I mostly give freelancing advice to follow but not much on what to avoid.
Let’s change that...
Here are 5 bad pieces of freelancing advice you often hear:
1. Never Work For Free.
Never? Here are three good reasons to do it:
Build your portfolio quickly: Free work helps you create a niche portfolio fast, without being limited by client budgets.
Get valuable experience: Real-world experience is priceless and can help you charge higher rates sooner.
Gain exposure: Associating with well-known brands early in your career can be worth doing some free work.
2. You Can Earn $10k/Month Within 6 Months.
Unlikely. This happens for less than 1% of people.
Within 12 months? Possible but not easy.
$5k/month within 12 months?
Definitely - more realistic and achievable.
3. Cold Outreach Doesn’t Work.
It does work. It's a numbers game and must be done correctly.
Most sales happen in the follow-ups.
4. Freelancing Platforms Are A Waste Of Time.
Wrong. Many start on these platforms.
I got my first job on Fiverr for $5 and turned it into a $1,000 job in a month.
Professionals still use platforms like UpWork, Fiverr, Golance, Hubstaff Talent, TopTal, etc., to find clients.
5. Charge What You’re Worth.
Yes, aim for $250/hour, but when starting out, charge what matches your experience. Begin with lower rates, gain experience, and then increase your rates.
Every 6 figure freelancer I know started low (including me).
Hope this helps!
If you have any follow-up questions or need help, make sure to join the Discord community!
Cheers,
Kyle