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Discussion on: How to start freelancing as a beginner?

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Glenn Stovall

For hosting, I'd recommend helping clients get set up, and let them worry about the bill. You can offer to host as a recurring service, but that means you are also responsible for recurring maintenance, updates, and liability. In my experience, it isn't worth it.

As far as getting started, here's what I'd recommend:

  • Spend some time thinking about what you will and will not offer clients. The more specific the better. You can and should tweak this over time.
  • Get basic contracts in place. There are templates available online, but you may need to speak to a lawyer. At a bare minimum, watch "Fuck you, Pay Me" by Mike Monteiro:

  • work your network, ask previous employers, colleagues, and other connections if they know anyone who could use help.
  • Figure out a decent rate, and don't let people talk you down. I don't love hourly billing but its also standard to many businesses and the least risky way to get started.

I wrote a longer, detailed guide for a friend if you want to read it here: Transitioning From Fulltime To Freelance.