Freelance Switch

Ask FreelanceSwitch: Blogging and Coworking

Posted: 11 Feb 2011 05:30 AM PST

Credit: kennymatic on flickr

In this issue of Ask FreelanceSwitch, we look at blogging and coworking. Ask FreelanceSwitch is a regular column here that allows us to help beginners get a grip on freelancing. If you have a question about freelancing that you want answered, send an email to askfreelanceswitch@gmail.com. Let’s get to the questions!

Question 1

I recently developed a new blog and I want to make it a legit blog and hopefully develop some income from advertising. What is the best way to approach the development of a blog? How do I market it without any budget and what is the necessary information that designers and developers enjoy reading about? In general, how do I get readers?

Tyler

Blogging has become a very popular opportunity for graphic designers and other freelancers lately — it’s easy to set up a blog and there are several really successful blogs out there to look up to. But there is a very important question that you have to ask yourself before you even begin: who are you writing for?

As a freelancer, there are two ways that you can hope to make money from a blog — either by using it to market your freelance business or by selling something through the blog. If you’re hoping to use it as a marketing tool, it’s crucial that you write for prospective clients, not other designers or freelancers. If you’re looking to sell something through your blog, writing for other freelancers is back on the table. I have to tell you, though, it’s a tough niche. There are a lot of graphic design, writing and freelancing blogs out there and you have to have something special to offer if you want to move into that space.

Marketing a blog without a budget requires a significant time commitment. At the most basic level, you want to go to where your ideal readers are already hanging out. That can mean guest posting on existing blogs, commenting on forums and generally connecting with as many people as possible. Once again, you have to have something worth your readers’ while to lure them into your blog, as well as great posts to convince them to stay.

It’s important to focus in on a specific audience so that you can choose topics and marketing strategies effectively. There are very few articles that — for instance — every graphic designer wants to read. The guy who does just magazine layouts needs different information (even about billing clients) than the gal who is doing CD covers. The more information you can gather about your target audience, the better.

Question 2

Hello! I have been making my living as a freelancer for about five years. Recently, I attended a business conference for a client and met the founder of IndyHall in Philadelphia. What he has done is created a work space for freelancers. You still work alone, but you get colleagues, people to lunch with, friends. You have a place to go every day. A big advantage is that a writer like me could hook up with an artist and bid together on a website – stuff like that. You also meet people and can discuss how much to charge. I am wondering if there is such a thing in Tucson!

Jane

There are some phenomenal coworking spaces out there, providing a lot of opportunities for freelancers — especially those of us used to a solitary working existence. Prices can vary, but most coworking spaces have daily rates, as well as a monthly rate that allows you to use the space a certain number of days.

They are popping up all over the place and the easiest way to find what’s available in your area is the Coworking Wiki. Just about every coworking space has a website, as well, so a search for your city and the word ‘coworking’ can turn up some great locations.

In the worst case scenario, an informal coworking space is relatively easy to start — in my area, we simply chose a local Starbucks and met up there on a regular basis.

Photo credit: Some rights reserved by kennymatic

5 Things You Never Want to Hear Your Client Say

Posted: 10 Feb 2011 05:30 AM PST

credit: yoshiffles on flickr

You know what you call a client that knows exactly what they want, does not require revisions, always pays you on time and loves colored eggs? You call them the Easter Bunny because they do not exist.

In a perfect world all client relationships would go this smoothly. Unfortunately, it's not a perfect world. As a freelancer, you have horror stories, but here are five strategies to help you work through these difficult situations.

1. "Do we really need a contract?"

Freelancer: Great to hear you're ready to move forward.
Client: Yeah, I'm excited to start the project.
Freelancer: I will send over my contract. Please take a look, and once it's signed, we can get going.
Client: Wait. A contract? Just trust me, you're going to get paid.
Freelancer: No… it's not a matter of trust, this is how I stay organized.
Client: Listen, I don't have time to look over a contract. Let's get started.

Solution:

If the client absolutely refuses to sign a contract, you will need to use your own discretion to determine whether the potential opportunity is worth the risk. It is highly recommend that you use a contract. If the client is still adamant, you should consider walking away from the project because it has disaster written all over it and may result in you not getting paid.

Never overcomplicate the contract – keep it short, concise and straightforward. The purpose of a contract is to outline all the terms, deliverables, and timelines and prevents misunderstandings. The client should know that a good contract protects them as much as it protects you, and a properly worded contract conveys that you are a professional running a serious business.

2. "Forget the deposit!"

Freelancer: Great, soon as I get my deposit, I'll get started.
Client: Listen, I know it's in the contract, but let's get going, and I'll pay you in full at the end.
Freelancer: With all due respect, this is not how I like to start projects, and I ask you to respect the contract.

Solution:

If your payment terms are in your contract, this will likely never happen. But if this does, your client is in breach before you've even started. That's bad news and a red flag.

By always including your payment schedule in your contract, you shouldn't be afraid to defend your payment terms. Remember, you're not selling a physical product that can be returned for lack of payment. Once you've turned it over, it's not yours anymore as there is no consignment in design.

To ensure your client understands your payments terms, it's best to have a section in your contract dedicated to detailing the payment schedule (how much, when, and even why). It can be helpful to set payment dates around key creative deliverables. It makes the client more at ease since they're receiving part of the project each time a payment is due.

3. "I never got your invoice."

Freelancer: Hey, have you had a chance to take a look at the invoice yet?
Client: I don't recall seeing it.
Freelancer: My records show that I sent it to you three weeks ago.
Client: Wish I could help you, but I don't think I got it. And without an invoice I'm unable to cut you a check.

Solution:

The relationship you have with your customers is very valuable. You want to work with them in the future, but you also need to get paid. Politely send the invoice again. There's no point arguing with the client. Be polite each time you ask, and never come off as hostile or desperate.

It's also best to track all relevant updates in order to know which clients have outstanding invoices, how many times you've already followed up, and what the next steps are for invoice collection.

Some online invoicing products will even track the invoice for you. For example, FreshBooks will show you when the invoice was read. (Full disclosure: I work at FreshBooks.)

4. "I like it… but let's change everything…and can you make the logo bigger?"

Freelancer: Here's the final project delivered to your specs.
Client: It's great… but we have a few minor tweaks… can you change the colors, the images, the copy, oh and make the logo bigger?

Solution:

In this situation, changes are going to have to be made. The best way to protect yourself from being taken advantage of is to have a clause in your contract stating how many revisions can be made and then you will need to start charging your hourly rates. This is a good place to set client expectations. This includes setting up regular checkpoints for reviews and revisions. This allows your client to give feedback before you've gone far ahead and maybe wasted your time. This will save you a lot of time. If they have approved each phase and have clearly been involved with the progress of the project, it is less likely for them to be surprised by the end result and want to change everything.

Remember, it is your responsibility as the creative professional to guide and direct the client to the best possible solution. This requires you to fully understand and take in consideration the client's budget, timeline, available resources and expectations.

5. "Screw you! I got what I needed. I will finish the rest on my own."

Freelancer: Hey, I'm finished and will send you the final invoice and project pieces.
Client: Uh… yeah. About that… I must have forgotten to tell you that the project has been cancelled and I can't pay you the rest.
Freelancer: But we have a contact? It clearly states that I will be paid for my work.
Client: S!@# happens… what can I say.

Solution:

This is the exact reason you will want to set up payments terms that outline a deposit, and additional payments during the project. The trick is to get the most money as possible upfront. This is tricky, but if you have a signed contract, it gives you a number of options. If you do not have a contract, you may want to consult a lawyer.

It is always recommended to have a Cancellation Clause in your contract that clearly states that all work belongs to you, until full payment has been made for the project.

What's the worst thing a client has ever said to you, and what was your response?

Photo credit: Some rights reserved by yoshiffles

_______

Supercharge your freelance business with the FreelanceSwitch Job Board, the only hand-moderated job board built around the way freelancers find work. Check it out now.