How To Be a Winning, Successful Freelancer

The secrets to success aren’t all that hard. You can do this.

In the quarter of a century that I’ve been working for myself, I’ve picked up a tidbit or two on how to make it in the freelancing game. There have been highs and lows. There have been great, profitable victories and crushing, soul-destroying failures. In looking back, I might have done quite a few things differently, but in looking back over 25 years, I have never regretted the decision to go freelance.

Based on my experiences, I’ve found some very key, simple strategies any freelancer can use to make their freelance venture a success. While my work experience has been in the publishing field, these tips can be applied to any freelance area.

Meet deadlines

I know this seems like obvious advice that shouldn’t need to be said.

That said, I’m always surprised by the number of clients I’ve had inform me that half the freelancers they’ve worked hired in the past failed to deliver on the agreed-upon time. To be fair, many of those clients sought out inexpensive and, therefore, inexperienced freelancers, so it’s little surprise they had trouble. Just the same, it’s a bit surprising how big of a problem it can be.

Take this knowledge to heart.

Simply meeting a deadline puts you ahead of the competition.

Meeting a deadline builds a positive client relationship and puts you in a better position for repeat work. Plan your time wisely. Consider carefully if you will be able to get a job done within a certain amount of time. Most clients have leeway to work with you and would rather have a job finished by a specific later date than an unrealistically-promised quick turnaround.

Don’t overbook

I get it.

I totally understand the temptation to never turn down work — even when it means squeezing projects into competing time slots.

The problem with double-booking a job is that it increases the risk of missing one of your deadlines — if not both.

There is a real fear among newer freelancers that there will be no work available later if they turn down work now.

The good news is that’s not true. If you’re a dependable freelancer — one that clients can rely on — the work will always be there. Word will get around. References will be made. It’s on you to be dependable and, if you can do that, you will always have work, and overbooking will become less of a temptation.

At first, it’s tough as you build a client base. Be patient. To use a famous movie quote out of context, “If you build it, they will come.”

Don’t go dark

Nothing puts a greater strain on the freelancer-client relationship than when somebody goes dark and stops answering emails, texts, or phone calls. From there, it’s a short journey from frustration to anger.

Remember, a business relationship is just that — a relationship. It needs communication to work.

Communication breakdowns can happen for a lot of legitimate reasons. Health, family, even burnout are all valid things that will draw you away from your work. The critical point to take away, however, is the importance of letting your client know what’s going on or, at the very least, that there may be a delay in a project. You’ll find most clients are pretty cool about this, so long as they’re kept in the loop, and you don’t leave them hanging.

Obversely, if you’re being ghosted, decide how long is too long and then move on. You’re no longer obligated to the silent client at a certain point, and you can fire them. Let them know. Invoice them for work done, if possible, then walk away.

You have better things to do with your time.

Go for clear communication

Sometimes communication issues come in the form of a lack of clear guidance or failure to lay out details about the job or the contract.

You and the client are not on the same page.

That’s okay… at first.

Take time to make sure all questions you have are answered, and any questions the client has are likewise addressed. Know the scope of the job, the expectations, and when it’s due. Make sure the client knows how long it will take, how much it will cost, and what your revisions policies are,

Best to avoid surprises when building a successful working relationship.

Give the client what they want

If the client wants 750 words on cloud computing, don’t hand them 1,000 words on password protocols. Yes, both are somewhat related to network computing, and you’ve even produced more than initially asked for, but a piece on passwords is not what the client was looking for at that time.

You don’t get to make that decision. If you want repeat business, build yourself a reputation for delivering what’s asked for. Be the person that the client sees as dependable and who always provides.

My best, most long-term business relationships were with those in which I developed the reputation of being their “go-to” guy. I may not have been the cheapest, but I was always reliable.

Do that, and your freelance career will be an absolute success.

Be patient

I won’t lie. Starting out is going to be a challenge. It’s going to take you a while to find good clients, create a healthy client list, and build a reputation. There will be lean months.

Everyone’s pre-planning for a freelance career launch will differ depending on their needs. My only real advice for starting is not to wait for the “perfect moment” as that animal doesn’t exist. At some point, you’re going to have to take the plunge, ready or not.

Be patient. Don’t get discouraged too soon. If you aren’t happy after a year, reassess. But until then, at least, give it an honest go.

It’s a good life if you let it be

I love being a freelancer. I love the freedom and flexibility. I love not having to commute to an office every weekday. If I want to microwave fish, the only person I have to answer to is my wife.

Sure, I’ve made my share of mistakes in the past. I’m likely to make mistakes in the future. The trick is learning from one’s mistakes and building a more robust practice.

Keep these key concepts in mind as you build your own freelance career. Do so, and you’ll wonder what took you so long to go freelance in the first place.

Thank you for reading. I’d love to share more with you via my Bi-Weekly Word Roundup newsletter sent to subscribers every other Sunday. It will feature news, productivity tips, life hacks, and links to top stories making the rounds on the Internet. You can unsubscribe at any time.