If you’re just getting started as a freelancer, and you’re still having trouble making ends meet, then this article is for you. If you’ve been a freelancer for years and are wondering if it’s still possible to make more money without shifting your focus, then this article is for you. I want to answer the most common questions about freelancing that come up all the time.
Whether you’re thinking about taking the leap or looking for some tips from someone who’s been there, you can’t go wrong with this article.
Let’s get started…
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Gain insights into common questions freelancers encounter |
| Learn expert answers and advice for handling these questions |
| Understand how to address client concerns and build trust |
| Get tips for effectively communicating your value and experience |
| Improve your freelance business by proactively addressing client queries |
| Enhance your professional image and confidence during client interactions |
| Learn how to negotiate rates and handle difficult conversations |
| Develop strategies for managing client expectations and setting boundaries |
| Discover best practices for maintaining positive client relationships |
| Find resources to help you overcome challenges and succeed as a freelancer |
1. How Do You Choose A Project?
You should always choose a project that interests you and that you know you can do well. If you have a lot of experience, you might find that choosing projects is easy for you. However, if you are just starting out, it might be more difficult to choose what to work on next.
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2. What Makes A Good Freelancer?
Good freelancers are those who seek strength in numbers. They have no fear of failure though for most people in this business it’s not about failing, it’s about failing fast and learning from mistakes.
3. What Should I Charge?
This is one of the most common questions people ask when they’re just starting out, and it’s a good one to start with. The short answer is: whatever you want! The longer, better answer is that you should charge what you think your work is worth.
The best way to do that is to look at what others who do similar work are charging—but not too much. It can be tempting to go into a job search full of confidence and say, “I’m going to charge double what this guy charges! I’m worth it!” but don’t do that unless you’re just trying to make enemies. Instead, take a look at what other freelancers are charging and set your prices in the middle.
You want to make sure that you’re charging enough for your work, but if your price point is way on the high end, people will be less likely to hire you.
4. How Do You Find Projects Online?
Finding projects online can be challenging, but there are some strategies you can use to make yourself more visible. First, consider joining an online platform for freelancers. These platforms allow you to find clients and get paid for the work you do, in a safe and secure manner.
Second, make sure your profile is complete and informative. List any skills that might be relevant to a client’s project, as well as any experience you have in those areas. Consider including samples of past work on your profile so clients can see if your style matches what they’re looking for.
Third, keep an eye out for projects that interest you! You can use the search function on various freelance platforms to find projects that match your skillset and location preferences (if applicable). Then, reach out directly with a proposal explaining why you’re the perfect fit for their job posting!
5. How Can I Use My Existing Skill Set To Get Freelance Gigs?
You can use your existing skillset to get freelance gigs by thinking outside of the box. If you do web design, you can use those skills to build a website for a small business. If you are an accountant, you can offer bookkeeping services to a startup. This is a great way to reach out to potential clients and show them what you have to offer.
Freelancing is all about thinking creatively about how you can use your skills in different ways. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us!
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6. What Is The Best Way To Build A Portfolio To Show Potential Clients?
Building a portfolio is one of the more difficult parts of starting a freelance business. Once you have enough experience to show your potential clients what you can do, it gets easier.
In the beginning, though, you need to make sure that your portfolio has enough variety in it to show different types of work. Try to show as much as you can, with as much variety in the work as possible. You want potential clients to get a good idea of what it is that you can do for them and other clients of their type.
7. Should I Create Separate Profiles For Each Client?
It can be tempting to have separate social media profiles for different clients, but it takes a lot of time and energy to keep them all up-to-date, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed with having so many different accounts. Instead, you could use one profile for all your freelance work and just post content related to each client in different albums within that profile. Or you could create a group on Facebook and share to that group instead of making new profiles.
8. How Do I Deal With The Unevenness Of Freelancing Income?
When you’re freelancing, there are always going to be times when your income is higher than other times. It can be difficult to deal with the unpredictability of your income, especially if you have plans for big purchases or events coming up. To help even out the fluctuations in your income, you should try to save extra during months when you earn more money so that you have a “buffer” for months where you don’t earn as much.
9. Should I Charge Per Job Or Hourly?
This is an area where you’re going to need to do some soul-searching and decide what feels right for you. Some people feel more comfortable having a set rate for the month, which gives them an exact number to aim for that month.
Others feel more comfortable charging per job because it makes them feel like they are being rewarded for their hard work with each project they complete. It also gives you the freedom to negotiate higher rates as your skills improve.
Ultimately, this is up to you! You get to choose how you want to charge, and no option is better or worse than the other, so go with what feels best for you!
10. How Do I Find Out If I Have Enough Experience And Skills To Start Freelancing?
The best way to figure out if you have the skills and experience to start freelancing is to do a little self-reflection. Think about what kind of tasks you do at your current job or jobs that you’ve had in the past. Do they require you to use special skills or knowledge? Is there anything special that you know how to do that might be useful for freelancing?
If the answer is “yes,” then you should go ahead and start thinking about whether there are any freelance opportunities that would be a good match for your skillset. For example, if you work as a graphic designer, you could consider offering your services as a freelance graphic designer.
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11. Is It Necessary To Create A Website To Get Work As A Freelancer?
A website can help you get more work as a freelancer, but it is not necessary. A lot of clients will find you through freelancing websites anyway. If you don’t have the time or money to create a website, that’s fine. But if you are creative and want to put in the effort, designing your own website can help you stand out from the crowd.
If you do want to build your own site, consider using a simple platform like Wix or Squarespace to get started. These platforms make website design easy for amateurs. You just choose a template and then customize it with your details and content. If you want something a bit more advanced, WordPress is another popular option among freelancers.
12. Can I Work From Home And Still Make Money As A Freelancer?
Yes, you can! In fact, if you are a writer like me, working from home is perfect. You can wake up, get dressed (or not), and be at your desk ready to start writing in just a few minutes. I think it’s great to have a home office set up with a desk and comfy chair so that you have a dedicated space for work.
But if your budget doesn’t allow for it right now, that is okay too. You can work on your couch with your laptop or even out on your patio if the weather permits. The important thing is that you are comfortable while working and that there are minimal distractions around you.
13. Can Freelancing Be A Full-Time Job?
Sure! Freelancing is a great option for those who want to take their career into their own hands and be their own boss. If you love working but don’t want to be locked into a specific company, freelancing is a great alternative.
There’s a lot of flexibility with freelance work, so this is a great option for those who have families or other commitments outside of work. You can also put your skills to the test and see which projects you like doing the best, which might help you find your niche as well.
One of the best things about freelancing is that you can do it as much or as little as you like. If you only want to pick up an extra project here and there, it can be a good way to supplement your income without taking on too much extra work. And if you want to make it your full-time job, that’s totally fine too!
13. Is It A Good Idea To Form An LLC For Freelancing?
Yes. It is a good idea to create an LLC for freelancing. This protects your business and personal assets by setting up a legal barrier between the two. If a client files a lawsuit against you for something, you don’t have to worry about your home, car, or other assets being taken from you. The only thing at risk would be business assets (which are much more limited than personal ones).
14. What Are Some Ways To Get Clients?
Freelance success starts with getting clients. But, how do you get new clients when you’re starting out? There are many different ways to get clients, but here are a few of the most common ones:
Networking: is one of the best ways to find new clients, and it can be done both in-person and online. For example, hosting happy hours, attending social gatherings and conferences, or even joining Facebook groups can all be great ways to meet potential clients.
Online Portals: Online freelance marketplaces are another great way for freelancers to find work. These marketplaces can connect you with new clients who will pay for your services. Popular freelance marketplaces include Upwork and Fiverr.
Cold Emailing: You can also find potential clients by directly emailing them and offering your services. While this method is a bit less popular, it can often help you find long-term contracts if you’re able to build a relationship with your client.
15. What Do I Need To Get Started?
You need a computer and an internet connection that’s pretty much it! If you’re going to be applying for jobs, then you’ll probably want to have a resume ready and some sort of portfolio that you can show off. You may also want to start a blog or website, if only as a place where potential clients can go for more information about you.
16. What Questions Should I Ask The Client Before Accepting A Project?
This is a tricky one to answer because it depends on what the project entails. If it’s a bigger project, or if you have any concerns about the client, it’s good to ask them questions like:
- What is your workflow? Can you walk me through how things typically happen with your projects?
- Who will be my primary point of contact? Is there more than one person managing the project?
- Do you have any examples of previous work?
- Will I receive feedback throughout the process or just at the end?
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17. How Do I Know If A Client Is Scamming Me?
It’s tough to tell from the get-go, which is why it’s super important to read contracts carefully and ask as many questions as possible before committing to a project. Clients can seem like they’re scamming you when they ask for work “on spec” (that is, asking you to work for free) or offer low pay to get started.
But sometimes—depending on the nature of your work—neither of those are necessarily scams! So just be sure you have all the information available before you move forward with any commitment.
18. How Do I Ask For Payment From A Client?
This is a tough one. It’s important to be friendly and professional, but you also need to make sure that your client takes you seriously. The best way to handle this situation is to have a contract in place before you start working with the client. This contract should specify when payment is due and what happens if payment isn’t received.
If you don’t have the opportunity to create a contract with the client, make sure that you’re clear about when payment is due. You can do this by sending an invoice for your last week’s work on Sunday, for instance, and setting a deadline for payment at the end of the week.
It’s always important not to wait too long before asking for payment. The longer you wait, the more likely it’s going to slip through the cracks or get lost in someone else’s inbox.
19. What Is The Best Way To Keep Track Of Time Spent On Each Project?
There are a lot of ways to do this, but it really depends on what works best for you. Generally speaking, you can use a spreadsheet or a software tool to manually log your hours, or you can use a program that integrates with your work computer and tracks how long you spend in each program.
If you want to be able to see where your time is going at any given moment though, a software tracker is likely going to be the way to go.
20. How Do I Deal With An Upset Client?
If a client gets upset with you, it’s important to remember that they’re likely not angry with you personally—they’re just frustrated that their expectations are not being met. They probably took a chance on you and are feeling a bit vulnerable about it, because something is not going the way they’d hoped.
You can address this by first listening to what they have to say and letting them know that you understand their point of view. Then show them why they have nothing to worry about: share some of your previous work or use other examples of past projects you’ve done as a reference.
Having something tangible to show will help them feel more comfortable moving forward with their project, even if they were having second thoughts before.
21. What Is The Best Way To Communicate With Clients During A Project?
The best way to communicate with clients during a project will vary depending on the project. But as a general rule, you want to make sure that your client has regular check-ins available to them where they can get updates on their project and ask questions.
You don’t want to overwhelm your client with too many emails or messages, but you also don’t want to leave them in the dark. You may find that some clients prefer more regular check-ins than others, so it’s important to be adaptable and adjust your communication style based on what your client prefers. The goal is always to keep your client happy and make sure they’re satisfied with the work you’re doing for them!
22. How Should I Price My Work?
When pricing your work, you have to consider many variables. What kind of work are you doing? How much experience do you have? Are there specific skills that are required for the job? Who is the target audience? What is the scope of the project? And how long will it take to complete? All of these factors play a role in determining what an appropriate price is for your services.
23. When Should I Start Building My Portfolio As A Freelancer?
As soon as possible. The best time is right now, actually. Even if you’re not working with clients yet, you can work on your portfolio by taking on pro bono projects for friends and family who own businesses. If you can’t find anyone to take you up on that offer, write some blog posts and get them published (the way you would reach out to potential clients).
There are a lot of ways to build your portfolio while still in school or while still working full-time at a 9-to-5 job. You just have to be willing to put in the work!
24. What Is Freelancing?
In short, freelancing is the practice of offering your services to clients for a fee. As a freelancer, you’re not employed by any company—your clients are your employers, and you set your own hours, set your own rates, and do the work on whatever schedule works best for you.
You can freelance in almost any industry: writing and editing, graphic design, web development, photography, and many more. The type of work you do will depend on your skillset—and since we’re all built differently (and have different passions!), there’s plenty of opportunity for us all to succeed!
25. Can I Be A Freelancer If I’m Not An Expert At Something?
Yes! You can be a freelancer even if you’re not an expert at something, but you will need to know how to do something and be proficient enough that other people will want to pay you to do it for them.
26. How Do I Become A Freelancer?
That’s a good question, and we’re glad you asked! First, you’ll need to figure out what type of freelancing job you want to get. For example, if your passion is in marketing, then maybe you should try becoming a freelance marketer where you’d help companies create and launch marketing campaigns.
Once you know what type of work interests you most, then it’s just a matter of finding clients who are willing to hire someone with your skillset.
27. Are There Any Benefits To Becoming A Freelancer?
Being a freelancer allows you to enjoy benefits such as the ability to choose your own hours, work from home, and enjoy more freedom in your life. Here are some of the top benefits of becoming a freelancer:
- Being Your Own Boss
- Enjoying a Flexible Schedule
- Working from Home
- Having Freedom and Independence
- Earning More Money than You Would in a Regular Job
28. What Can Make Me Stand Out As A Freelancer?
So you’re thinking about becoming a freelancer. Or maybe you already are one, and you’re looking to up your game. Either way, it’s great that you want to stand out! The more effort you put into making yourself stand out as a freelancer, the more likely you are to succeed. Here are a few tips for doing just that:
- Make sure your portfolio is ready before you start pitching!
Your portfolio is essentially what will sell you to potential clients. Make sure it’s perfect before you start pitching. The last thing you want is for someone to lose interest in working with you because your portfolio wasn’t up to par!
- Make sure your website is professional-looking and easy to navigate
You only have about 10 seconds for someone to decide whether or not they like your website, so make sure it looks good and that they can easily find what they need. If they can’t find something on your site within those first few seconds, they’ll probably just leave and never come back!
- Be transparent about pricing (or how much time goes into each project) so people don’t feel cheated later on down the road
29. How Many Hours Per Day Should I Work In My Freelance Business?
When you are a freelancer, the hours you work in any given day will depend on the type of clients you have and the type of work you do.
Some freelancers work full time on just one client, which means they can spend a normal eight-hour workday on that project and be done. Other freelance projects require less time, so they can be done in five hours or less. When it comes to actually schedule your day, there are no hard and fast rules.
If you are juggling multiple clients at once, schedule your day to be most productive for each client. For example, if you have a client that needs daily contact, dedicate an hour early in the morning to catch up with that client before tackling other projects.
If you are working for several different clients at once, make sure to block off time for each one so that nothing is overlooked. If one client needs more attention than another, simply adjust your schedule accordingly to meet those needs.
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30. How Many Revisions Are Allowed?
This depends on the client and the specific project. Some clients will be more strict than others when it comes to revisions and how many they’ll allow. In most cases, a client will allow at least one revision, if not more than that.
The first draft should be very close to what the client wants so that you can make any necessary changes in the second draft. However, if you need to do more than one major rewrite, or if the client asks for multiple edits after the second draft, then you might be working with someone who doesn’t know what he or she wants or isn’t very clear about expectations for this project. You might want to reconsider whether it’s worth your time to continue working on this project or not!
31. What Kinds Of Skills Do I Need To Have As A Freelancer?
When you’re a freelancer, you need to be able to do a lot of things. You’re not just doing one job, you’re running your own business. You need to have good business skills, like being self-organized, disciplined, and self-motivated. You’ll also need to be good at communicating with clients and managing your time.
You’ll also need some technical skills, although those will vary depending on the kind of work you want to do as a freelancer. For example, if you want to do SEO for small businesses, it would be helpful to know how to use tools like SEMrush and Ahrefs. If you want to write blogs for clients, it might help if you know how to use WordPress or some other kind of content management system (CMS).
32. What’s The Best Way To Get Started In Freelance Work?
The best way to get started is to get started—just start doing freelance work, even if it’s only part-time and on the side of your full-time job or schoolwork. You don’t need to quit your job or drop out of school right away—starting off slow and small will help you build up a portfolio, find clients, and develop a reputation without burning the bridges behind you.
33. How Can I Be Sure I’ll Be Able To Make Enough Money Freelancing?
The best way to make sure you’ll be able to make enough money is by building up a client base first before you leave your full-time job or stop going to school full-time. This will allow you to see what kinds of jobs are available, how much they pay, and how much time it takes for you to complete them so you can get an idea of what kind of income you can expect from those jobs. This will also give you the chance to.
Final Thought
Yes, freelancing can certainly be challenging at times. You’ve got to have a plan, and you have to be willing to put in the time to make your freelance business work for you. The best freelancers are also great networkers, constantly looking for leads and opportunities as they come up. But ultimately, the rewards of freelancing (the freedom, the chance to do what you love for a living) far outweigh the challenges.
In other words, if you’re willing to put in the effort to make your freelance business a success, you’ll likely get your fair share of enjoyment along the way.
Further Reading
Indeed: Freelancer Interview: Gain valuable insights into the freelancer interview process and discover tips for showcasing your skills and experience effectively.
Copyblogger: Copywriter Client Questions: Learn about the essential questions copywriters should ask their clients to understand their needs and deliver exceptional results.
The Freelancer’s Year: What’s Your Freelance Writing Rate?: Explore strategies for determining your freelance writing rates and pricing your services competitively.
FAQs
Q: How do I prepare for a freelancer interview?
A: To prepare for a freelancer interview, research the company or client you’ll be working with, anticipate questions related to your skills and experience, and prepare examples that highlight your past work.
Q: What are some important questions to ask clients as a copywriter?
A: As a copywriter, it’s crucial to ask clients questions such as their target audience, desired tone and style, project scope, deadlines, and budget to ensure a clear understanding of their requirements.
Q: How can I determine my freelance writing rate?
A: Determining your freelance writing rate involves considering factors such as your experience, industry standards, the complexity of the project, and your desired income. Researching market rates and conducting a self-assessment can help you establish a fair pricing structure.
Q: Should I negotiate my freelance writing rate?
A: Negotiating your freelance writing rate can be beneficial, especially when you have relevant experience and can demonstrate the value you bring to a project. It’s essential to communicate openly and find a mutually beneficial agreement with your client.
Q: How can I increase my freelance writing rates over time?
A: To increase your freelance writing rates over time, focus on continually improving your skills, delivering high-quality work, building a strong portfolio, and cultivating long-term relationships with satisfied clients. Regularly reassess and adjust your rates based on your expertise and market demand.
I am a content writer, and I love what I do! Writing makes me feel like the words are flowing through my fingers, and then onto the keyboard, like magic. My experience as a writer has taught me that writing makes me feel good, as well as helps others to feel better too!