? Freelancers: stop doing this ?
STOP doing work for free/really cheap.
Many of you have asked me what to charge for projects. Here’s my take.
When I first started out as a freelance writer, I was so hungry. I wanted to land as many clients as possible, so I charged rock bottom rates. (I.e. $5 for product descriptions)
Yes…I landed over 100 projects this way. VERY quickly.
The problem?
I was working non-stop, gaining tons of experience, but earning pennies.
You see, this isn’t a volume business.
Taking on tons of small, low-paying projects doesn’t put food on the table.
*Charging* tons for a few projects does.
Don’t forget, you have overhead and opportunity cost!
FACT: There are freelancers regularly charging 5-6 figures PER PROJECT.
FACT: There are freelancers regularly charging 3-4 figures PER PROJECT.
FACT: There are freelancers charging $5-$10 PER PROJECT.
Which one do you want to be? The more you charge, the less competition you’ll have. Period.
Stop fighting for scraps and charge what your work is really worth.
xo Jackie