Freelance Income: How to Grow Your Income as a Freelancer

In this rapidly advancing digital era, earning a living isn’t just about traditional employment. No matter how many degrees you have in your name, you don’t have to wake up to a corner office every day to work for an employer in exchange for a salary.

Freelance income has become a popular and lucrative way for people to earn money. By using their competent skills and working on their own terms, freelancers are enjoying the financial freedom that most employees only dream of.

In fact, we live in an era where there are freelancers who earn more than some doctors and lawyers.

In this blog post, I’ll help you understand what is freelance Income, the different types, and how to wade through the uncertainties of this type of income.

Let’s roll!

What is Freelance Income?

Freelance income refers to the earnings you generate by offering your services as a freelancer. Yes, that sounds obvious, but let’s dig in a little deeper.

Unlike traditional employment, freelancers are self-employed professionals who work independently and are not bound to a single employer. They offer their expertise and skills to various clients on a contract basis and get paid according to the terms of the contract. 

Freelance income offers freelancers high flexibility and autonomy over their freelance work schedules and projects.

Freelancers who have financial freedom have mastered the art of selling. They’re solely responsible for finding clients, negotiating rates, managing contracts, and maintaining their reputation for future opportunities.

Understanding Various Freelance Income Streams     

Unlike employees, freelancers aren’t limited to a single source of income. There are various income avenues that freelancers can exploit. 

Some of the most common ones include:

1. Freelance writing
2. Virtual Assistance
3. Graphic design
4. Photography
5. Web development and design
6. Coaching and consultation
7. Proofreading and editing
8. Software development
9. Computer programming
10. Video editing and production

Many freelancers work online and offer their services through online platforms. Most of them do not only offer one service but have diversified their skills to adapt to the changing market demands.

Benefits of Having Multiple Income Streams

If you’ve been a freelancer for some time, you know that freelance income isn’t as stable as a monthly salary.

As a self-employed freelancer, you’ll experience seasons of feasting, and then there will be famine seasons. That’s why it’s always important to have multiple income streams to beat this feast and famine cycle.

With diverse sources of income, you get to enjoy the benefits of:

• A stable income
• A diverse clientele base
• Opportunities to showcase your skills
• Learning and continuously developing new skills
• Adapting to shifts in skill demand
• Networking with clients from different industries
• Exploring your passions and interests

Active vs. Passive Income

There are two main types of income in the freelance world: active and passive income.

To survive and thrive in the long term, I always advocate for every freelancer to have at least four streams of income — a mix of both active and passive streams.

Let’s explore the differences between these two types of income and their examples:

Active Income

Active income refers to the earnings you get through your direct participation. 

It’s the income you receive by trading your time, skills, and services. When you stop working, you stop earning your active income. 

The payment for active income is often directly proportional to the number of hours you put in or the projects you complete. 

Here are some key examples of active income in freelancing:

• Freelance Writing: You earn money by actively writing articles, blog posts, or content for clients.
• Graphic Design Services: You create custom designs, logos, or visuals for clients on a project basis.
• Consulting Services: You provide expert advice and solutions to clients for a fee.
• Web Development: You develop websites or applications for clients using your coding and design skills.
• Photography: You earn by photographing events, products, or portraits for clients during dedicated sessions.

Passive income

Passive income refers to the earnings that continue to flow in even when you’re not actively working.

It’s often the result of setting up systems and creating products or investments that generate revenue over time. Passive income is highly sustainable and has the potential for long-term financial benefits.

Examples of passive income in freelancing include:

• Creating and selling eBooks and courses
• Affiliate marketing
• Creating membership sites
• Creating and monetizing a blog
• Developing software and applications
• Stock photography

While active income provides immediate rewards for direct effort, passive income offers the benefit of ongoing earnings with less active involvement.

Integrating both into your income plan can help you have a more stable and sustainable income portfolio.

Fixed Rates vs. Hourly Rates

Whether you’re a freelance writer, a graphic designer, or a web developer, you often determine your own working terms and rates.

You can either choose to charge your clients a fixed rate on every completed project or get paid at an hourly rate.

Fixed/Project-Based Rates

Fixed rates are where your quote a specific amount for an entire project, regardless of the time it takes to complete.

Some advantages of working on fixed rates is that you have a predictable income — you know exactly how much you’ll earn by the end of the project.

This can make it easy for you to plan and budget for your personal and business expenses even before the money comes.

Your clients will also appreciate the clarity of a fixed price upfront, as it can allow them to budget accordingly. Additionally, you can decide to finish your project faster and save more time to work on other projects.

However, there’s always the risk of underestimation. You may misjudge the effort and time required to complete a project and end up earning less for a tedious project.

The project scope may also expand, and the client may not adequately compensate you for the additional work.

Hourly Rates

Here’s where you charge clients based on the time you spend on a project.

Hourly rates are good in that they allow you to be compensated for the exact time and effort invested. They also minimize the risk of misjudging a project and underestimating the costs.

Hourly rates also promote flexibility and transparency, since you can track your time and show your value to clients. However, with these payment terms, you can’t predict or budget for your income upfront. 

Some clients might perceive hourly billing as a method to prolong the project and increase earnings, making it a potential challenge. Additionally, it can prompt clients to monitor your time closely, and you end up feeling micromanaged. 

The worst part about hourly rates is they may not compensate for experience and expertise. You may be an expert who can write a masterful article in a short time, but that doesn’t mean clients should pay you less when you get faster.

Ultimately, the choice between fixed rates and hourly rates should depend on your preferences, the nature of the project, and the relationship you have with the client.

Retainers Agreements and Recurring Income

As mentioned, freelance income can be unstable, especially if you don’t have passive sources to rely on.

Your active income highly depends on your availability and the amount of freelance work you can handle in a given time. That means when you get sick and can’t work, you won’t be able to earn.

Retainer agreements and recurring income are some strategies that give freelancers stability and keep them afloat. 

What’s a Retainer Agreement?

A retainer agreement is a commitment that a client makes to keep your services for an extended period, often paying on a monthly basis. It’s my personal favorite!

It establishes an ongoing working relationship, ensuring that you’re always available whenever needed.

Here’s how retainer agreements can help you as a freelancer:

• Stable income: They provide a steady income flow, giving you financial stability amid project fluctuations.
• Predictable workload: Since it’s ongoing work, you can anticipate the workload and plan your schedule effectively.
• Client loyalty: Clients benefit from priority access to your services, nurturing a loyal and trusted partnership.
• Increased efficiency: The ongoing nature of freelance work gives you a deeper understanding of the client’s needs, leading to more efficient services.

Recurring income also involves providing your services and getting paid on an ongoing basis, often in the form of subscriptions or memberships.

Recurring Income for Long-Term Relationships

This payment model encourages lasting relationships between you and your clients and offers consistent value over time. 

It’s always a win-win for both parties.

With recurring income, you spend less time acquiring new projects and instead focus on delivering quality work.

It also offers a consistent flow of income and can be a great opportunity to hone your expertise in a specific niche or industry.

When sealing deals with clients, it’s always important to negotiate for either retainers or recurring income so your income won’t fluctuate as much.

Just ensure you highlight the deliverables, expectations, and terms in the agreement to avoid misunderstandings later.

Here’s a table that shows the difference between retainers and recurring income.

	Retainers	Recurring Income
Nature	A pre-agreed amount paid to secure services for a specified period or set of tasks.	Steady payments received for ongoing services or products.
Purpose	Ensures freelancer’s availability, even if work varies.	Payments for ongoing contracts, subscriptions, maintenance, or residuals.
Billing	Usually upfront, at the beginning of the agreed period.	Can be monthly, quarterly, yearly, etc., depending on the service/product.
Duration & Renewal	Set duration (e.g., monthly) and needs to be renewed.	Often open-ended or subscription-based until service is ended.
Stability	Provides income prediction for the duration of the agreement.	Offers stable income, allowing forecasting.

Factors Influencing Freelance Income

Have you ever wondered why some freelancers earn way more than others?

While some freelance professionals have been struggling for years, others join the industry and start rolling in cash in their first year.

What makes the difference? Well, freelance income varies due to several inter-playing factors.

Here are some of the most notable factors:

1. Market Demand and Niche

Some freelance services have a higher market demand than others. Additionally, certain niches and industries have a higher demand for freelancers and therefore pay more.

For instance, freelance SEO writers are in demand in almost every industry compared to virtual assistants, meaning they generally earn more.

2. Experience and Skill Level

Like in the traditional job setup, freelancers who are more experienced and have higher proficiency often command higher rates than beginners.

Also, repeat clients and referrals often pay higher rates as they appreciate your reliability and loyalty.

3. Industry and Complexity

Different industries offer different payment rates. 

Freelancers in technical industries like software development often earn higher rates than those in creative industries like graphic design and content writing.

4. Personal Brand and Reputation

Freelancers who have built strong personal brands and reputations often charge premium rates for their services.

They command high rates since most of them have built an impressive portfolio that justifies their rates.

Calculating and Estimating Your Income

As a sole proprietor, every freelancer needs to understand how to accurately calculate and estimate their income.

This is based on the number of clients you serve, the type of projects you handle, and the estimated number of projects you handle on a monthly basis.

Setting Precise Income Rates

If you plan to work on fixed rates, you can set a fixed price by assessing the scope and complexity of the project.

You also need to consider the time and effort you’ll invest in completing the project, as well as your experience and market standards.

If you work on hourly rates, set your own hourly wage depending on the value of your skills and experiences. Determine your desired hourly wage and factor in the specific project needs.

Ultimately, you should set a rate that aligns with your value proposition, caters to your freelance business expenses, and leaves you with enough profit to stay afloat.

How to Set Fair Rates for Your Freelance Services

Here are the key metrics to consider when setting your freelance income rates:

• Research Market Rates: Understand industry standards and what competitors charge for similar services. You check from online freelance platforms like Upwork or ask other freelancers in your industry. Remember, pricing too low below competitors can be perceived as a lack of quality, while pricing too high might push away potential clients.
• Breakdown and Timeline: Break down the project into tasks and estimate the time required for each task. This will help you avoid underestimating the project demands. 
• Value Proposition: Consider the unique value you bring to the table. If you have exceptional skills, specialized experience, and a strong portfolio, you can justify charging higher rates.
• Buffer for Contingencies: Always include a buffer for unexpected delays, revisions, and additional work that might arise during the project.
• Online Tools and Resources: Utilize online tools and resources like freelance rate calculators, industry associations, and professional forums to help you make an informed decision on the best rates to charge.

You may still need to adjust these rates depending on the intricacies of a project.

For instance, you may need to charge higher for more complex projects since they’ll demand more effort and high expertise. You may also need to factor in additional compensation for urgent projects that require you to work outside regular hours or meet tight deadlines.

On the other hand, repeat clients and long-term relationships might warrant discounted rates, as they give you more consistent work.

Gradually increase your rates as your skills and reputation grow to ensure they remain aligned with your value.

Negotiating with Clients

It’s common for freelancers to feel intimidated when negotiating rates with clients. 

Here is a win-win approach on how to negotiate fair rates and come to an agreement with your clients:

1. Before discussing rates, understand the client’s requirements, budget, and expectations.

2. As much as possible, let the client blink first and tell you their rate. If it’s reasonable, proceed. If not, move to the next point below.

3. Propose your rate and justify it by highlighting how your skills and services will benefit the client’s project. Always start high in a negotiation.

4. Present different pricing packages that cater to various needs and budgets, and allow the client to choose.

5. Listen to the client’s perspective and be open to negotiation while also respecting your bottom line.

6. If the client is hesitant about your rates, educate them about the value you provide and help them see the long-term benefits of your services.

Strategies for Maximizing Your Freelance Income

As your freelance journey evolves, so should your rates. Increasing your rates gradually is a strategic move that reflects your growing expertise, experience, and the value you offer to clients.

Let’s explore some effective strategies to help you raise your rates and increase your income over time.

Upsell and Cross-Sell

Upselling and cross-selling are among the best ways to increase your income as a freelancer.

Upselling involves identifying opportunities to provide higher value by suggesting additional services that align with the client’s goals. 

For instance, if you only offer blog article writing, you can upsell the client to pay you for content strategy and promotion in addition to blog writing.

Cross-selling involves introducing the client to other services they might benefit from. 

For instance, if you’re a web designer, you can cross-sell branding services and charge an additional income for it.’

This is one of the most powerful methods here. In fact, just doing this took me from being a mere content writer to a lead digital marketing executive for a high value company.

Continuously Develop and Learn New Skills

As you advance, invest in your professional development by taking new courses, acquiring new skills, and refining existing ones.

As your skillset expands, you can justify higher rates to your clients based on your increased value proposition.

Strengthen Your Personal Brand and Portfolio

Position yourself as an industry expert through thought leadership, webinars, workshops, and publications.

Also, regularly update your portfolio with your latest and best work samples. Use case studies to demonstrate how your skills have led to positive outcomes for previous clients.

An enhanced personal brand and a strong portfolio can help you justify higher rates and land high-value clients.

Offer Service Packages and Premium Services

As your skill set advances, create new service packages with additional offerings or more comprehensive solutions. Clients are often willing to pay more for comprehensive solutions that meet their broader needs.

You can also introduce premium or specialized services that cater to a specific niche or clients with advanced needs and command higher rates for them.

Leverage Client Testimonials

Reviews and testimonials can be a game changer.

As you finish your freelance projects, gather testimonials and positive reviews from satisfied clients. They can serve as social proof of your capabilities and support your case for higher rates.

Implement a Rate Increase Schedule

Create a personal rate increase schedule and inform your existing clients about it in advance.

For instance, you can decide to increase your rates annually or biannually, depending on your performance.

Build a Referral Network

After successfully completing a project, politely ask clients for referrals or to introduce you to others who may be in need of your services.

Also, attend industry events, webinars, and forums to connect with potential clients and other freelancers who can refer you to more clients

Diversify Your Income Streams

Diversifying your income streams by branching into complementary niches can help you reach a broader clientele. 

For instance, if you’re a health and wellness writer, consider diversifying into fitness, nutrition, and beauty to reach a wider audience.

Additionally, take time to build passive income streams by developing products or resources (e.g., e-books, courses, templates, software, and blogs), which can bring you income without active engagement.

Supercharge Your Freelance Income

Freelance income is one of the best ways to gain financial freedom. Not only can you control how much you earn, but also how and when you earn it.

However, it’s highly unpredictable, and you need to establish a good foundation to stay afloat. Set competitive rates and establish both active and passive sources to wade you through the uncertainties.

Don’t forget to constantly increase your rates as you continuously reach out to better clients.

Remember to have a savings account to save money during the feast so you can have something to fall back on when famine hits or when something unpredictable happens.

With an elaborate plan and clear financial goals, you can create a stable and sustainable freelance income and live the life of your dreams!