability, work with customers you enjoy, establish flexible hours, and be your boss if you are excellent at what you do and understand how to operate a firm.
Here are six strategies for new freelancers on how to get paid properly and on time.
1. Make a list of your services and communicate with other freelancers
Decide first on the services you wish to provide. Research freelancers on sites like Upwork, which will most likely alter over time. Examine what services and pricing are considered standard. Is there anything unique about you that you can offer?
Take some time to study up on freelancing mistakes to avoid. If you have any questions, please contact our Freelance Forum. On LinkedIn, you may also look for freelancers who perform the type of job you’re looking for. Make contact with them and inquire about their opinions. Many individuals are willing to answer a few questions through email or talk on the phone for a few minutes, even though it may seem unpleasant. A timely response to a freelancer’s query might occasionally save you months of annoyance.
2. Develop a positive attitude toward service price
One of the most difficult aspects of beginning a freelancing business is figuring out what you should charge. Be cautious: You may believe that lowering your charges would help you attract more customers. You and your customer will both be disappointed if you charge too little for your time.
- Charging by the hour for freelancers
The majority of freelancers begin by charging per hour. Here are some suggestions for pricing in this manner:
According to experts, you should charge between 2 and 2.5 times the hourly value of that job in a paid position. This is to make up for the paid time off, health insurance, and other advantages that come with a 9-to-5 job. It also includes any software subscriptions, office equipment, travel, and other work-related expenditures.
It’s all about your mentality. You could be unsure of your ability to charge what you’re truly worth. If you’re used to being paid $20 per hour, for example, asking for double that amount or more may feel unnatural. However, because you’re providing a vital service, keep any negative self-talk about money to a minimum.
Here are some more pointers to assist you in determining the optimum hourly fee, to begin with:
- Charging by the project for freelancers
It’s not always possible to charge by the hour. As your freelancing skills improve, you’ll discover that charging by the job works far better for you and your clients.
When you operate on an hourly basis, you may find yourself extending your task to make more money or offering quality work at an unacceptably cheap price. Charge according to the value you’ll deliver to your client. This frees you up to work under fewer time constraints, and your customer will know precisely how much they will be charged upfront.
Take a down payment as well. It’s always suitable, and the standard is 30% to 50%. People that have a lot of experience in your field may be a huge help. If you get into trouble, reach out to a trustworthy mentor or a member of our community for assistance.
3. Do your research about your customers and don’t be hesitant to inquire
While it’s great to welcome a new customer, be certain they’re a good fit. Being a freelancer has the advantage of allowing you to select your clients.
When working with larger corporations, review sites such as Glassdoor may help you learn more about the culture of a firm. They’ll be just as nasty – if not worse – towards a contractor if they treat their employees badly. Always trust your instincts. If you are unsure about accepting the job, respectfully decline and go on.
Get your customer to sign a contract once you’ve made your decision. Legal agreements are built-in into sites like Upwork.
Let’s say you’re not working for a reputable freelance website. In that scenario, stay away from impromptu gatherings. They can cause anxiety and irritation, particularly if you have to track down payment. A contract will almost certainly be drawn up for you by a legal department of a big company. In other situations, employing an attorney is a wise – albeit more costly – decision. With free and low-cost materials, websites like Lawpath are a great place to start.
Additionally, make sure you have a clear brief before beginning a project. Knowing the actual scope of work ahead of time will help you avoid unnecessary tension later on. If something is unclear, don’t be afraid to contact or email your customer to clarify.
4. Payment is simple for your consumers
After you’ve decided on your services and pricing, you’ll need to figure out how you’ll collect money. You may have money in your pocket faster by simplifying client payments. For example, you may let your customers pay with PayPal or a credit card directly from the email invoice. You also send your clients automated invoice reminders.
When working on a long-term project, it’s a good idea to invoice at regular intervals. This practice demonstrates your worth and helps your clients remember your project. It also reduces the possibility of working on a project and not being paid on time.
5. Emphasize the importance of forming long-term bonds
To run a successful freelancing business, you don’t need a ton of clients. In reality, you may only require a small number of outstanding recurring clients. Continue to improve your customer service abilities; they are critical to the success of your company.
Establish a connection with the payroll department, especially if you’re working for a larger business. This will assist you in determining when it is appropriate to invoice. You’ll also have someone to follow up with if you can’t reach your main contact.
Follow up on any unpaid invoices regularly. Even with excellent clientele, there are hiccups in communication. If a customer refuses to pay for work you’ve done, however, applications like Collect more – as well as law firms – can assist you in recovering unpaid invoices.
Keep in mind that there are plenty of clients who will pay you promptly and in full. Don’t be scared to move on if you’re having trouble collecting money from a customer.
6. Communicate in a way that displays a high level of importance
Your language has a significant influence on your achievement, from creating a successful job proposal to conversing on the phone to delivering your final work. We just published an essay about how women’s language choices harm them in the workplace, but this advice applies to everybody.
One of the most essential freelancing pieces of advice is to understand that the way you communicate about your job influences how much value you’re regarded to have. Always have a pleasant attitude when dealing with clients. If you’re disagreeing about the price of your job, don’t back down.
If a customer asks for discounts or doubts your worth, hold your ground – and don’t be hesitant to walk away if the relationship isn’t working. Stay professional with your tone and actions if a customer is ever disrespectful or violates your agreement. When it’s time to send an invoice, ask for what you’re due with confidence. You’ve worked hard for it, so there’s no reason to feel bad about asking.
If you’re feeling nervous, don’t be. It’s natural to feel this way, and we hope that these freelancer suggestions will be of assistance. Keep in mind that your professionalism and skill were factors in your hiring. It’s worth it because you’re deserving. You’ll avoid difficulties down the line by defining clear prices and expectations.
Don’t undersell your service and charge for the value you’ll provide. Reach out to a mentor or someone in our community for assistance if you ever feel lost or have doubts.
Try a superhero posture to enhance your confidence before clicking send or making that call. Although it may appear amusing, research has shown that this method may be beneficial.
Conclusion
Adopting a new way of life as a freelancer is a big step. It’s an opportunity to let go of old, negative behaviors and create a fresh mindset that will pervade your entire life. Self-discipline, responsibility, self-respect, and confidence are concepts that transcend beyond work and will provide your life structure to rely on when you’re having a poor day and will help you achieve greater heights when you’re having a good day.
