Freelance Proposals and Pricing

Freelance Proposals and Pricing

HOW NEWS July 8, 2013 DESIGN + INSPIRATION + BUSINESS

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100% of You Have Done This One hundred percent is a bold prediction, but I am confident in my calculations. What is it that all of you have done? Freelance. Even if you work in a full-time job, you have been contacted and asked to assist in a project for a friend, associate or acquaintance. How can I be so sure? It's a matter of numbers. And, if you are an active freelancer, you need to ask yourself - 'Am I getting noticed?' Freelancers can be segmented into three categories: Full-Time Freelancers, Part-Time Freelancers and the Occasional Freelancer. Over the past five years, content production and design needs have escalated to the point that it would be difficult to name one business that has not had a need for the creative. Hundreds of businesses open daily. They need logos, websites, advertising, content, and more. Having done my share of freelance work as an "Occasional Freelancer," I can offer a few suggestions for those of you just getting your feet wet. 1. Never work with someone that says, "I don't have a lot of money, but..." Trust me. 2. Charge a flat fee for some projects . This just means that you should value the work that you do. A logo, for instance, might take just two to three hours to create. If you charge $50 an hour, that's $150 and perhaps the most important investment a company can make. Value it for what it is, not the time it takes to create it. Some of us work faster than others, but it doesn't change the worth of that logo. As the foundation of a business, my suggestion is to start at $750 as a flat fee. 3. Keep learning. The winners in today's technology-driven world are you - designers, creatives, artists, illustrators. Understand your own significance and continue to add skills and knowledge to your personal tool kit. It will not only make you vital, you will enjoy it! 4. Your sanity is more important than money. Don't overpromise, overschedule or overengage clients that are unsure of what they want. 5. Sometimes you have to ruin your magnificent creation because your client wants to "help" with  designs or content. Let it go and move on. Yes you created it, but you don't own it. Tips On Freelancing Negotiating a price for your brilliant creations is not always easy. The best way to start is to know how others are doing it.  Pricing, Proposals and Positioning for Freelancers is a download from the pages of HOW Magazine that can provide you with information about creating proposals, developing positioning strategies and setting prices. Most importantly, this digital download provides a step-by-step guide to what your project proposals should include suggested by freelance veterans who have learned from their own miscalculations. MORE Who are you? What do you do? What are you selling? Why do I need it? Social media has made the need for crafting a personal brand crucial. Your Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin all ask for bio information and personal interests. Even if you aren't planning a freelance career, you need to ensure your personal brand is formed now. It's no surprise that businesses are beginning to scour social media platforms for potential new hires. Make sure you are communicating a positive self-image that any company would be proud to employ. Robin Landa's Build Your Own Brand suggests 80 prompts and exercises to develop your brand presence, visual identity and your personal elevator pitch. It's a great book for understanding how to craft your message effectively. Learn more. KATHY SCOTT Online Editor HOW Design Upcoming Tutorials Supercharge Your In-House Team with Ed Roberts July 24th 2pm Eastern Register Today! Design iPad Apps from InDesign CC - without writing code - With Adobe Digital Publishing Suite July 9th 2pm Eastern Register Today! Resources for Designers

NEW Freelancing resource from the editors at HOW Buy Now Pricing, Proposals and Positioning for Freelancers You'll Love This Download If: You are quickly learning freelancing is easier said than done You feel like you should be charging more but don't want to scare off prospective clients You aren't sure when to bite the bullet and when to stand up for your design In this download from HOW Magazine, freelancers-those new to the game and old pros alike-will benefit from expert advice on constructing proposals, determining positioning and setting prices. If you've ever wondered how to better manage your money for profitability or which potential clients are just jerking you around, this download is for you. Plus, 2012 salary trends give insights into how much others in the industry are making, information on what influence you have over the course of a project (and what you are powerless to weigh in on), and advice on composing the perfect proposal and contract. Inside Pricing, Proposals and Positioning for Freelancers You'll Find: A detailed plan for avoiding time-wasters and snagging clients who will pay A step-by-step guide to what your project proposals should include Your Price: $19.99