If you are new to the world of freelancing, there are many things you will need to learn. Most people can only get some expertise in this cut-throat field of freelance writing by stumbling time and again. But if you understand your own value as a service provider and have a clear vision of what you are setting out to do, then you can get the payment you deserve as a freelance writer. Below are a few tips to help you set a value on your services.
Price a value range for your services
The most important thing you need to do first is to understand your own expenses, how many hours you plan to work, and your productivity. Then you can fix a minimum rate below which you refuse to accept projects. This is to ensure that you do not ever work at rates at which you cannot sustain yourself. But this is not enough by any means. Check the market rates and price yourself slightly higher. When you negotiate with clients, start with the higher limit and do not go lower than your lower limit.
Find a niche and sell your USP
There are many freelance writers and the market is overflowing with good and professional talent in this field. Though there is enough work to go around, how would clients differentiate between you and the other freelancers providing exactly the same service? You have to sell your unique selling point to entice prospective clients. This can be done best if you specialize in a certain kind of writing, like content for websites, business articles, legal articles, etc. Keep your options open for all kinds of writing projects but be sure to mention what your niche is. This is where you can price your services high.
Testimonials and recommendations
Make sure to have satisfied clients put up testimonials on your blog or the freelance site where you connected. Just as service providers take measure of the client by checking out their testimonials and ratings, the opposite holds true as well. The better your rating, the more new clients would be willing to pay. Keep up your networking and ensure that your work speaks for itself, so clients would have no hesitation in recommending your services to others.
Increase your rates gradually
If you already have clients with whom you work on a regular basis, then increasing your rates can become a problem. Raising your rates by a huge margin at one time will not go down well, especially if the client cannot adjust this price rise into their budget. It is better to increase your rates gradually and inform them well ahead in advance to your clients. Let them know what to expect so that your request for a raise is expected and given due consideration.
Make it legally binding
One problem freelance writers face regularly is non-payment or late payment of the payments due to them. While most contracts work out satisfactorily, there are those few clients who are either blatantly dishonest enough not to pay at all, or unprofessional enough to delay the payment indefinitely for no reason whatsoever. Drawing up a legally binding contract and asking your clients to sign it before starting work is one way to decrease unpleasantness in this regard.
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Kavitha is a freelance content writer and French translator, and has been working in this field since 2008. She has degrees in computer applications and international business and has a background in business and international trade. She enjoys learning languages and is currently learning Japanese. Her interests vary from books and writing to travelling and history.