How’s your freelancing career doing? Do you sometimes sit down and review your progress? Do you see any weak spots that need to be fixed?
Online freelancing is great. The freedom that comes with it is unfathomable. Opportunities are limitless. If you do it well, you’ll also be laughing all the way to the bank.
However, there are a few things that are killing people’s freelancing careers everyday. They are often left wondering what hit them. I admit I once made some of these mistakes as well, and learnt heavily from them. You don’t want to make them if you value your profession.
There are probably 100s of mistakes, but here I chose some of the worst ones.
Mistake #1: Getting into scams
The desire for fast and easy money is driving some people nuts. They can do absolutely anything to make that quick buck. However, this also makes them a target to some really bad scams that are sinking people into depression. Some of the current scams include MMM, PublicLikes, BitcoinSlip and D9 Clube among others. These simply promise you heavens with no effort.
Note that in life there are no rewards without effort. All these scams end in one way, and one way only. They come tumbling down and people lose millions (and even billions in some instances).
Do not get caught up in scams and do not refer people to scams as well. Learn to always earn from your sweat. It feels awesome to earn legitimately. And in future things also get easier as you set up semi-passive and fully passive streams.
Mistake #2: Wanting to first work under someone
“I don’t want to look for my own clients, I want to first work under someone, learn the ropes, then get my own clients.”
This is the sentence that some freelancers are now using to replace laziness.
Don’t get me wrong, there are some people who will take you under their wings and have you working under them till you can stand on your own.
But they’re rare. And even for the most kind-hearted people, this gets tiring and they stop making such arrangements. Sometimes the inexperienced workers even end up messing for these kind men and women. Trust me, I’ve been there, sacrificed much to give people free stuff, only to eventually get messed up.
I still give people lots of free stuff, but in moderation so that I don’t end up being misused.
If you’re absolutely new to online work, I recommend you get some training. And note that there’s nothing like free training. You’ll either pay someone to train you and show you the ropes or you “pay” by doing lots of online research and trying things out, which may sometimes mean making lots of rookie mistakes.
Both paid training and self-training work. It’s just that having someone train you can help you go faster and reduce your chances of making mistakes. But if you’re starting out broke, you can still take a few hours per day to learn things yourself.
Once you’re ready, go straight for the awesome clients. Don’t look for some knight in shining armor who will spoonfeed you. Why? Because, in most cases, that knight in shining armor does not exist.
Mistake #3: Over-dependence on accounts
“Hey Walter. Which is the best account to get writing jobs right now.”
“Apart from iWriter, where else can I get writing jobs without bidding.”
“Oh gosh! This account doesn’t accept people from our country.”
And on and on the “accounts” talk continues.
For those who don’t know, working accounts are different freelancing websites where people join to look for clients and jobs. There are “take” accounts like iWriter where you just log in and get jobs and “bid” accounts like Upwork where you apply for jobs and wait to get hired by clients.
Many people mistakenly think that “take” accounts are better. I however have stated before that “bid” accounts are the best because of the direct client approach.
Back in 2012, accounts were the in-thing. We would get hundreds or even thousands of dollars weekly from these.
But right now, things are different. Accounts are getting stricter by the day so it’s difficult for new freelancers to get into some without proper guidance. There’s also increased competition, therefore many people don’t earn thousadns or even hundreds of dollars from them anymore.
I’d still like to clarify that you indeed can earn well using accounts. One of my trainees is now earning $400 per week in Upwork, and it’s just a few weeks since she joined my training.
However, not everyone pays for expert training. Unlike 2012, most who join these sites without a good strategy don’t end up earning much.
Some clients in these sites pay peanuts. And scammers are on the rise. Let’s not even mention the exhorbitant rates some of these sites charge. Others are discriminatory, thus will not let you in just because you’re not from the “right country”.
In fact, there are many people worldwide who are campaigning against accounts. I don’t campaign against them. I just tell people to diversify their client acquisition strategy. After all, we’re not all blessed the same way. Some will succeed through accounts, others will succeed through getting direct clients.
So, how are people getting awesome clients today? What’s the future of online work?
The answer is direct clients. The very best clients aren’t just somewhere sitting in a site waiting for you. The best (in most cases) are out there in the online wilderness, and you need to find them, pitch and convert them. So you should diversify your strategy to include:
- Online accounts
- Job boards
- Cold-pitching
- Blogging
- Social media
- Your friends and family who are in a complementary business e.g. if you’re a writer, your web designer friend can get you to be the writer in all the sites s/he designs
Talking about clients, you need to really avoid working for the annoying ones.
Mistake #4: Working for annoying clients
“But this is the only client I have. I won’t make it without him.”
So you kid yourself.
If you are dealing with a bad client, these are some of the things you’ll be handling:
- Insults
- Unwarranted revisions
- Late payments
- Low pay
- Unreasonable deadlines
- Poor communication
These are not people you want to work with. If you come across such, fire them immediately. They can make your life so miserable that you may even want to give up on online work completely.
Yes, I once worked with such a bad client for a month. And after all those nasty words, crazy revisions etc, I realized that I wasn’t really moving anywhere with him. I fired him and went on to look for awesome clients. He keeps trying to come back but that ship has sailed.
I never ever again tolerate bad clients. All my clients now value me and my work. We have awesome working relationships.
So, yes, you can do better without that nasty client. You’re the one in charge of your success.
Mistake #5: Bad proposals
Remember above I told you the world is changing? Great jobs are no longer just found in different freelancing accounts.
Now whenever you’re looking for a job, you need to actually interact with the client and show them you’re the best person for the job. This is either done through a proposal e.g. in sites like Upwork, or a pitch when you’re reaching out to direct clients.
And this is where many people fail.
Writing proposals is a skill that you need to work really hard to acquire.
Social media has gotten people used to short responses such as “Interested”, “I’m in”, “Give me the job” etc. That doesn’t cut it. Even if you’re a super-freelancer, a client won’t get convinced by a simple “Interested” comment while there are dozens of guys, probably not as qualified as you, who are sending in mouth-watering proposals.
Did you know that Upwork is now kicking out people who keep sending too many proposals without winning jobs? Yes, they figured out that it’s messing up the client experience in their platform. They are trying to reduce those comments you see in groups and forums stating, “I tried getting a freelancer in Upwork but didn’t manage. Where else can I get one?”
These comments come from people who posted jobs and got literally useless proposals.
Whoever told you that it’s a numbers game lied to you. Nowadays it’s more of a quality game. Instead of sending too many half-hashed, regurgitated, impersonal proposals that don’t appeal to anyone, send targeted, impressive, assuring proposals that make it so easy for the client to scream “yes” to you.
An awesome proposal should simply respond to the client’s deepest needs and assure them that you’re the right person for the job. Take your time and think carefully whenever you’re approaching a client with a proposal or pitch. You can even research and learn from the best before giving it your shot. Clients are busy, they only want your best shot.
Mistake #6: Putting all eggs in one basket
“My Upwork account was terminated. That’s all I have. My life is falling apart.”
Ever heard such a cry online?
Cut-throat competition is forcing everyone to try work smarter. Sites are also pushing in powerful algorithms and smart detection measures to ensure they only have the best people aboard. This may sometimes mean that your account may get in the cross-hairs whether legitimately or due to a false alarm.
This does not only apply to freelancing websites such as Upwork. Anything can fall apart. Even the most foolproof plan. For that reason, you need to always diversify. Always.
Below are some diversification suggestions:
- Use different client acquisition methods as discusssed above
- Mix up freelancing (such as writing, transcription, graphics) with internet marketing (such as affiliate marketing, selling online courses, writing and selling ebooks, advertising)
- Get a financial expert to advise you on ways to save, invest, insure, budget etc.
- Start an offline project
There are no limits to what you can do. But never put all your eggs in one basket.
Mistake #7: Not focusing on growth
This is one of those mistakes that sadly most people don’t even realize they’re making.
Do the words below describe you:
- Have you been doing the same job at the same pay rate for the last 2 years?
- Do you always dwell in your comfort zone, never trying out anything new?
- Are you still afraid of approaching direct clients since you love your Upwork job or top rated status?
- Are you scared stiff of starting to create legitimate passive or semi-passive income streams?
If your answer is yes to any of the above, you may be doing great now, but you’re not focusing on growth. This means that in no time you may be overtaken by today’s newbie, or even become irrelevant.
I once balanced tears when I saw a writer who started writing before me back in 2011 still charging $3 per 500 words now, all these years later. My thought was that she’d have grown to the $20s (or even $50s) per article. Or at least $10s. But she’s still charging the same amount she did when she was getting started years ago.
Life is all about growth. You were once a baby, then started school, became a teenager, and are now an adult. Your business should also grow from toddler stage to adult stage – and keep growing till it ages gracefully.
In fact, a good business lives beyond the owner. Think of businesses such as Coca Cola and Apple which are still there despite of the demise of their founders. Keep growing.
Mistake #8: Not opening your eyes to opportunities
What’s hot right now? Is there any new challenge sweeping the online space?
All those challenges bring forth heavy opportunities for people who open their eyes and cash in on them.
For example, Travis Kalanick and Garrett Camp started Uber simply because they couldn’t find a cab in Paris. This led them to want to start something that would enable people to easily find cabs nearby.
Noah Kagan started AppSumo (and SumoMe) simply because he wanted free software.
All these people are now making millions and changing the way things are done.
In Kenya, for example, the government is pushing for people to work online. Whether or not their motives are good, the fact is that they’re pushing for it and will keep doing so.
You can therefore either keep complaining about how they’ll mess it up, or take it up as a very very lucrative opportunity, if only you open your eyes.
I’ll leave you to think about this yourself, though. How can you benefit from this influx of people hungry to make money online? What are their needs? How can you solve these needs for some profit? Smart people are already taking swift action.
Mistake #9: Not making proper use of free information and offers
One thing’s for sure – most people look down on free stuff. I don’t.
Below are some things I got absolutely free (or through an offer):
- My first blog review was done by a an awesome guy called Steve Watson. He was giving a freebie in his blog where he’d look at your blog and do a video on what you need to improve. I grabbed that opportunity and managed to really make my blog professional.
- The first online course I ever bought was AffiloBlueprint. At that point it was going for a one week launch offer at $77, after that it went to $197. The returns I got from that training are just too many to count.
- I solidified my knowledge about cold-pitching from a free challenge by a guy called Bamidele Onibalusi. I already knew about cold-pitching before that, but his free training gave me more meat.
- I recently bought an amazing course from a guy I’m following for only $1 (instead of the regular price of $49). He had a few days’ promotional offer. Of course he was using that as a tripwire but I knew it was a tripwire, and never fell for the bait. Look up “tripwire” to know what I’m talking about.
- I got an email marketing trick from Neil Patel’s free webinar. This little trick really skyrocketed my earnings from something I was promoting via email.
The list goes on and on and on.
When you get something free but valuable, take it and run with it. Also keep an eye on good offers. Be cautious though, there are times where everything may look appealing and you may find yourself spending too much time or money on things you can never implement.
Therefore limit yourself to a course every 2 to 3 months, then after taking it, try and implement everything before jumping to the next one. Don’t keep jumping from one course to another everyday, whether it’s paid or free. You’re human and definitely have a limit as to what you can successfully implement within a certain timeframe.
Mistake #10: Not spending money to make money
Afraid to spend a dime on some knowledge or tool?
I was once there too.
I kept wondering why I’d need to spend on a blog while I could get one for free.
I just couldn’t comprehend why people were paying lots of cash every month for their email marketing programs while I could just use free email.
It was even crazier for me to buy a course. Why pay for something I could easily find free by searching Google or YouTube?
The same goes for many other things including an online support desk, a training website, social media tools, productivity tools, virtual assistants etc.
I’m so happy that I squashed all these myths and started paying for knowledge and tools, as long as they had significant returns on investment. And they did. A lot. In fact, some of the above give me more than 100 times whatever I put in.
As you saw in my example above, a lady paid me Sh. 2,000 ($20) for my freelance writing training (note that this price will go up soon, never goes down, no discounts) and in just a few weeks, she started earning $400 (Sh. 40k) per week in Upwork alone. Funny thing is that people pay millions to schools and universities and according to recent statistics, very few make it to the $400 a month mark, let alone a week.
But still, you’ll find people who are not willing to invest even Sh. 500 ($5) on a course. Here I’m not talking about those who don’t have, but those who have but prefer to spend it to eat out on a weekend instead of doing something that will help them earn more and build their career.
I want you to succeed
…and that’s why I’m telling you all these mistakes that you shouldn’t make.
This is all from the heart, based on some mistakes that I personally made and learnt from, and mistakes that I’m seeing other people making. I hope you won’t be one of them. I hope you’re one of those who listens to advice and takes action with what they learn.
See, these mistakes are critical. Over the years I’ve seen many a freelancer quitting online work for good, just because one or more of these mistakes messed them up completely. If you find yourself in that position, I wouldn’t tell you to quit. Instead, you need to learn from your mistakes and use them to build a solid career.
What mistakes have you made in your online career? What did you learn from them?
Hello Walter
Mistake number 10 got me on point. But since life is all about learning,I have stopped procrastination and am joining you soon to get training.
What a great piece of art Mr. Akolo!
God bless you abundantly.
Thanks Godfrey.
Good that you’ve taken note of what you need to improve and you’re work on it!
I’ll be happy to train you anytime.
The guy with one million ideas, present!
Yeah, that’s me. This head of mine can think of 1 million crazy things to do online and offline but has never settled on any.
Oh yes, translation. Poverty finally pushed me into freelance translation. $600 a month! In Cameroon, that is double my monthly pay as a government teacher.
What a pity! I know that is 1/100 less than what my skills can bring in as income.
Reason? Guilty on all counts cited above!
What next? Oh, another crazy idea again on what I can do running my mind right now.
Hey, I need a coach! Oh, my mind hates this one. But I need A COACH!
Hi Fadi, the one million ideas man!
Sure, $600 is good but you can definitely do better.
I coach in freelance writing though, not translation. You’re free to Google or even check out sites like Udemy for a course on that!
Doing my research on freelance writing and 2-3 clicks on the tabs, i came across your content. Your information is quite reliable. You stand out in this field. Remarkable work bro.
Thanks a lot Stephen. Means a lot.
Very informative post Walter. You just mentioned everything that can make a person not grow as a freelancer. I must admit that I was once a culprit on some of the things that you mentioned but quickly got myself out of them. Am now working on several online opportunities to make that dollar 😀 Great work!!!
Thanks Japheth,
Always happy to help.
My brother you are God sent,just what I need to fight this procrastination in doing something independently,this fear of failing,I really need to jump out of my comfort zone soonest,thanks and God bless
Thanks Miriam. Yes, start taking action. As you succeed, that fear will keep diminishing. You’ll also be able to work inspite of fear. With hard work and prayer, all will be well soon. God bless you too.
Wow very insightful article and views. I really want to start doing writing and highly interested in this venture. I have never done this I am ready to learn as a newbie and start from scratch.
Thanks Mark. You can check out my other blog post on writing here https://freelancerkenya.com/money-online/how-to-make-money-online-in-kenya-as-a-freelance-writer/
The same applies to me sir
Glad it helped Fredrick.
Thank you Walter. Thats so educating
Hey, thanks for these tips Walter. I agree with you. Freelancers need to put a little more effort when writing those proposals. I read on another article that copy pasting the same proposal for several clients is dangerous?
What’s your say about that?
Hi Dennis. You’re most welcome. Yes, copy pasting proposals doesn’t work because each client has their own unique needs. Sending too many copy pasted proposals without at least trying to make them slightly unique will likely get you zero jobs. And nowadays Upwork bans people who send too many proposals without getting hired. Other freelancing sites such as SolutionInn have strict policies against duplicate proposals. At the moment Upwork allows it but you never know what the future holds. So it’s wise to ensure a proposal addresses the unique needs of each client.
You are the Musa in this wilderness of freelance writing. Thanks a lot!
Hehe…thanks Samwel.
Hi, Walter,
Thank you so much for always looking out for us. I love your all weather attitude. It puts sunshine in my spirit. If I dont succeed it is not anybody’s fault but mine. I am guilty of taking too long to make a decision and take positive steps to advance. Your persistence is beginning to make a dent in my slackening and I believe that during the period between now and the elections I will “get out of bed”.
Thank you, my friend.
Thanks Sharon. Yes, we’re each in charge of our own success. That’s great news (that you’re “getting out of bed”). You can do it!
Nice staff.
The scam issues almost broke my freelance career at some point. I would rather remain jobless than involve myself with the scam again.
Hi Sara. Those are some of the expensive lessons we learn. Good to never be involved in any scam. Can be such a painful experience.
This is an eye opener. Forward I move
Awesome, Kohot. Keep moving forward.
thanks for such important details..Sir, God bless u each day..
Thanks Mary. God bless you too.
This write-up is 100% educative. i have seen myself in the mistakes and am looking forward to changing.
Thanks Walter
Thanks Nels. Sure, keep taking action.
Really grateful for your tips walter
Thanks too 🙂
This article speaks to me. I have really taken my time to kick start my online career. I have worked for several people, It was great and lots of stuff to learn. However, at the end of the day, i feel that i have never given myself the chance to bring my A game. Thanks Walter for this wonderful article.
Thanks Linda. Yes, bring on your A game starting today. All the best.
Talk about a rude awakening!!!! Thanks a Million Sir.
My pleasure Freddie.
What a powerful article!! Am greatly challenged as a newbie, and I know I will make it in the field.
Thanks Sammy. Yes, you can make it. Keep doing your best.
Great tips there Wally. Its a rude awakening for me
Good to know that Kahihia. Many thanks.
Thanks Brother Walter, this article is very comprehensive. It’s actually an eye opener to newbies. Thanks once more and keep up the good work
Thanks Robert. I hope it inspires both newbies and veterans.
Thanks Walter for the great insights. I am a newbie to this world of freelancing. I went through your blog and I thought that writing is something I could do. I subscribed to your free mini-course so that I can learn a thing or two. Do I wait till I finish the free course so that I can enroll for the training or can I enroll immediately?
Hi Rosemary. Welcome aboard! Either way is fine. You can do the free one then enroll for the paid one, or you can enroll immediately.
Insightful as always. Always learning something new from your blogs. Barikiwa!
Thanks Niphanil.
As always, an interesting read from you. Absorbing everything from this blog. Awesome!
Found this hilarious…
“Once you’re ready, go straight for the awesome clients. Don’t look for some knight in shining armor who will spoonfeed you. Why? Because, in most cases, that knight in shining armor does not exist.”
Haha…thanks Carol. Good to know you enjoyed that part. And the rest of the article.
Thank you so much for the amazing insights. Your articles have been very helpful.
Thanks Shadrack. Happy to help.
Walter. You are indeed amazing! Personally, I can admit that i have gained a lot from you. Keep up the good Spirit
Thanks Raphael.
Thanks a lot for the nuggets of wisdom. Blessed be.
Thanks too, Kennedy. Stay blessed.
Wow what an insight.
The post has given me hope to keep on writing after several setbacks.
I once fell for a freelancer conman who
Refused to pay me after submitting my work.
I am now wiser and ready to implement the guidelines.
Be blessed Walter.
Thanks Benedict. Many of us fell for those at least once. I agree we’re all now wiser. Stay blessed.
Another fresh and powerful blog post! I love the lines, ” I wouldn’t tell you to quit. Instead, you need to learn from your mistakes and use them to build a solid career.
Thanks a lot for sharing…Walter!
Thanks Jeremy!
Well said. I need to put more efforts to enter this field. Your advise is good
Thanks Peter. Keep doing your best.
This is one of the rare quality of an entrepreneur. I love your article. Keep it up bro.
Thanks James. Good to breed the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Thanks for information on mistakes commonly made that can ruin freelancing career,indeed its has been helpful to me.Regards
Thanks Protus.
Thanks Walter for these advises. May God bless you.
My pleasure, Carol. God bless you.
Owesome! this is truly a great read. I am learning a lot from you Walter and my God continue showering you with blessings, As i venture into online writing business, i will always refer to your blog for insights. I will be your student ASAP.
Cheers Man.
Thanks Joshua. Glad you’re learning and yes, I’ll be happy to thoroughly train you. God bless you too.
Hi Walter,
This article is spot on. I suffered under no. 1, 2, and 4. You know where my journey began. I have since seen a great transformation.
Hi Cosmos,
Good to read the feedback from you. Yes, I remember where your journey began. Good to know there’s great transformation.
that was insightful and owesome
Thanks Jane.
Isn’t this a great read? Thank you Walter for sharing this. It’s just in time for me.
Thanks again!!
Thanks Chepkoech.
Great tips! I especially appreciate the one about bad clients. You know what? It is applicable across the board and not only in freelancing. No client (or customer) should make one’s life miserable. It is so nice and such a relief to know you are not obligated to any “customer sumbua” or “client sumbua” as they are referred to.
There are so many awesome clients out there and thank God they are the majority and such are the ones worth your time and attention.
Thanks, Walter!
Thanks Duncan. Very well said. We really need to value ourselves and only go for people who are worth our time.
Looking forward to learn the ropes.Many thanks for the insights for it couldn’t have been any better than this. Salutes for the good works.
Thanks Hesbon.
Insightful as always. Thank you for the headsup.
Thanks Simon.
thanks for the information we need people like you to inform the innocent online entrepreneur
Thanks Julio. Happy to help.
Thank you Walter for this insightful post. I am learning more and more everyday other day from your blog. Keep up the good work.
Thanks Martha. I’m humbled.
Very helpful information, thanks for this Walter.
Thanks Nahumy.
Kudos Walter! That was a very enlightening read, especially because I’m now at a crossroads as a freelancer… off right away to implement it.
Awesome, Reuben. Implementation is key.
On point Walter, Starting out on my writers website to acquire high paying clients.
Thanks Dennis. And that’s a great thing you’re doing!
I always learn something new from your blogs. thank you for the continued motivation
Thanks Frashiah. Always at your service.
Great article. I’m motivated to enter the digital marketing industry. I will enroll in your training course soon.
Thankgs Mbogo. I’ll be happy to train you whenever you’re ready.
So grateful for the article. We learn as we work and will definitely become experts.
Thanks Judith. With hard work and dedication there’s nothing we can’t do.
Your post is spot on!
I am a victim of several mistakes; Not focusing on growth, Giving up after losing my Upwork account (i had put all my hopes on it once), working under someone for two years, and not spending money to earn money. I’ve really learnt through the hard way.
Perhaps the biggest mistake that Kenyan freelancers make is to head straight for fast money. Unfortunately (or fortunately), it doesn’t work unless one is willing to put lots of effort, determination, and honesty in their endeavors.
Let’s focus on doing it right.
Thanks for sharing this piece of vital info Walter.
Thanks Victor. Many of us have fallen for a couple of these. Glad you’ve learnt the hard way and are still forging forward till today. True, let’s do it right.
Hi Walter,
Thanks for the advice, it will help a lot. Something I have learnt is that it is better to look for your own clients after training than working under someone. Most people advice that its better to work under someone until you have learnt the ropes. I also need to diversify and stop depending on one account. Thanks.
True Evelyne. Nothing beats working for your own awesome clients.
Thanks Walter,
The information here is very useful and I have learnt a lot
Thanks Agrippah.
Hi Walter,
Those were very great points indeed. Thank you
Many thanks.
I have been growing every day, career-wise, by making sure everything that Walter Posts, I grab it and put it into exercise.
Thanks a lot
Thanks Boniface. I’m glad this blog helps you.
Wow. This came in when I really needed it.
Blessings Walter
That’s great Lucy. Blessings to you too.
Walter you just spoke to me. Thanks
Good to know that Arnold.
Wow, these are really great insights Walter. I made a couple of them as well, but I never fell for Scam sites, atleast.
To succeed in online business, one needs dedication, consistency and honesty among others.
Thanks for sharing these
Fantastic info here. Experience strongly supports your observation; accounts are not really the best way to eke a living online. Of course, just like with many other freelancers, getting direct clients appears to be an uphill task.
I have learned quite a lot from this.
Thank you, this`s very enlightening.
Thanks Patience.
Nice insight there Walter. I appreciate the information.
Thanks Wanguba.