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How to go from 0 to 100k as a freelancer

Gabri Cebria on February 07, 2022

Going from 0 to 100K as a freelancer sounds very challenging. Something only the best can do in less than a year. But let me tell you something. M...

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Gabri Cebria • Feb 7 '22

Do you have any other tips for new freelancers?

Chris Gustin • Feb 7 '22

A couple tips that have helped me grow my business:

Communication and customer service will win you repeat clients, referrals, and new business opportunities. Make this the core focus of your business. If you feel weak in these areas, invest time into skilling up as it will pay off big
Understand your core skill set and don’t be afraid to specialize. Early on, I tried to market myself too broadly (development, content, graphic design, marketing, editing, etc.) Over time, I’ve trimmed the things I don’t enjoy as much and focused instead on doing one thing really well (development)
Know your boundaries and communicate them clearly to clients. For me, I make sure clients know what days and hours I’m available, and my preferred forms of communication. Be careful about answering emails or communicating with clients outside these hours, it can erode these boundaries very quickly
When selling to clients, skip the technical jargon and focus on the value you’re creating for them. There’s a temptation, especially starting out, to throw around a lot of technical terms to prove that you know what you’re talking about. Instead, if possible, use simple language, communicate clearly, and try to explain the value for the client. So instead of “I’m going to use JavaScript and HTML5 data attributes to dynamically track users on the site” it’s better to say “I can add a button that will help us see how many conversions this form is getting, and we can work from there to find ways to make it convert even better”

Hope these are helpful!

Gabri Cebria • Feb 8 '22 • Edited

amazing insights Chris, love it.

Gabri Cebria • Feb 8 '22

Especially the point you made about boundaries, they are so important!

Anu Altankhuyag • Feb 8 '22

What an inspiring post! Thank you for sharing! I recently got the idea of wanting to try my hand at freelance work while I am still in school and this really helped me feel more better about it. I can say I will choose to be a lion!

Gabri Cebria • Feb 8 '22

Yes, glad you are choosing yourself! Thanks for the nice words

Kilian Schulte • Feb 8 '22

Came with the expectance of some janky money tips.
Left with a great deal of inspiration.

Gabri Cebria • Feb 8 '22

Haha, thanks Kilian! really appreciate it!

Abi • Feb 10 '22

Where should i market myself as a freelancer.......?

Gabri Cebria • Feb 10 '22

Giving a step by step very soon :)

Abi • Feb 10 '22

Thanks Brother ❤️

ik-rssce • Feb 8 '22

This was so inspiring

Gabri Cebria • Feb 8 '22

Thanks!!

Cesar Aguirre • Feb 9 '22

I liked the cow and the lion analogy. Totally agree.

Gabri Cebria • Feb 9 '22

Hehe, that one hits home! Thanks man

Jorge Eψ=Ĥψ • Feb 9 '22

Ahh 100k per year
I thought was per month

Gabri Cebria • Feb 9 '22

That would be sweet :)

Johnxmas • Feb 9 '22

The way is to be a really good specialist or start hiring people.

davidildefonso • Feb 8 '22

Great post , thanks! 💯

Gabri Cebria • Feb 8 '22

Cheers david!

Ethan • Feb 9 '22

Saving for motivation! :)
Hopefully one day I too can make the switch.

Gabri Cebria • Feb 9 '22

Glad you enjoyed, and yes, hope you soon make the switch!

Gabri Cebria • Feb 8 '22

been there, the struggle is real sometimes! great point!

Geof • Feb 8 '22

Nice one buddy...

Gabri Cebria • Feb 8 '22

Thanks Geof!

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Gabri Cebria • Feb 8 '22

Thanks for your comment, Jozsef. The cow analogy was meant to encourage those who want to become freelancers and are held back by fear. It's all about choosing who you want to be in this world.

Me too, I stayed an employee for quite a long time before changing gears, and I agree, nothing wrong with that. Good luck!

Ayman • Mar 1 '22

Why you Talk alot about rat Race ? I mean We are ALL in the rat race somehow , Employed or a Freelancer Right ? What is the Difference ?