Last year, I left my full-time job to freelance as a web developer. Here's what I learned.
My biggest mistake? Undercharging for my first few projects.
I thought low prices would help me land clients. Instead, I attracted clients who didn't value my work.
Lesson: Price based on value, not hours. Good clients pay for results, not time.
Three months in, a client asked for "just a few small changes" that turned into a complete redesign.
Without a contract defining scope, I had no leverage.
Lesson: Every project needs a signed contract. No exceptions.
I made the mistake of stopping marketing once I had projects lined up.
When those projects ended, I had zero pipeline.
Lesson: Spend 20% of your time on marketing, even when you're busy.
Not every project is worth taking. Some clients are:
Lesson: Turning down bad-fit clients creates space for great ones.
I wasted so much time on admin tasks because I didn't set up systems from day one.
What I should have automated:
Lesson: Invest in tools and processes early. Your future self will thank you.
Freelancing is challenging but incredibly rewarding. These lessons cost me time and money, but they made me a better professional.
If you're starting your own freelance journey, I hope these insights save you some of the pain I experienced!
Have questions about freelancing? Feel free to reach out!
