1. Learn by Example

Look at what others are doing and make it work for you. Do it better and soon you’ll be known. For example seek bloggers and see what they are doing to generate more traffic. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice and follow it.

2. Social Networking

Get on with Social Media – enough said!

3. Learn to Say “No” and when to say it

Determine your work hours. If you respond to any inquiry with “I’ll work all night long and I’ll have it done for you by tomorrow morning” you’ll burn yourself out in no time. Of course there are exceptions to the rule, especially at the beginning of your freelance career. You’ll have to impress your clients and this is one of them – just don’t fall in the trap of jumping at every little request – you’ll end up losing other clients.

4. First Impression Counts

You are in business for yourself. You are your business and so is your website, business card, email etiquette, social media presence, your shoes and your hair style. You might think it’s cool to rebel against the establishment with a shaggy hair style but unless people are writing books about you, your perspective clients will not take you seriously if the image you project is not professional and expert like.

5. Money, money, money

It is very important how much you charge (per project or per hour). You’ll probably end up having a combination of the 2. Here’s how I do it: If I create a website for a client, I will charge per project, based on the number of pages, complexity of the site, forms to be attached, etc. Once the website is up and running I will begin charging per hour based on the type of changes/additions the client has. When you first start out, check out the prices in your area and start a bit under the market price just so you gain some experience and reputation. Once that is established (depending on how busy you are) start increasing the amount you charge so you level your dollar amount to the market prices.

6. Contracts

This is probably the most important element of your freelancing career. Pay attention to this and make sure you have strong contacts in place, as well as non-disclosure documents. Do not ever, ever agree to take on a project without a signature from the client and a clear description of the tasks to be performed. Make sure you include all the necessary and vital details you see fit. Mention the total amount and break down the work description in manageable chunks with the respective price attached for each section. In order to make sure the client is committed to the project I usually ask for a 50% retainer before I start the work.

If the client has changes or additions in the middle of the project, have them send you emails with all the necessary details and do not assume he or she assumes that the additional work to be performed is not included in the initial amount.

If things go sour, you can always go back to your contract and your written proofs of their approval for different items they requested.

7. Market Yourself

Find any type of website you can add your portfolio of work or you can list your website or blog. Look for directories and other sites that look professional and ask the owner(s) to include your URL on their site. Offer reciprocity with their URL on your site as well.

Don’t forget to create a PDF version of your portfolio with your best work. It comes in handy every time someone requests proof of your work, plus it’s something that a potential client can always carry with them or even print.

8. Know what you don’t know

You won’t be able to know everything. Recognize and know your limitations but always be prepared to learn new things. Constantly improve your talents and keep up with news in the industry by searching the web, participate at seminars, read books and publications.

If you don’t know something just be honest and admit it without promising things just so you can please the client. Often, I was asked to do things outside of my realm, based on the fact that I was the computer guy. I always told my clients that I do not know one thing or another but I will do the research and get back with them by a certain date. They loved the answer and appreciated my efforts. In fact, that’s how I gain some of my clients.

9. Get Organized NOW!

The majority of creative people are not CPA’s because they are..well…creative. Unless your brain is perfectly balanced an can reconcile checks as easily as drawing a new logo, chances are you lack the tedious work ethic and organizational skills of the bean counters. That might hurt you when taxation time comes so be prepared at least with some form of tracking your expenses either in Excel or QuickBooks. Keep track of daily expenses, bills, invoices and other fun stuff the IRS is so fond of. A shoebox for all your receipts can come in very handy.

10. Network, network and then network again

Start with your friends and family and put the word out. Make friends on Facebook and signup for LinkedIn. Look for professional seminars in your area and attend. Take a stack of business cards with you and hand them out. Call old high school or college buddies and tell them what you do and ask for their help. You’ll be surprised how many connections you can make. Search for organizations in your area where you can participate or volunteer. Pick a cause, any of them and offer your services for free. I donated a website for an organization working with autistic kids and you cannot even imagine the exposure I got from that. So – network. Network a lot.

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