7 Common Mistakes New Freelancers Make and How to Avoid Them
The most stressful thing in freelancing is to determine whether your client will actually pay you for the work or not. New freelancers find it difficult to maintain a good reputation among the established ones who are taking their jobs professionally and continue to widen their network to modify their income resources. Most of them are optimistic in nature, but optimism doesn’t help if you live in a world of variable income and inequalities. If you have been considering becoming a freelancer from a full –time web design professional, then here are some common mistakes you need to avoid to help you get paid on time: 1. Research your prospective clients first No need to go into deep, check out your perspective client details before saying yes for their work, don’t hesitate to ask few questions such as:
Their online presence Customer reviews Their associates and partners Their readiness to answer your questions The query about your work (especially as they relate to price)
You can also ask for the references from your previous client or freelancer.
2. Don’t work for free If you are just starting out as a freelancer, make your own portfolio. Clients will judge your work by reviewing your public portfolio and then decide whether to take your services or not. If you have enough experience in programming, don’t work for free. Make sure you work for those who will pay you on time and not for those who left you in an uncomfortable position. 3. Get a deposit Always take some cash in advance just to make sure the client is serious and able to pay. Many fresh freelancers don’t choose this option as they are conscious of newly built professional relationship. Inform clients that you can only start their project when they will paid an amount. All the scenarios should be taken professionally from the either side. This will guarantee that you’ll get paid for your work. 4. Invoice properly Invoice procedure is an important part of freelancing, it will save your time, legal struggle and help you keep track of finances. There are many invoice management software available online, download the quality one to focus on your results and deadlines. In order to be successful, produce accurate and professional invoices for your clients. 5. Raise your rates Raising your rates allow you to work on fewer high class projects for more money. If you are confident about what you do, there is nothing wrong charging like a boss! 6. Always — always — use a contract Written contracts are must for building a trust with your client, then only a client will pay you — and add scope of the project ,ask relevant question , and more.
Take this seriously. You can use a web design contract template for your contract. Your contract should include the role in the project such as:
Scope of work When and how you‘ll be paid Whether you retain rights to your work Deadlines
7. Consult! Consult with other freelancers and people in the same niche, share your thoughts experiences with others and, of course, charging appropriately. Expand your network and grow your business, contact several consulting services for some sorts of prospects. If you have decided to work as a freelancer to make a living, make sure you work like a professional to get paid on time for your work so the clients and companies will treat you the same. Canada Web Design : Imediadesigns, is the leading web design and development
resource located in Canada. We will ensure the best user experiences with everything we build.