Close Menu
Soup.io
  • Home
  • News
  • Technology
  • Business
  • Entertainment
  • Science / Health
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
  • Contact Us
  • Write For Us
  • Guest Post
  • About Us
  • Terms of Service
  • Privacy Policy
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Soup.io
Subscribe
  • Home
  • News
  • Technology
  • Business
  • Entertainment
  • Science / Health
Soup.io
Soup.io > News > Technology > 7 Mistakes Freelancers should avoid
Technology

7 Mistakes Freelancers should avoid

Cristina MaciasBy Cristina MaciasJuly 29, 2020Updated:December 30, 2020No Comments6 Mins Read
Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
7 Mistakes Freelancers should avoid
Share
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

Although being one’s boss sounds like the quintessential dream, freelancing can bring forth unforeseen challenges that can make you backpedal  fast on your dream. But it doesn’t have to be this way.

Whether you are about to venture out as a freelancer or have been at the game for a while, it’s always good to learn from the mistakes of others before you inevitably make your own.

We have gathered a list of 7 common mistakes that most freelancers end up making but are easily avoidable if you are aware of them.

1.   Not identifying your niche

Every job is not an opportunity! You will feel like grabbing whatever project you can lay your hands on, particularly in the beginning but it is important to pace yourself. Do your research before accepting any offers. Communicate with other freelancers who are active in the industry you are interested in.

And most importantly, clear your mind of any doubts and identify the niche you want to work in.

This will help accept only those offers which you will actually enjoy taking up. After all, what’s the point of freelancing if you don’t even enjoy it in the first place!

2.   Missing deadlines

Before you take up a project, decide on a deadline that both you and your customers are happy with. 99 out of 100 times, you have to deliver your project before the agreed-upon deadline as not meeting deadlines can ruin your reputation as a freelancer.

Delaying projects can leave a bad taste in the customer’s mouth and not only will they never hire you again, but they might even end up advising others to stay wary of you.

So here’s something you should do:

Estimate how long it will take you to finish a project before taking it up. And while you’re at it, give yourself a little extra time for unexpected delays.

Meeting deadlines is one of the best ways to build relationships with the clients and staying organized. If you learn to stick to this rule, you will have a successful run.

3.   Not Maintaining professionalism

Even though freelancing is more relaxed than an everyday office job, you have to remember that you are still working and someone is paying you for that work. Hence, do not get very friendly with your customers.

Another thing to keep in mind is to not be short-tempered with your customers even when your anger is justified. Handle situations professionally and not under the influence of emotions.

4.   Not having backup plans

It’s a volatile market for freelancers. At one point in time, you might be flooded with work and at another, you could face complete drought. Hence, it is wise to have more than one source of income.

It is unpredictable what might happen in the future and as you are not getting a steady paycheck, having backup plans can help. Also, save up for several months before beginning your freelance adventure so that you can get through tight times.

You may also consider switching to a regular job if your freelancing gig does not seem to be working out.

Always keep a resume handy in case you want to apply for traditional job roles. You can take the help of online resume samples to incorporate your freelancing experience in your resume in an impressive manner.

5.   Biting more than

It might be tempting to take on multiple projects as more projects mean more money but ask yourself, would you be able to finish all your work before the deadline? Not only that, working for long hours can burn you out and make you less productive every passing day.

Take advantage of the flexibility that a 9-5 worker cannot enjoy. Do whatever you want whenever you want and enjoy being a freelancer rather than putting yourself through the grinder.

6.   Not pricing your services correctly

In other words, know what you are worth! It might be tempting, especially in the beginning to undercut the standard market prices and provide cheaper services to build a client-base but this is not going to help you in the long run.

Understand the market prices and figure out what you should be charging that would be fair to both you and your customers and more importantly, profitable.

This is not to say that you shouldn’t make exceptions or never offer discounts, but be smart about it. For example, offer discounts for a limited period or give a certain percentage off to the first 10 customers, etc.

You can also charge different customers different prices! It all depends on how much time, effort, and resources will go into a certain project and every project is bound to be different from the other. So, don’t let a customer haggle by saying, “You charged xxx to xxx, why am I being charged more?” Tell them that your rate depends on the number of hours it takes you to finish a project and how large a particular project is.

7.   Not learning to say no

There are going to be instances when your customer will demand the impossible from you. Be honest and explain your limits. There might even be projects that don’t excite you, but as a freelancer, you have the option of picking whatever you want to work on. Only say yes to projects that are feasible, profitable, and enjoyable to you.

Conclusion

Do not repeat the common mistakes made by hundreds of freelancers before you that can be prevented by simply being aware and mindful. Of course, it’s not possible to avoid them all as to err is human but a little research will take you a long way.

Summing up common mistakes that freelancers should avoid:

  • Do not work on something that falls out of your area of expertise.
  • Keep your promises by delivering projects before deadlines.
  • Save money before venturing out as a freelancer and always have something to fall back on if the business gets slow.
  • Know your limits and stick to them.
  • Be upfront about your prices and do not compromise.

Moreover, be an active part of the freelancing community and seek help from fellow freelancers.

Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
Previous ArticleTop 5 Online Selenium Grid
Next Article All You Need To Know About Sober Living Homes
Cristina Macias
Cristina Macias

Cristina Macias is a 25-year-old writer who enjoys reading, writing, Rubix cube, and listening to the radio. She is inspiring and smart, but can also be a bit lazy.

Related Posts

Home Automation Setup Tips for an Efficient Daily Routine

September 13, 2025

Why People Are Moving Toward Alternative Online Platforms in the Growing Digital Shift

September 11, 2025

How to Buy Instagram Auto Likes Safely

September 5, 2025

Subscribe to Updates

Get the latest creative news from Soup.io

Latest Posts
Why Used Golf Balls Are a Smart Choice for Golfers of Every Level
September 17, 2025
Spenser For Hire Series On DVD: Release Date Ahead
September 17, 2025
Mobland Series Guy Ritchie: Paramount’s Renewed Faith
September 17, 2025
Exploring Adjustable Paylines in Virtual Online Games
September 17, 2025
Blowin Money Fast Starz: Tips from Blowing Money Fast
September 16, 2025
Paramount South Park Streaming Rights Lawsuit: What to Expect
September 16, 2025
Condo Amenities that Support Parents and Children
September 16, 2025
Discover Top AI Agents Examples That Transform Business
September 16, 2025
What is the Connection Point Between Social Games and Real Money Gaming?
September 16, 2025
A Christmas Store in Los Angeles Worth the Trip
September 16, 2025
Why D&O Insurance Could Be the Key to Attracting Top Board Talent
September 16, 2025
Find work-life balance as a nurse working in a tough job
September 16, 2025
Follow Us
Follow Us
Soup.io © 2025
  • Contact Us
  • Write For Us
  • Guest Post
  • About Us
  • Terms of Service
  • Privacy Policy

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.