Going freelance is really scary. I should know, I’ve just done it! I feel like I have the skills, the passion, the ambition and the experience, but the idea of working for yourself is still slightly terrifying.
Of course you’re going to make mistakes along the way, but I’d like to try and help by explaining some of the things I’ve already learned. Although I’ve only just launched my copywriting and content strategy business, I have been working freelance on a part-time basis over the last few years.
Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a few months in and wondering if it’s supposed to feel this messy (spoiler: it often does), here are some things most freelancers, especially in the copywriting and digital marketing world, wish they’d known from day one, with direct quotes from freelancers who have been there, done that.
1. You’re not just a copywriter (or marketer)
When you were employed, your only job might have been to write copy. But now, you’re the head of finance, sales, marketing, operations, customer service and admin. Phew, that’s a lot of work. If you don’t have systems in place, chaos can creep in fast.
I’d advise that you get organised and use some project management tools to help you. Trello or Monday.com are ideal. I’d also advise that you set up a bank account that’s separate to your personal one, so you can more easily track income and outgoings. You’ll also want to invoice from day one (the end of the tax year will loom quickly).
2. Working for yourself doesn’t mean working all the time
When you first go freelance, it’s tempting to say yes to everything and work ridiculous hours. But burnout is real and counterproductive. Definitely don’t overstretch yourself too soon, especially when you’re just finding your feet and getting established.
I’d advise that you set working hours, being as flexible as you need. Schedule your lunch breaks, avoiding meetings during this hour every day, and take days off.
3. Your rates are probably too low
Most freelancers undercharge when they start, either through lack of confidence or lack of information. But low prices can attract the wrong clients and you’re simply undervaluing your work.
I’d suggest that you find other freelancers that offer similar services and see what they charge. You can also use resources like ProCopywriters (if you’re a copywriting freelance).
My top tip would be don’t just charge for your work. Also take into consideration your time, expertise and admin.
4. Clients aren’t hiring a service: they’re hiring a solution
Generally, clients aren’t so bothered about the hows, whys and whats. They just want results. I’d suggest that you tailor your proposals so they demonstrate what results they can drive. This includes your website too. Really take the time to identify your clients’ pain points and how you can resolve them.
5. Pay attention to red flags
That vague brief? That potential client who doesn’t want to sign a contract? The one who ghosts you when you mention payment terms? Don’t ignore the signs.
You may not have much confidence yet, but trust. your. gut. It’s often right and could prevent you from signing on a difficult client with unrealistic goals. There’s a kind of weird joy in rejecting work when you know it isn’t right for you.
6. Retainers and long-term relationships are gold dust
One-off projects can be great, but the real stability comes from clients who need you regularly. I always aim to have some clients that want one-off projects, but some that pay a set monthly fee for a regular number of hours. These kinds of projects make it so much easier to plan your income and your time.
7. Marketing yourself is just as important as client work
It’s easy to focus so much on paid work that you forget to market yourself. But when a project ends and you’ve got nothing else lined up, it gets stressful fast.
I would put a set time in your calendar each week to maybe write a blog post for your own site, create and schedule some social posts, reach out to some of your existing contacts. It doesn’t have to be hours and hours, probably one to two hours a week is enough.
8. Community matters more than you think
Let me tell you, freelancing can be lonely. When it’s just you and your laptop every day, you start to have a better relationship with Gmail than your IRL connections.
But there are thousands of other freelancers in the UK, doing the same thing as you (and probably feeling the same way too). They’re often happy to help.
Take a look at communities like LinkedIn, Slack or Facebook, and also try to find some local events.
9. It takes time to build a reputation
Some freelancers make it look easy, but what you don’t see is the years it took to build trust, connections and a portfolio.
I’d advise that you be patient, stay consistent and keep learning. Every piece of work, every client and every conversation is a step forward, even if it doesn’t feel like it in the moment.
10. Confidence grows by doing
No one feels 100% ready when they go it alone, and yes, imposter syndrome is part of the package. I know I’ve had more than my fair share of it.
Try to avoid the voice in your head saying you can’t do this, and remind yourself of your experience and your passion. Positive affirmations can definitely help, so stick some around your working environment.
Tips from the experts
Don’t just listen to me. Listen to the other experts that have set up their own businesses, and what they wish they’d been told from the start:
“Tell everyone what you do. Your friends, your family, the person at the train station, your neighbours’ dog – your network is everything and can really be the make or break of your success.”
Steavie, Graphic Designer, Copper Cat Creative
“Be prepared for a six to seven-month setup. It takes that long to find the work, do the work, and get paid for the work. Either have some savings in place or, as a contingency, find part-time unrelated work to tide you over.”
Bronwen, Copywriter, Bronwen Armor Communications. Bronwen has tons of truths to spill in her freelance reflections guide.
“During quiet times, keep your skills sharp by doing pro bono work through Media Trust and Reach Volunteering. You can get testimonials from those charities too!”
Jo, Social Media Manager, Seeing Social
“See yourself as a business owner and not ‘just a freelancer’ from day one. That means running the business like a business in terms of trying to increase your profit year on year, diversifying your income streams and marketing yourself consistently. I had the most random, chaotic way of running my freelance business for years. I was very reactive (panic marketing when work was low) rather than proactive (consistently marketing and building a brand) and it took me a long time to switch mindset but it really helps!
“I find if you see yourself as a freelancer rather than a business owner you’re more likely take what work you can get and underprice, whereas switching into a business owner/consultant mindset has allowed me to work with better clients who pay more and respect my time and expertise.”
Rachel, Copywriter, Rachel Finn
“Every client I’ve worked with so far has come from existing connections. Build genuine relationships, so when support is needed, you’re the first person who comes to mind.”
Rochelle, Copywriter, Rochelle Messner
“Build a pipeline. Keep a list of all previous employees and key work colleagues, pitches you’ve lost and old clients and contact them once or twice a year. You never know what they need and who they know. If you’re lucky enough to be at capacity, keep a waitlist.”
Sonia, Ads Manager, Sonia Rutter
“I wish I’d known to harness the power of LinkedIn earlier! Posting regular content can lead to old connections reaching out to enquire about your services, which is a great starting point when you’re looking for work.”
Sam, Social Media Consultant, Sam Oliver Social
“Say “Yes” to everything. When you start out, you’re not on track to make £10k a month, you’re just trying to put food on the table and that’s OK.
Say yes to networking, say yes to working with new people, say yes to a project you’re not 100% confident you can achieve. You’re just learning how to be a freelancer at this stage, not the final product.”
Dan, Founder of RedCore Digital
“Start networking straight away. Not only will it lead to opportunities but it will also help with your sanity being around people and meeting new people. These people are also useful as a sounding board for any issues that you have when starting up.”
Mark, Digital Consultant, MMC Digital
“Make sure there’s a clause in your contract for late payments. I didn’t do this until further down the line, and I’m annoyed at myself I didn’t have it in sooner.”
Saskia, Digital PR freelancer, Saskia Fryer
“Create a solid circle of work friends over the next 12 months. People who are the same, inspirational, and some who push your thoughts….make you think to do.”
Also get a cleaner and gardener.
So you don’t have to do that.
As you’ll be doing everything elseKat, Lifestyle Photographer, Kat Hannon Photography
“Don’t presume to know everything! Four years down the line, I’m still learning new stuff.”
Oliver, Content Creator, Brands That Buzz
Freelancing can be one of the most rewarding ways to work, but it’s not without its challenges. The key is to treat it like a business from day one, keep learning and stay flexible. Mistakes will happen, and that’s okay. You don’t need to have it all figured out, just the motivation to keep going!
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