Zoe Zombie

In relation to this post - which was an interesting article - I thought some things were missing that were maybe a bit too obvious and easily overlooked. I have been freelancing since I was 15 and although I did not have the knowledge and tools I do now, I have learned a lot in the past 7 years. So here are my Top 5 biggest Freelancing tips.

1 - Mates rates?

Mates Rates is something that you cannot avoid. Your friends are always going to ask you or imply that you will do a cheap job for them simply because they are your mates. It’s true, you probably will give them a discount here or there but remember - treat you friends like you would any other client. You should still do the appropriate paperwork, invoicing, signing off, written agreements etc. You need to remind them when to pay as well, as some friends may think they have forever to pay you for the work you have done.

2 -Don’t let the client push you into writing their content

I have had this happen so many times. It’s as if clients somehow think that I can know enough about their business to write their content for them. Their content is something that must be established before you begin designing. You cannot design a website without a rough idea of content at least. Almost all the clients I have expect me to write their content but it does not work this way. Also because I am a shocking speller most of the time. When you establish the pages the client wants on their website, send them a framework for content so they have a fair idea. Ensure that they complete all content and continue to follow them up if it is not completed.

3 - Be aware when things go out of scope

After you quote a client for their web requirements, they may change their minds after sign offs or certain design phases or even after the project is finished. This is out of scope and should always be charged extra unless you have had a written or clear verbal agreement otherwise. I have had clients pressure me into not charging them extra for extra work they wanted done which is a complete rip off and disrespectful to you and the service you are providing. Be clear at the beginning that anything not included in the quote but required later will be charged so you don’t “surprise” your client later.

4 - Never take criticism personally

It can be difficult hearing that a client dislikes the website or design you poured your heart into for hours or days. Especially if it keeps happening again and again - it can be disconcerting.  Take it as a learning experience - no one is going to love everything you are going to do even if you think it’s awesome. You have to be able to learn to take criticism or you will get no where in this industry. A wise man once said to me “Harden the fuck up.”

5 - You cannot read your clients mind - but you can try.

Ever since I have started doing this, I have always been expected to know exactly what my client is talking about for their website, even if they have never verbalised it to me or written it to me in an email. The requirement of ESP is quite amazing and can be frustrating. It is usually because the client does not know what they want in a site. Some do and it’s because they know what they are talking about and expect you too as well. Never be afraid to ask your client to be more specific in their requests. If your client says they don’t like your design, ask them what they would like to see in a design. Try to steer them away from saying things like “I don’t want that because…” or “I don’t like that because…” . This is just negative talk and never helps the situation or gets you anywhere.

Categorized as web design