Common Freelancer Mistakes to Avoid

Are you a freelancer or do you dream of becoming one? Freelancing has been providing professionals with more freedom and flexibility. Thus, there are more people jumping into freelancing these days. Read the common freelancer mistakes to avoid in order to reach success to learn more. 

Freelancers are offered the freedom to choose their boss, and their time. Your success in freelancing depends on how much time and effort you dedicate for the job. However, freelancing has its own set of challenges.  There are several common mistakes that many freelancers make. These mistakes can hinder their success and growth in the industry.

Common Freelancer Mistakes to Avoid

Not Setting Boundaries

If you want to manage your workload and maintain a healthy work relationship with your client, set boundaries. Not setting boundaries is one of the common freelancer mistakes to avoid. It causes you anxiety when your phone rings during unholy hours of the night from clients. You should establish clear expectations from the start. This could include: 

• Set work days and hours
• Agree on deliverables and deadlines
• Communication preferences
• Align on team roles and designation
• Dos and don’ts of office work
• Be confident in saying ‘NO’ to unreasonable requests or projects that don’t align with your values or expertise.

Setting boundaries will help you manage the amount of things to be done. This will also reduce your mental stress and anxiety. Plus you get to enjoy a healthy work-life balance. This is important to make sure that your well-being is still prioritized even if you are working. 

Undercharging for Your Services

If you are new in the industry, you probably would commit this common freelancer mistake. Even those who are already freelancing for years can still make this mistake.

Another common freelancer mistake to avoid is undervaluing your services. Your success in the future depends on the value you put on yourself. You should know the worth of your time and the quality of your output. There are several factors to consider to determine the price of your service.

• Assess your experience, skills, and industry rates. 
• Check what is the industry rate
• Research on other freelancers
• Be confident to negotiate with clients and 
• Be accustomed with freelancing laws 

Overpromising and Under Delivering

As the saying goes, ‘fake it until you make it.’ Some people can handle faking their work but it won’t last. The key in freelancing is learning the skill and becoming good at it. This is a highly competitive industry, and if you want to stand out, you need skills and talent above the ordinary. 

If you want to win more clients as a freelancer, it’s crucial to be honest with your clients. Do not make promises which you are sure you can’t. Overpromising and under delivering can damage your reputation. Consequently, this results in negative reviews and a loss of clients. Negative feedback left on your account could potentially hurt future business prospects. It takes a long time to earn your clients’ trust but seconds to break it. Consider the following before committing on any project: 

• Do you have the time to finish the job?
• Do you have the skills required by the project? 
• Do you have the right software and other resources available?

Instead, be realistic about what you can provide, and only take on projects that you know you can complete successfully.

Failing to Market Yourself

If you are wondering why you have not landed any gigs, it’s probably because your clients can’t see you. Failing to market yourself is another common freelancer mistake to avoid. Do not assume that your work will speak for itself. Let the world know about it. There are plenty of online platforms which you can take advantage of.

• Use social media platforms to build your name 
• Create a website to reach a wider audience 
• Participate in online groups and communities 
• Create a strong portfolio for clients to check 
• Networking on clients using platforms such as Linkedin

It is vital to actively market yourself to attract clients and grow your business. Showcase the quality of work that you do. 

Ignoring the Business Side of Freelancing

If you plan to become a freelancer, you have to keep track of the business side of your career. Not paying the right taxes is a common freelancer mistake to avoid.  You should take charge of other important areas of the business such as bookkeeping, taxes, and contracts. This will help you avoid having financial and legal headaches in the future.

Now that we’ve covered some of the most common mistakes that freelancers make, read the solutions below to avoid them.

Strategies for avoiding the common freelancer mistakes

Set Clear Expectations with Clients

Align with your client to set the right expectation. To avoid issues with clients, it’s important to set clear expectations from the beginning. 

• Take notes and send it to your client to make sure you are aligned on things
• Make sure you establish a contract that outlines project scope, timelines, communication channels, and payment terms. 
• Repeat given instructions using your own words to make sure both you and your client are on the same page.

Develop a Marketing Strategy

Think of yourself as the brand, and for people to appreciate and know about the brand, you need a marketing strategy. 

• Come up with a marketing strategy that aligns with your goals and target audience. 
• Build yourself a professional website
• Develop content and create a social media plan
• Networking with other freelancers in your industry
• Join freelancers groups and communities 
• Attend freelancing events and zoom parties 

Create a marketing strategy that highlights your unique value proposition. Moreso, it should showcase your skills and your best work to stand out in a crowded market.

Research Market Rates for Your Services

To avoid the mistake of not charging what you’re worth, do your research to determine fair market rates for your services. 

• Ask other freelancers that you know in the industry about the rate
• Consider factors like your experience, expertise, and the value you bring to clients. 
• Learn the art of negotiating with your clients 
• Make them realize the value you provide with a strong portfolio

Set Boundaries and Prioritize Self-Care

Take time for mental health and breaks. Enjoy some rest from work in order to  avoid the mistake of burning out. 

• Do not take on too much work
• Agree on clear boundaries with your clients and prioritize self-care. 
• Schedule breaks and time off
• Say no to projects that don’t align with your time, values, skills or goals.

Remember that your mental and physical health are just as important as your work. If you are not happy with what you are doing, your body and mind could suffer. You have to take care of yourself too and not just your client to achieve long-term success. 

Freelancing can be a rewarding and fulfilling career, but it’s not without setbacks. To become successful in this industry, you should be aware of the common mistakes freelancers make and avoid them. It could be a thriving business in the long run. Always take time to learn and grow. And do not be afraid to ask for help or guidance in times of need.

In freelancing, you don’t only get to deal with clients but you are learning to manage a business. Before jumping into this industry, make sure that you are fully prepared, your skills are on par with the leading freelancers out. And most importantly, remember the common freelancer mistakes to avoid. 

Remember to set boundaries, value your services, be honest with clients, actively market yourself, and manage the business side of freelancing. With these tips, you can avoid common mistakes and thrive as a freelancer.