Tag / Freelancing

by caitlyncallahan14

setting your rate

If you’re just starting out, you may be wondering how to get started with setting a rate that’s not too low and not too high. Or, perhaps you’ve been working for a while but need to re-evaluate your existing rate.

Either way, determining what to charge people for your work can be a stressful decision. If you don’t charge enough, the work isn’t worth your while and you’re cheating yourself. If you charge too much, you may have a hard time landing clients (especially if you’re just starting out).

You love your work, and it’s important to get appropriately paid for it. Finding that sweet spot is key, and there are a few things you can do to make sure you hit it.

  • Set a savings or salary goal. If you’re not freelancing full time, but want to make it a viable side hustle, start by setting a savings or salary goal. For example, maybe you started a separate bank account for your side hustle and you want to save $5,000 in six months. Or, you’d like to make $25,000 per year. Divide the goal you have by the number of hours you’d ideally like to work each year, which will give you an average hourly rate. Or, think about how many projects you’d like to complete, and how much you’d have to charge per project to get to that goal.
  • Calculate your minimum amount to get by. If the ultimate goal is to freelance full time, you’ll need to do some additional math to determine how much your rate should be.

    First, add up all of your monthly payments, such as rent/mortgage, utilities, car loan, student loan, etc. Then, add how much you spend per month on other expenses such as groceries, entertainment, gas, etc. Include a monthly amount to put directly into savings or an emergency fund (experts suggest having 3-6 months of savings in an emergency fund). This is your minimum amount per month. Multiply by 12 to get your minimum annual income, and go from there.
  • Do research. Search online how much other freelancers charge for their rate. Read about how they determined that rate. Find freelancers who do similar work to you so you have an equal comparison.

    Keep in mind they may be more experienced than you, and their rate reflects that, so starting out that may not be reasonable for you. But understanding what others in your field charge can give you a great place to start.
  • Determine whether you’ll charge hourly or per-project. There are pros and cons to both, so include learning about this in your research to help you determine which may be right for you.

    Something I read to help is “Price the client, not the project, charging for your expertise rather than your time.” Only you know whether you’ll get the best return on your time by charging hourly or per project. Sometimes, it may depend on the client or the project. Be prepared with a rate for both.

    TIP: Regardless of how you charge, always track your time. By knowing how long projects take you, you’ll be better prepared to estimate how much to charge for future projects.
  • Be flexible. You may find it helpful to have a range of rates you would accept for a job. Propose a rate that makes sense for the position and for the client. For example, you may propose a higher rate if it’s a large, national client who likely has a lot more money to spend on a contract compared to a small, local start up. Either way, don’t propose or bid lower than is worth your efforts. Whether you’re charging per hour, per word, or per project, have your average rate but also have a minimum you’d go if you have to negotiate.
  • Negotiate. Stand up for yourself, and don’t be afraid to be negotiate if a client proposes a rate lower than what you’d ideally like. This is why it’s important to have a range of rates you’d accept. Personally, in most of my proposals I include a line like “I’m willing to negotiate a per-word or per-article rate,” leaving the door open to talking with the client instead of them turning me down right away because my rate is too high.

    A good relationship with a client is built on a solid foundation of communication and trust. Work with the client up front, especially if you are very interested in the client or project, to make sure you both benefit from the relationship.

    That being said, if a client won’t go above a certain rate, and it happens to be lower than your range, don’t be afraid to tell them you can’t accept that rate. Even turning down contracts can beneficial for both of you in the long run.

How did you determine how to set your rate? What do you charge? Do you have any tips for negotiating rate?

Share in the comments below!
by caitlyncallahan14

ghostwriting

Let me preface this post by stating that ghostwriting isn’t “bad,” and there’s nothing “wrong” with doing it. However, it may not be for everyone, so being aware of what it is and determining whether or not you want to do it is an important step in your freelance career.

Ghostwriting is when something you write or produce is credited to another author. For example, though you, Jane Doe, may write the blog post, it may be published on the client’s website under the CEO’s name “John Smith.”

Pros

  • It’s experience.
  • You can gain experience in a variety of industries and niches, some of which you wouldn’t get if you were credited.
  • You can write about topics that you aren’t necessarily an “expert” in and aren’t your primary focus. You can also write about new topics without having to worry about public perceptions tied to your name attached to them.
  • You can work on a secret passion.

Cons

  • You don’t get credit for writing a piece.
  • In most cases, you can’t include ghostwritten pieces in a portfolio or on a resume. You may even be required to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) and can’t claim or share involvement with the project or client.
  • You give up ownership of the work.

In some cases, it doesn’t matter if your name is attached to work. For example, perhaps you write press releases, copy for client websites and landing pages, or social media posts. The important thing here (if it’s important to you) is to understand if you can list the client as a client in your portfolio, and reference the work you complete.

However, in most cases, if you’re contributing to a book, writing blog pieces, articles or other content, producing art or graphics, etc., it can be beneficial to have your name in the byline. This way you can list or link to those pieces in your portfolio, share them with prospective future clients, and build your brand and reputation around your name.

If you ask some freelancers, or do a quick internet search, many consider ghostwriting to be a form of plagiarism because someone is claiming someone else’s work as their own.

If you sign up to be a ghostwriter, this shouldn’t be a problem. However, if you don’t, it could be.

Personally I don’t bid for or accept ghostwriting jobs because it’s important to me to be able to build my portfolio, brand and company. (There are exceptions, of course, for jobs in which I can reference the client and work, such as running a company’s social media account.)

However, I recently realized some of my work for clients is being published under other names – turns out, I was hired as a ghostwriter. This wasn’t disclosed up front. But this isn’t illegal.

Clients don’t have to tell you that you’re ghostwriting for them, and that’s fine.

Moving forward, it will become part of my regular practice to ask up front:

  • Can I list you as a client in my portfolio?
  • Will I be getting credit for this work?
  • Can I link to this work in my portfolio/share it in the future?

I used to do this when I first started. I worked with some amazing clients, and became lax with my clarification. No longer, because as proud as I am of the work I’m producing, I can’t claim it and I can’t use it.

Again, if you don’t mind not having your name attached to something, or perhaps you prefer anonymity, ghostwriting can be a great opportunity.

TIP: If those things are important to you, be sure to clarify with the client up front what your relationship can be with the work you produce. Don’t be afraid to ask if you’ll be getting credit, or how you can use the work in the future. If you’re working with clients outside of a freelancer service (like Upwork) always include copyright, future use and client relationship information in your contract. Or, be sure to understand what the client’s contract states about these before entering the agreement.

by caitlyncallahan14

you get what you pay for

This post is for both freelancers and clients who hire freelancers.

Putting in all caps for emphasis: YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR.

Many times throughout my freelance career, I’ve found myself shocked at the work people request for the rate they are requesting. For example:

10 posts per week
1,000-2,500 words per post
Must provide topic ideas for approval, outlines, and full articles with headings and keywords
Extensive research required
Will run through Grammarly for grammar and originality
Written for SEO rankings
Must be available for additional rounds of edits
Must be able to post to WordPress, format, and add images
$10 per article

Guys, I can’t make this up. That was a real job posting. Someone looking for an expert, who can provide topics, outlines, and full, well-researched and formatted 1,000-2,500 word articles, then post and format them on WordPress with images, for $10 per article…

Here’s another one (summarized):

500-750 words
Minimum 2-3 citations
English native language and located in U.S.
PLEASE BE EXPERT LEVEL AS I HAVE POSTED. Please don’t waste either of our time.
Every piece proofread through Grammarly
Work must be all original, have the proper flow, and be on time. Most assignments are due in 1-3 days.
I am looking expert writers, please. This post is going under the expert level, so please, please have that qualification.
$25 per article

Now, don’t get me wrong, someone will take that job. But let me be clear to this job poster: you will likely NOT be getting an expert. Because while someone just starting out or in need of a client may accept job that because it’s not a bad rate, for as important as an expert is to you, your chances are much smaller that you’ll get one.

I’ve seen rates of $1 for 100 words, $5 per hour, or $10 flat rate for 2,500+ words — all tagged at the “expert” level.

Again, for those in the back who may have missed it: YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR.

If you are offering an extremely low rate, you will not be getting an expert writer. Because experts know they are experts and know what they are worth, and I promise it’s more than what you are offering.

I’ve had clients turn me down because my price is too high, and then come back six months or a year later saying their other hire didn’t work out and wasn’t providing the quality of work they need. While I truly don’t believe I charge too much for what I provide, you may not get what you need from someone who charges less.

Now, don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of freelancers out there who provide excellent work for a low price. Perhaps they are just starting, building their portfolio, or they are only freelancing as a side hustle and don’t really worry about the rates. That’s wonderful, and I applaud you for your efforts and work.

However, to my fellow freelancers – don’t underestimate yourself, and charge what you are worth.

While you may have to re-define your job search terms, spend more time searching and/or submit more proposals, the client who hires you at the price you are worth is worth it in the end.

I remember when I first started, I took on a client who was paying me $20 an hour. With Upwork fees, I was only making $16. While the client was wonderful and I loved working with him and his team, I would spend hours writing a piece (due to research and length requirements) and only make maybe $100 (even though I knew it was worth more around $300-400 for the length and effort). I was just starting, thrilled to have a client, and taking whatever I could get to build my portfolio. And, I didn’t believe I could charge more.

Today, I have a client for whom I spend around 1-1.5 hours per piece, and I make $200 for each one.

I’m not telling you this to brag. I can’t express how thankful I am for my clients today. I assure you I spent the same amount of effort, and provided the same quality and excellence with both of those clients. I’m still proud of the work I produced for both, and am happy to share both in my portfolio. But only one was more willing to pay for what the work was worth.

To clients: If you have insane job requests, are looking for an incredible amount of work, and/or want expertise and high-quality writing, please pay your freelancers for it. If you won’t, don’t be disappointed when you don’t get what you’re looking for, have to spend hours on rounds of edits, and/or get frustrated with your relationship with your freelancers.

To freelancers: Spend the extra time to find that right client who will pay what you deserve; however, your rate should reflect your experience, quality and expertise. If you aren’t an expert, don’t charge as one. Find somewhere in-between until you build your portfolio and confidence. Either way, don’t get discouraged, work hard, and keep building relationships. You’ll find that right rate in the end.

If you’re currently a freelancer, how did you set your rate? Any advice for those just starting out? If you’re a client, how do you set your price for work? What do you take into consideration?

Let us know in the comments!

by caitlyncallahan14

when it’s not a good fit

When you have a small business, your customers or clients are your lifeblood. They are how you keep your business alive, and ideally, the more you have, the more you thrive.

When you run a freelance or consulting business, developing great relationships with your clients is critical. It’s something that’s personally incredibly important. I do everything I can to have and maintain positive working relationships with my clients:

  • I give them several ways to get a hold of me, including messenger, email and my cell phone number for calling or texting.
  • I never miss a deadline. In fact, I try to go above and beyond deadlines and get the pieces in earlier than asked for.
  • I spend the time it takes on my assignments, making sure they are exceptionally written, edited and formatted to their expectations.
  • I always ask for and embrace feedback, and offer one round of edits on all of my work to make sure it’s exactly what they need.
  • If I haven’t heard from a client in a few days, I reach out. Make sure they saw my assignment submission, check in, ask about any other assignments they may need, etc.

But sometimes, even through all of that, a client just isn’t a good fit. They might even just be a prospective client who after having conversations with, you aren’t sure they are the best for you or you for them.

Spoiler alert – that’s ok.

It’s taken me my whole life to come to this conclusion, and three years of freelancing to really embrace it. In my opinion, what it comes down to is your value for yourself, your time, and your business.

Recently I’ve ended a few contracts with clients because they were unresponsive, had unrealistic expectations or requests, communicated poorly, or no longer pay what I believe my work is worth. I also turned down work from a new client because I didn’t feel like having the “client count” or money from the assignments would be worth what I knew would be a tough, struggling and even frustrating relationship.

Doing these things, and saying no when I wasn’t comfortable, was incredibly freeing. I’ve learned to value myself and my work more than accepting poorly paying jobs just so I have something. I run my own business and I am a professional, and I want to work with clients who treat me and my work with the respect I believe I deserve.

I’m going to assume that if you’re a freelancer, consultant, or other small business owner, you’ve encountered something like this in your career. It’s not fun. But, having to deal with customers or clients who are not a good fit is how we learn who is a good fit and grow in our professions. We are able to recognize the value of ourselves and our work, appreciate clients and our work on another level, and have a greater respect for ourselves and the business we’ve worked so hard to build.

It’s hard to turn down work that could add to your portfolio. Or payment for an assignment that you really could do. Something is better than nothing, right? Perhaps, and if you’re in the situation where that’s the reality, then you may have to take that job or work for that client until you can get back on your feet. (I’ve been there, too.) But the more you stand up for yourself and your business, and continue to work and build relationships with clients who matter, the more value you will get out of what you do – both professionally, and personally.

by caitlyncallahan14

the importance of patience

I started back at work this week (FINALLY), and though working from home, I’ve now had to switch my focus to checking emails, joining meetings, and catching up on projects and things I missed during furlough.

Even though I’m back working full time, I’ve also been busier than ever with business clients. In the past three months, I’ve brought on four new clients, in addition to the three consistent clients I already had. I have a new organization system that’s really working for me and I could not be more excited to be continuing to grow my business, but it’s keeping me busy on top of my 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. regular job.

We also brought home a new puppy this past Sunday.

He’s a six-ish month old boxer/shepherd mix who has basically lived in a shelter or bounced from foster to foster all of his life. He’s the sweetest, most loving and friendly little guy, but he’s had essentially zero training. He’s not fully house trained, his manners need work, and he’s still a puppy with a lot of puppy energy.

Let me just say – I’ve really had my patience tested this week.

I’m learning a “new normal” being back to work (though working from home) and balancing my client load. Sometimes it’s tough to log into the meeting when last week I would have been sipping a glass of wine and reading my book on the patio.

And I’m also trying to train a puppy.

I knew what we were getting into with a puppy, but let’s just say I’ve never been the most patient person in the world. I’ve said “off,” “quiet,” and “potty” more times this week than I have probably in my whole life combined. I had to buy a baby gate to block off rooms in the house because he must be watched constantly. And our other dog is still getting used to him, so she needs to get extra attention!

I’ve found myself getting so frustrated. Either I’m on a conference call and the puppy is going crazy jumping on things and barking, or I’m trying to write a content piece and have to take him out 6 times before he goes potty. Or I really want to work on a client piece, but instead am focusing on a work project.

BUT THIS IS LIFE.

There’s always something to distract you. Something to drag you down or discourage you. Something that must take priority, even if you don’t want it to. When you’re building a business, especially if you’re also working full time, things won’t always go your way.

And that’s why patience is so important.

You won’t be a huge success overnight. Your client list won’t boom in one week or even one month. You won’t have as much savings as you’d like to quit your job. Your website traffic may take months to be where you want it. But part of building a business and being a freelancer is remembering these things even when it’s hard and life seems to get in the way or even knock you down. Trust me, it took me a long time to understand and embrace this.

It’s so important to have patience because that’s what will keep you going, knowing that one day you will be a huge success, and your client list will be nearly more than you can handle, and you’ll have enough savings to be able to quit your job and do what you love full-time instead.

I’m more motivated than ever to continue to provide excellence to my clients and grow my business, portfolio and profits. And, I have more work than ever to prove it. I’ve had to be patient with myself while I figure out how to juggle my time and work and normal life after three months of having endless time to do whatever I wanted. I’ve had to be patient with the puppy, because after all, he’s just a puppy. (One day, he will be an amazing dog and these puppy months will be a distant memory.)

I’ve found that the more patient you are with yourself in life, the more you will be able to get out of life. And yes, this is much easier for me to say than do. But if you give yourself time to become who you want to be, and build what you’ve always dreamed, getting there is so much sweeter. And, you get to enjoy the path along the way.

They say to live for the journey, not just the destination. It’s easier to do so once you understand the importance of patience ✌️