For a freelance business to run well, it needs to have good planning, the ability to grow, client expectations, and social proof of your successes.
Last week, I shared a letter to my younger freelancer self. Today, I am writing my follow up letter. What would you say to your younger freelancer self?
So, my younger freelancer self, I wanted to go over a few more things while following up on my letter I recently sent.
For a freelance business to run well, it needs to have good planning, the ability to grow, client expectations, and social proof of your successes.
I ask you to extend your ear for one more letter.
Optimize Processes
Early on, you will want to optimize your business processes. I didn’t know much about this because my background was a different field. I wish I had known more.
I learned as I went along, but could have learned faster with some guidance. Having a business process is something for which you will need to have a plan.
What are some of the things for which you need a process?
First, you need to have your own workflow. Workflow just means how you do your work. You can be fancy, but it isn’t necessary early on.
When you discuss working with a client, you inform them how you work. Otherwise, they will tell you how they want the work done. Clients telling you how to work is not a business relationship. That is an employee/employer relationship. You run your business, don’t let your client do it for you.
Create frameworks. The truth is, while how to’s and step by step instructions are great, it is the principles that stand the test of time. Adopt good principles, set up working frameworks, and adapt to your own context.
Do you have a contract or a written agreement? A contract will save you when something goes wrong. You need to have something in writing. There are several different kinds of proposal software and contract and agreement templates that you can use. The key is to get the most important points in writing and have the client to sign. If you have an ongoing client and you need to move quickly, a basic agreement on prices for certain items can really clarify your charges.
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Set an hourly rate. I know there is a lot of debate about value-based pricing, setting a flat-rate for a project and hourly rates. The truth is, you need to have an hourly rate for those times that call for hourly work. When you are setting a proposal for projects, you can set your flat rate, but there are times the hourly rate helps. Once you have your hourly rate, you can send it to all your clients for work that requires a ticket. Hourly rates are good for ongoing work.
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Set Client Expectations
via GIPHY Manage Client Expectations
Part of your customer onboarding process is setting client expectations. Setting client expectations is important to establish boundaries, build rapport, and make sure you are paid and paid on time.
Setting boundaries with a customer are something you are not thinking about as much when first getting started. Frankly, you are just happy to have a client, but then, your boundaries get pushed. There is the call on the weekend. Maybe a call after business hours. If you haven’t given your client those boundaries, he or she will likely think they are free to contact you at any given time. This is not what you want. Imagine enjoying the weekend with your family and getting a call from a client to request service. Talk about putting a damper on your weekend.
Building rapport with a client comes when you have clear expectations in the relationship. You build your boundaries, the client respects those boundaries, and then everyone is happy with the results. There is nothing wrong with being a friend with your client as long as boundaries are respected. Building rapport leads to more work and referrals.
Getting paid on time is also part setting client expectations. In fact, when you build your agreement or contract, you should have information regarding payment expectations. Once the client signs off on the agreement, this sets a clear expectation for terms of payment.
Need some tips? Check out the post below
10 ways freelance designers can better manage client expectations
Build Your Portfolio
Portfolios are the holy grail of showing your work, but showing a picture of a site you designed doesn’t show the problem you solved. I would say, go ahead and make a portfolio, but team each project to a case study. A short case study isn’t hard to put together. Basically, you are showing the before the website, the after and the problem you solved. I wouldn’t get caught up in some shiny tool you used or unique coding language because your potential customers’ eyes will glaze over.
Be simple. You can highlight that you created a website that is now responsive or that you build a website that is generating more leads. Maybe you did something a little different such developed a custom application. Then, you can talk about the results of the application and those benefits.
How Experts Write Case Studies that Convert, Not Bore
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Consider employing more of a storytelling technique.
So, do more than put up a pretty picture. Talk about the function of the site and where it excels for the client.
Additionally, add testimonials. Testimonials will bolster the proof you establish with your case studies. In fact, if you can get a testimonial for each of the case studies, that would create a more comprehensive social proof. Further, you can use those testimonials in other spots on your website and in social media posts.
Grow in a Community
When we start out in a freelance business, we in no way know all there is to know. I certainly did not. Therefore, we need a community to help.
Isolation is common among freelancers, and it can lead to a whole plethora of issues including depression, anxiety, uncertainty, lack of networking, and lower productivity. To fill this gap, you have to join groups.
As Alison Jordan explains at Freelancer Union,
While the freelance life can seem glorious from afar, with its promise of free rein over your daily schedule, many find that working independently is… a little lonely. Even if you were ambivalent about your 9-5, you may find yourself missing the camaraderie and social interaction that comes with a traditional work environment.
In the freelancer world, there are plenty of groups, many of which are virtual.
I have joined groups in various virtual spaces including Slack, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Forums. Further, using a website like Meetup, you may be able to find a local group of freelancers near you. I think it is good to have both.
Locally, one of my favorite groups to participate is called Geek Breakfast. Once per month we meet and eat breakfast and talk about general geeky things. It really has not pressure, and it is just a casual networking type event.
Great turn out at #geek breakfast pic.twitter.com/x3h1KkJQhn
— Todd E. Jones (@tejones) August 29, 2013
Looking back over the past few years, I would have partnered with others sooner. Partnering with others does a couple of things. First, it helps with the isolation. You always have someone to work with and fill your lack of community. Second, it allows you to work with someone who has complementary skills. Often, this results in a higher value project.
A community of other freelancers will also help you grow as a business person and in your skills. One of the reasons I like the MainWP Facebook Group is that I learn from others.
Wrapping it up
So, you see my younger freelance friend, you don’t have to do this business alone. In fact, I would suggest that you don’t do this business alone. It is hard enough without feeling alone and isolated. Build your community, optimize your business process, set client expectations, and take advantage of a strong portfolio.
We are all rooting for you.
