CALLING ALL FREELANCERS: These 8 tips are for YOU

Not sure when or where your next project will come from

Don’t feel like you’re paid what you’re worth

Feel stuck competing for low prices projects on freelance marketplaces like Upwork and 99designs

Here are the top 8 reasons your freelance business isn’t growing:

1) 𝐒𝐜𝐨𝐩𝐞 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐩

Allowing the client to alter the deliverables after a price has been agreed upon. Make it clear from the beginning the exact scope of services for which the client is paying; any additional services will result in an increase in costs.

2) 𝐀𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐒𝐚𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐘𝐞𝐬

If you’re accepting every project that comes your way – just because they have money and are willing to give it to you – you’re doing yourself a disservice. When you do accept a project, make sure you are not overwhelmed with other work; this ensures you are able to deliver quality work in a timely manner – a sure way to increase your client base from referrals.

3) 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐨𝐨 𝐋𝐨𝐰

Charging too little is not only a disservice to you, it is a disservice to your clients as well. By charging too little you are conditioning your clients to expect low prices…in the end this hurts both of you. In addition, extremely low prices can send the incorrect message that you are inexperienced, or even worse, your work is subpar.

4) 𝐍𝐨 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭

Sure, they’re nice, “honest,” people! But so was Bonnie & Clyde. Sign a contract – for you, for them. TIP: don’t call it a contract as it has a slight negative connotation – use Our Terms of Remarkable Service, or something similar. Whatever title you use, just make sure it is written in easy to understand language while spelling out the terms clearly.

5) 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐀𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐬

If you’re not confident enough in your skills and customer service to ask for referrals at the end of each project, then you’re in the wrong business. At the end of each project ask: “Who do you know that could also benefit from my service?” Remember, from small companies to Fortune 500 enterprises, word of mouth provides the greatest source of repeat business and revenue.

6) 𝐆𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐝

The Freelancer’s Trap kills more freelance businesses than anything. Take an honest assessment to determine if you are operating and/or working in your business in a cycle that is limiting its growth. Not sure if you’re stuck in the Freelancer’s Trap? Leave a comment or DM me and I’ll send you a quick method to see if you’re stuck.

7) 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐁𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐬

There’s always the latest and greatest thing that could catapult your business to success – don’t fall for them. It’s the small, unglamorous things that ultimately lead to success – especially when these tasks are performed consistently and with the highest quality possible each and every time.

8) 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐬, 𝐄𝐧𝐝, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐲𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭

Get a clear understanding of your client’s goals (the End). Be clear about the Means required to help them accomplish their goals. Don’t get wrapped up in the Byproduct. All too often freelancers get so caught up in building their portfolio and trying to win a design award (both byproducts) they completely lose sight of the END. When it comes to superb freelance work, the project begins with the End, and it is the focus until the project is complete.

Are you guilty of any of those?

That’s perfectly normal and natural. As you grow your freelance business you will discover many constraints that prevent your business growth.

The quicker you can move beyond those constraints, the faster you can scale your freelance business.

-wayne