I've been freelancing for almost 9 years now, which means I've learned a lot of things the hard way! 

Here's some advice I would give to you BEFORE you start your freelance business if we were sitting down having coffee:

- Don't low-ball your pricing.
It might be tempting to price your services super low, but it actually makes you seem less desirable. Clients will think, "If the price is this low is the service even good?" You can price a little lower in the beginning to get experience and client reviews, but make it clear it's a limited-time starting price.

- Don't stay hourly.
Hourly means you're paid based on the time you spend doing the work, but as you become more efficient, you're paid less while still providing the same (if not better) value. Focus on getting paid for the value you provide, not the amount of time it takes. Move to project-based or retainer as soon as you can.

- Niche down.
You can start as more of a generalist in your field, but don't stay there.
Determine what you want to be known for and lean in to that by niching down. You'll also be able to charge more because your credibility is specific. Think about the knowledge, experience, and expertise you have and how that can help you to niche down.

- Create work boundaries.
It's easy to work all the time when your income is directly tied to your output. You'll eventually get burned out if you don't have clear boundaries in place. Determine when you're working and when you're not, then put your laptop away.

- Don't take just anyone as a client.
Make sure clients are a good fit for working with you. You'll regret it if you take on a crappy client just for the money. Explain the benefits of your services but don't sell your soul just to get a client. Your dream client could be right around the corner.

- Create community in your work.
Being a freelancer can be lonely. Your family/friends may not get what you do or how to help when something comes up. Find a work community that you can lean on when you have questions, need advice, need resources, and for general connection.

- Always be learning.
Keep up with changes in your field and spend time learning new skills if it makes sense for your services - the higher skilled you are the more you can charge for your expertise.

- Keep your business and personal finances separate.
Don't make it messy by combining your freelance businesses finances and personal. I recommend following Profit First (a book by Mike Michalowicz). Dedicate a monthly CFO day. The percentages I use:
5% goes to profit acct
50% goes to owner pay acct
15% goes to tax acct
30% keep in operating expense acct

- Be aware of scams and be thoughtful where you search for jobs.
There are so many scam job postings out here. If it seems too good to be true, it likely is. There are also a lot of freelance job boards/platforms that don't post quality jobs and recirculate low-paying jobs. Find your trusted sources and revisit them frequently + sign up for notifications of new jobs.

I hope this was helpful!

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