Tips for freelancing
“Looking for freelancing tips and tricks for beginners or just any freelancing tips that will help you succeed? This post is for you!”
Must-know tips for freelancing
So, you’ve decided to take the leap into freelancing - I’m so happy for you! Whether you’re ready to ditch the 9-to-5 grind or just explore a new career path, freelancing offers the flexibility and freedom you’ve been dreaming of.
But before you jump headfirst, there are a few freelancing tips and tricks for beginners that will make your journey a lot smoother.
In this guide, I’ll share the best freelancing tips to help you get started, avoid common mistakes, and thrive in the world of freelancing.
From finding clients to managing your time and money, this post will help. Let’s get started!
By the way, are you new to freelancing?
Just started your freelance business and having trouble finding clients? Download this free ebook to learn everything you need to know about how to find clients effortlessly and build a sustainable freelance business.
Do you have a freelance agreement in place? If you don’t, download my freelance contract template now so you’re always protected.
You can also read this other blog post to learn how to start freelancing with no experience.
Know your worth & set rates accordingly
One of the most important freelancing tips is knowing your worth and how to charge.
As a beginner, it might be tempting to undercharge to land clients, but that can hurt you in the long run and keep you from scaling.
Remember that Freelancing isn’t just about doing a job - it’s about offering value, and your rates should reflect that!
It’s a good idea to research what others in your field are charging too.
You can check out freelancer websites like Upwork or Fiverr to get a sense of the going rates for similar services. Don’t be afraid to charge what you’re worth - clients will pay for quality.
Setting rates you’re happy with will ultimately help you build a sustainable business.
get a copy of my freelance contract template now
You can easily customize this template in google docs! (All you need is a free google account)
Time Management is Crucial
As a freelancer, you’re in charge of your own schedule. Sounds amazing, right? It 100% is, BUT it also means you need to be incredibly disciplined with your time.
Time management is super important because let’s be real- freedom can get overwhelming if you’re not careful, and procrastination should not be your best friend.
Ways to manage your time and tasks:
I’d highly recommend using project management tools like Trello, Asana, or even the notes app on your phone to stay organized.
Break big tasks into smaller, manageable chunks, and set realistic deadlines.
don’t forget to schedule time for breaks - working nonstop isn’t good for your creativity or productivity.
Build a standout portfolio
Your portfolio is truly your ticket to landing clients. Start building it as soon as possible - even if you don’t have paid work yet.
No portfolio = no clients
bad portfolio = also no clients
Not sure what to put in your portfolio? You can use my free template and read this blog post for a break down of everything you need to know.
Make sure you keep your portfolio professional, clean, and easy to navigate. It doesn’t need to be huge, just think about quality not quantity- highlight your skills and what you bring to the table.
A well-crafted portfolio can be the difference between landing your next client and missing out!
Nail client communication
Another crucial freelancing tip you have to know is that Clear communication is key to a successful freelance career.
Always put effort into communicating with your clients, because misunderstandings can lead to stress, missed deadlines, and unhappy clients.
From the start, you need to get crystal clear on project details, deadlines, and payment terms.
Always be proactive in keeping your clients updated on progress, and don’t be afraid to ask questions if something is unclear.
Good communication builds trust and leads to repeat business.
Bad communication will lose your clients and hurt your business.
Set boundaries from the start
If you don’t listen to any of these freelancing tips, please just listen to this one lol.
You need to set boundaries with clients before you start working. Answering random calls, last minute meetings, responding to emails late, doing something outside of your agreed scope- all of these seemingly small actions can lead to extra stress for yourself down the line.
If you don’t set clear boundaries, you could end up working around the clock or taking on more projects than you can handle without added pay.
Here’s how you can establish healthy boundaries with clients from the get go-
Establish when you’re available for communication and stick to it. Define your work hours and make sure clients understand them.
Do not respond to late-night emails or random phone calls from clients. If you do it once, they will expect you to do it again.
remember - ‘no’ is a complete sentence! Saying no when you need to is not only okay, it’s necessary for your well-being.
Keep learning & growing
The world of freelancing is constantly changing. Remember to stay up to date with the latest tools, trends, and techniques in your field. The more you know, the more valuable you become to clients.
Sign up for online courses, attend webinars, read industry blogs, or even join freelancer groups to stay sharp. The more you learn, the more you can offer, and that will help you stand out in a crowded marketplace.
More resources for freelancers
Freelancing isn’t easy, and I know it can be hard to find resources on Google. So, to make your life a little easier, here are some more free resources I’d recommend you check out. I created these with love and your success in mind, ensuring you feel empowered, confident, and well-equipped to thrive in your freelance business!
Read this blog post how to become a freelancer on Upwork to learn how to find clients
read this blog post how to become a freelancer with no experience to learn all my best tips for starting to freelance from scratch.
Follow me on ig to stay updated and check out more helpful freelance content that will keep you informed and inspired!
New to freelancing? This free ebook is your go-to guide! Learn how to find clients, set rates, and succeed with confidence. Packed with tips and expert advice—download now and start your freelance journey!
Final Thoughts
Freelancing is an amazing and super rewarding career, but it definitely comes with its challenges.
From my experience, the key to succeeding is to stay organized, communicate effectively, and set boundaries, so that you can protect your time and energy.
By following these freelancing tips for beginners, I’m confident that you’ll be able to build a successful freelance career and lifestyle that you love.
Never forget that as a freelancer, you’re in charge- not yor clients. Always Stay firm on your boundaries, keep learning and improving your skills, and don’t ever feel pressured or obligated to take on work that doesn't align with your values or goals.
Want more freelancing tips? Or want to start freelancing but don’t know how?
Want to start freelancing but still feeling unsure of how to begin? Or want some extra guidance and a printable workbook to organize your ideas? Grab a free copy of my ultimate freelancing for beginners ebook!