Intro
The uprise of freelancing nowadays simply cannot go unnoticed. More and more people are turning to freelancing as a career, not just worldwide, but in the Arab world as well. Nowadays, you could easily hire a freelance with only a click of a button; be it a graphic designer, photographer, writer, or anyone that crosses your mind with a matter of fact. However, as the supply dramatically increases, a pattern of common mistakes could also be noticed. Here are seven pitfalls freelancers usually oversee that you should avoid falling in.
Letting clients decide the fee
Every industry and specialty has its way of pricing. Not to mention that some jobs vary in price range based on the level of expertise and quality of work of the freelancer in charge. So letting the client decide for you the worth of your work is going to be unfair most of the times.
Under/overpricing your fee
Not because you’re the one who has the say you set the price too high or too low. Charging a very high price will let clients turn for your competitors while charging a very low one will make them skeptical about it. Ask around and know the market price so you could easily set a competitive price.
Payment agreement
New freelancers usually do this mistake in their early stages; they work on the project they were briefed, send their work, and then wonder why the client disappeared. Not that all clients will steal your work and run, but always know that as a freelancer you’ll be dealing with a lot of individuals and those aren’t necessarily professionals. Before you start working, reach an agreement regarding the fee and make sure to get paid half of it before you start and the rest after you’re done.
You sometimes think you know better
You know the saying that says “the customer is always right”? Well, from now on, this has to be your motto; the client is always right. Clients will sometimes ask for unrealistic work or projects with a taste that you don’t really approve. You’ll sometimes even feel that they’re speaking nonsense, but at the end of the day, you have to know that the final say is theirs.
Not managing your finances
Keep track of your overall finances whether this is your main job or a secondary one. Don’t forget to separate your savings from your income. Most importantly, spend your money wisely and don’t forget that freelancing means that there’s no steady income. So in an effort to make it more consist of an income make sure you have a great invoice template to hopefully reduce the amount of clients that don’t pay.
Fear of commitment
This, of course, doesn’t apply to everyone. However, many freelancers seem to be having the so-called “fear of commitment” even when it comes to work. When you take a new project you need to dedicate yourself for it, get back to your clients promptly, and stick to your deadlines. If clients sense a lazy attitude, they’ll find someone better and more committed.
Ignoring marketing
Do not ignore marketing for your part; put yourself and your work out there! Create a portfolio, a Behance or Vimeo account if your work is relevant, and post your work on your social media accounts including LinkedIn. This is how people get to know you and see your work for themselves. No to mention that a portfolio will let them take you seriously.