Photo by Inferis

We’ve all made mistakes… some of us more than others! The point is to learn from these mistakes, reconfigure yourself and get back out there! Those on top of their game were once beginners and made all the same mistakes just like the rest of us. If you’re just starting out maybe we can help you avoid some of these and if not, no problem, experience is the greatest teacher!

On to the list!

#1 Not using contracts

Most beginning freelancers fail to utilize contracts due to the fact that they believe clients will shy away from them. This is (in my experience) untrue! Many clients appretiate the professionalism and will let out a sigh of relief once they see you are a legitimate businessman (or woman!). Once you go through that one bad experience with a client, you will of wished you had the contract to fall back upon!

Or maybe new freelancers just don’t know to construct one or what to include. If you have not constructed your contract template, sit down and make a list of everything you want your client to know. Set your boundaries, your pay rate, and limits. Be detailed but don’t overload the clients with useless information! Keep it to the point!

#2 Over estimating your skills

So a potential client has given you a list of requirements for a new project. It contains some aspects that you have no experience in, but the money is good- should you take it? Probably not! You should be honest with the client and tell them “Sorry, but to be completely honest, I have never done that before.” Sometimes you will still get the job and they will contract out that aspect, or maybe ask you to contract it out. If you do however have a relationship with another freelancer who does have experience with it- contact them and see if they could handle that side of the project. Some clients do not like this however, so it may be a good idea to check in with the client first. Clients like less complexity to deal with (and so do I!).

#3 Under selling your services

Some new freelancers don’t understand that to be a freelancer also means to be in the sales business. You are selling yourself and your services just as the employee at the local appliance store tries to sell you that refrigerator (you know the one, with the TV built in that alerts you when you are out of milk.). Learn from other salesman whenever you get the chance. See how, even when you buy the refrigerator they offer you the 2 year warranty? Next time you sell your services, offer another service of yours that compliments your previous work with the client.

#4 Charging too little!

Do your research before you under-price that next project! I know that it can be a struggle to get that clients budget out of them at times, and if so, send your own estimate anyway. Don’t be afraid to ask for what you or your service is really worth! It can be a hassle down the road when you are charging new clients a reasonable price but your old clients are asking for less than half that!

#5 Not following up with the client.

Follow up with every client you have done work for. This is a good chance to land more work from that client. Many times they can loose your contact info or have a project in mind that they just haven’t contacted you about. Don’t miss out on this chance!

#6 Missing deadlines

We’ve all been there. Deadlines can be a tough thing to keep at times. Especially when the project gets out of hand. You might have taken on too much work or simply over estimated the time it would take to complete the project. This can lead to un-happy clients and loss of future work! Do your best to request all the specs on the project and read over them!. Go through them with a fine tooth comb if you have to. This will give you a much clearer idea of when you can really complete the project and may very well help you hit that deadline.

#7 Accepting everything that comes your way

When you first begin, you don’t just consider every piece of work that comes your way- you grab it! This can be a mistake however as you can easily miss deadlines… or become a walking zombie trying to complete everything on time! Learn to say “no” to some of the work that floats your way. You will understand that when you hook a client, complete it on time, and pay special attention to their project- you could potentially have a long term customer. I’ve had long term customers who have paid my rent for an entire year by being able to turn down other work in favor of theirs!

#8 Under investing in your business

Just because you’ve been getting steady work since you’ve started doesn’t mean your luck wont run out some time soon! Invest 10% of all your income and put it back into your business! Use this for things such as advertising and marketing. It’s no different starting out as a freelancer as it is running a small business.

#9 Not returning emails / phone calls on time

Clients rely on your customer service so you must return any phone calls or emails in a timely matter! If you fail to do so, then you begin to get a bad reputation which can lead to the downfall of your freelancing career! Sometimes un-happy clients come back to bite you in the butt! Do yourself a favor and get organized! Call or email them back even if you don’t have much to say about the project at that time. They will still appreciate it!

#10 Lack of professionalism

You may be designing their web page in your underwear but you should also treat clients as if you were working the customer service department at the local retail store. There is a balance that’s not hard to find. You should be personable but at the same time professional. Don’t tell your clients something like “sorry i haven’t gotten you that revision yet, i was out all night last night drinking, and then my car got stolen, and then my boyfriend was all like telling me it was my fault and then he called a cab and made me walk home alone…” It may be true, but due them and yourself a favor and either don’t give them a reason, or simply fabricate (we all have to do it sometime!).

Conclusion

Have another you might want to add to the list? Comment below!