Being a freelancer can be much more relaxed than working in an office. You might be emailing a client while sitting in your pajamas and they’d never know.
As a freelancer, it can sometimes feel difficult to be professional. While working in your pajamas is totally your prerogative, it’s important not to let your casual lifestyle impact the quality of your work. These top tips will ensure you impress your clients and stay professional.
Use invoicing templates
Invoicing for freelancers is important. You’ll send a lot of them, so you need to get them right. A professional invoice shows that you know what you’re doing and want to relay clear information. Sometimes clients can be difficult about paying, and an invoice with a mistake could lead to further delays and excuses. So, make sure that you always send professional invoices. Using a template or software can help ensure that all information is properly formatted. Software can also automate reminders and late payment fees.
Make a website
As a freelancer, you’re responsible for your own brand image. How are people going to find your services? Having a website puts you above the rest and makes you look more professional. It helps potential clients to find you and proves your value. So, if you don’t have a website, it’s time to get one. Making a website can be difficult, but there are plenty of digital marketing agencies who will be able to help.
Have an organized email account
Just because you don’t work for a company doesn’t mean you should email from any old email account. Emailing from an old Hotmail account with a silly name doesn’t scream professionalism. Most freelancers make a separate email account for their freelancing services. This means that queries don’t get lost and can be responded to quickly. As a freelancer, it’s also important to reply to queries quickly and politely. You don’t want to leave an email hanging around for days on end. The client will probably get sick of waiting and take their custom elsewhere. It always looks professional to have a signature, too.
Know your fee
A professional freelancer knows how much they charge. You should always ask for what you want, even if you’re worried the client might not like it. While a bit of back and forth on the fee might be fine, it isn’t professional to keep changing your mind or be unsure of your worth. If so, you could be taken advantage of.
Establish deadlines
As a freelancer, you’ll find that clients work in different ways. Some give you a deadline, whereas others will ask you to set one. Deadlines can be difficult, as you don’t want to over-promise. This sets you up for failure and will create too much pressure. However, you also don’t want to offer a deadline the client doesn’t like. So, be professional and find a good middle ground. At the end of the day, you’re the one doing the work, so you need to set a deadline that works for you.
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