actually making money
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- neonbeige
So, I've been freelancing for a couple of years and here is my problem...I have plenty of fun, low-paying jobs to pick from (band web sites, small businesses, etc.) but how do I start to get clients that can actually pay me enough? Does anyone have tips? (btw, it's not that I undercharge, it's that my clients in general don't have much money). I am working on a fancier web site and nicer business cards, but what else can I do? Work with an agency? are there good job getting web sites out there?
Thanks
- e-pill0
perhaps start pitching the jobs to stronger or more corporate minded companies with more of a financial backing to give you that nyc freelance lifestyle.
- neonbeige0
just gotta get a foot in the door first I guess
- robotron3k0
maybe try:
-learning to be a better business person
- doubling your day rate, that is right, just double it.
- learn to turn down low paying jobs, no matter how exciting. and to look good doing that, tell a client that your too expensive but you know of someone who can do it cheaper. 9 times out of 10 the client WILL come up with the money IF they truely want to work with you, else they might just be looking for a cheap designer and that's all.
-most importantly, you have to change your mindset, as you are talented, it is obvious. then it makes it easier to charge more because YOU are selling quality work.maybe that might help...
- OSFA0
I'm not a big expert on freelance because I still work for the man, but I agree with robotron, you have good work, so sell it for what it is. A little bit of cockiness always helps in selling yourself and your work, make sure it's just a little tho...
- skt0
you have nice work. start asking for more money and you will be surprised just how willing people are to give it to you.
I work full time but do a little freelance on the side and spent far too long charging £500 for a flash site.
Eventually it just wasn't worth my time, so I quadrupled my prices and I still get the same work from the same people.
- letters20
Lauren, you do have some solid work, and your site is neat and approachable, doing what it has to do – save the "About" section which has terribly justified typography and a kind of nieve tone with the "(aka me)." This has you situated in a good spot.
The first steps to bigger/better paying clients – and arguably most important – is contacts. Start by exploring your own network of people and see if there are any good names/organizations you can get in front of. This is always the best I think, as I feel we have a word-of-mouth industry. Ideally, you are looking for projects to pitch on.
Pitching on projects means being on someone's radar. Some self-promotion might work for you. Put some time and energy into developing something you can send out to get your name on people's radar. Emails in my experience are worthless – give them something then can touch/feel/taste... use their senses.
In addition to this, if you want to be pitching on projects a small/boutique firm would pitch on, you need to position yourself in a similar manner. Set up your site/image as a design studio. Sure, you are one person, but play that down. Dont use language like "I", use "we", or avoid that kind of language all together. Also, you can play up having a network of contacts allowing you to complete any size project – if need be. All of this should not scare away smaller clients, but should instill confidence in larger clients.
With this positioning yourself as a design studio – get your paperwork sorted out. proposals, estimates, contracts, invoices, business cards – putting on a professional face will instill more respect and confidence in your capabilities.
professionalism and talent. let your work speak to your talent, and let your business practice speak to your professionalism.
- neonbeige0
thanks for the advice and sorry about the terrible typography...ha ha. I am working on a bunch of the business stuff right now so its good to know that it might all actually pay off. Thanks