Many beginners make costly mistakes that slow their progress
Starting as a freelancer is exciting, but many beginners make costly mistakes that slow their progress. Whether it’s underpricing, dealing with bad clients, or struggling with late payments, these pitfalls can make freelancing feel frustrating instead of freeing. In this post, we’ll cover the most common mistakes new freelancers make and how to avoid them—so you can build a profitable, stress-free freelance business.
1. Underpricing Your Services
One of the biggest mistakes new freelancers make is charging too little. It’s tempting to offer low rates to attract clients, but this often leads to burnout and low-quality work. Instead, research industry rates, factor in your expenses, and charge based on the value you provide. If you price yourself too low, clients may not take you seriously, and you’ll struggle to make a sustainable income.
2. Not Using Contracts
Many beginners skip contracts because they assume clients will always pay or that verbal agreements are enough. This can lead to scope creep, unpaid invoices, or last-minute cancellations. Always use a contract to outline project details, deadlines, and payment terms. Tools like Bonsai or AND.CO make it easy to generate legally binding agreements in minutes.
3. Delivering Work Before Getting Paid
A huge mistake freelancers make is completing work without securing payment. Clients may delay payment, dispute the invoice, or disappear entirely. Instead of taking this risk, use Blakebill.com to send files and get paid at the same time. This way, clients can’t access your work until they’ve made a payment—protecting you from unpaid projects and cash flow issues.
4. Taking on Every Client That Comes Your Way
In the beginning, it’s tempting to accept every project, but not all clients are a good fit. Some will demand too much for too little pay, delay payments, or disrespect your time. Learn to vet clients by asking questions about their budget, expectations, and communication style. If a project feels off, trust your instincts and decline politely.
5. Not Marketing Yourself Enough
Many freelancers rely only on job boards, but clients need to see your work elsewhere. Build a simple portfolio website, share past projects on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram, and engage in relevant Facebook groups. The more visible you are, the more likely clients will come to you—reducing the need to constantly apply for gigs.
6. Ignoring Financial Planning
Freelancing comes with inconsistent income, so financial planning is crucial. Set aside money for taxes, track expenses, and build an emergency fund. Consider value-based pricing instead of hourly rates to increase income stability. Also, using a tool like Blakebill ensures you get paid immediately instead of waiting weeks for invoices to clear.
7. Not Setting Clear Boundaries
Freelancers often overwork themselves because they feel the need to be available 24/7. Set clear working hours, define revision limits, and establish boundaries with clients. If you let clients dictate your schedule, freelancing will feel more stressful than a 9-to-5.
Final Thoughts: Avoid These Mistakes and Get Paid Faster
Freelancing is an amazing way to take control of your career, but avoiding these mistakes will save you time, money, and stress. Price yourself fairly, use contracts, market your skills, and don’t deliver work before getting paid. Using Blakebill.com ensures that you always get paid before a client receives their deliverables—eliminating one of the biggest headaches freelancers face.
If you’re a new freelancer, which of these mistakes have you made? Drop a comment below! 🚀
