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Independent Contractor vs Freelancer – What’s the Difference?

What’s the difference between an independent contractor vs freelancer? While both jobs have similarities, like the freedom of being off of the routine and restrictions of the corporate world, there are some differences too that do actually make a significant impact. This is important because this will define your place in the market and set the expectations for you and your client when delivering your product or service.

Yes, you did make a good decision in exploring these new roles because of their promising opportunities and growth, so let us see the comparison in depth. You do not want to be caught off guard because you went it blindly in this industry, right? So you have to start right and strong.

Differentiating Independent Contractor vs Freelancer

Independent contractors and freelancers work on a per-project basis. The difference lies in your skill set, availability, and the scale of the project you choose to take. You read it right; you get to choose the clients or projects you are comfortable and confident to undertake. Do not be quick in jumping into whatever projects are available, though, for different projects require different disciplines.

Keep in mind too, that you cannot just introduce yourself as a freelancer or as an independent contractor when accepting projects. Expectations are different for independent contractor vs freelancer. It may seem okay to use these terms interchangeably, but if you do want to be successful in this profession, you must take note of how they differ. To help you decide on which path to take or help you realize where you belong, here are some points to consider:

Type of Projects

Freelancers usually belong to the creative, media, or marketing fields. Artists, writers, and designers do skill-specific jobs in small-scale projects. These projects are generally “per piece” and done in a short amount of time. Clients expect a quick turnaround time for the delivery of these projects. For instance, as a fashion designer, you may be hired to design a wedding dress and present it on the same day. If the bride loves it, she will immediately accept the design and pay for it. The same goes if you are, for example, a painter. You will get paid for a portrait once you have finished it. And that is it for that client. As your freelancing business grows, you might decide to start a freelance agency to give the business a professional appearance.

Independent contractors, on the other hand, are, as the term suggests, usually bound by contracts. They do the more formal type of projects and often use independent contractor software to manage their projects. Some examples of independent contractors are I.T. experts, health practitioners, and security personnel. Tasks that are confidential in nature are also contracted, such as those concerning human resources or business operations. Clients expect exclusivity from independent contractors because these are usually large-scale projects that need attention to detail and strict monitoring.

Duration of the Project

Freelancers have more freedom in taking on different projects all at the same time since they take on smaller-scale projects. For example, as a graphic artist, you may be doing a book cover for a client and a poster for another, all in the same week. Or, as a photographer, you may have two different photoshoots in a day. You get to decide on your workload for the day, week, or month because you set your own time and pace. You have to be careful though when juggling multiple projects. Use a time management matrix so you won’t miss a deadline.

As an independent contractor that is under an agreement, you are more likely to follow a set of schedules for a certain period of time. Let’s say you are an accountant; a client may hire you to do their bookkeeping for a quarter or a year. They will definitely not hire you for a single day or just a week. If you provide information technology services, for example, your contract may include a retainer. This is because you may be needed to address technical issues like glitches and faulty connections. Large-scale projects require more time and attention, so you should take on fewer projects at a time as an independent contractor.

Work Location

One of the differences between being an independent contractor vs freelancer is where you do your work. Freelancers are more flexible and have the luxury to do their projects just about anywhere. This is definitely not the type of job that requires you to sit for the full eight hours at an office desk. If you are a writer, you can fire up your laptop at the coffee shop, beach, or even from a different country! You can work wherever you are comfortable at a time most convenient for you. Well, as long as you keep your deadlines in check.

On the contrary, as an independent contractor, you may be required to be present in the client’s place of work. Others may want you to report every so often to their office. Although the projects you take as a contractor are usually performed outside of any corporate setup, your contract may state that you should be available for the client at any time. If you are a contracted engineer, of course, you cannot take on a project that is miles away from you. It would be best if you were onsite as much as possible.

Rates and Payment

As a freelancer, charging for your services or products may depend on several factors, such as your level of expertise and the time you devoted to the completion of the project. You may not be paid as much for doing smaller projects, but having multiple clients at a time does make up for it. Also, as to the mode of payment, freelancers collect fees directly from clients as soon as the agreed-upon project is done. This is a plus for this type of job.

Meanwhile, an independent contractor’s rates and mode of payment will depend on the contract you have drawn. Sometimes, big companies pay a month after your work completion. Still, big projects equal big payments. So before signing any contract, make sure you have taken into account the scope of work and opportunities you may have lost in taking on a long-term project.

Legalities

The contents of a contract for independent contractor vs freelancer may also differ. Contracts of freelancers are generally prepared by the freelancer. The terms are more aligned with the freelancer’s schedules and conditions. Your contract as a freelancer may have a general template that varies only in timeliness and quantity of products delivered.

To be absolutely clear, yes, as a freelancer, you should have a contract with your clients. This will protect you against any arguments or misunderstandings that may lead to bigger problems. It is always safer to have a contract.

Independent contractors’ contracts, on the other hand, typically include the policies of the company or an agency, if the contractor was hired through an agency. Since these are normally long-term projects, the agreements cover periodic reporting and documentation. In some cases, companies also require independent contractors to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement.

Conclusion

Now that you understand the difference between being an independent contractor and a freelancer, you definitely know where you stand. As you consider the industry you want to get into, you can now manage your business properly. Always, always bear in mind and understand the client’s expectations and the bounds of being an independent contractor vs freelancer. This could be your edge and secret to starting strong.

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Kosmo has everything you need to run your freelancing business.

Post written by:

kosmo on September 23, 2022

Kosmo is a free All-In-One Workspace for Freelancers.

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Should I Put Freelance Work on LinkedIn?

Growth Marketing

If you are wondering, “Should I put freelance work on LinkedIn?” the short answer is, YES. However, there is more to that answer. You can’t just put in every little bit of work you have done throughout your freelancing career. It’s important to curate your LinkedIn profile, much like how you take great care in managing your other social media accounts. Because even if LinkedIn seems more like a formal or business account, it still says a lot about you and your work as a freelancer.

Don’t think that LinkedIn is just for those looking for corporate jobs. You’ll be surprised at the number of freelancers who find work and other meaningful connections for their careers through this professional network.

Why Should I Put Freelance Work on LinkedIn?

Maybe you’re not sold yet on creating a LinkedIn account, let alone managing your profile to add your list of freelance work. The statistics should speak for themselves, according to LinkedIn 6 people get hired every minute through the site. Below are other reasons why you should start updating and improving your LinkedIn account to include your freelance work:

Be Easier to Find

It doesn’t matter how amazing you are as a freelancer if no one can find you. LinkedIn is one of the most popular professional platforms online. Think of it as Facebook but for work. How can people learn about your work and your skills if you don’t have a platform to show it? With millions of users on LinkedIn, the chances of potential clients seeing your profile will increase.

At the same time, if potential clients search for your name on Google, you will pop up on the search results, thanks to your LinkedIn profile.

Attract the Right Clients

Again, LinkedIn is a professional platform. So, the people who are on here are those who are looking for jobs and those that are offering work. You’ll have better chances of getting the right clients when you use LinkedIn as opposed to other social media accounts.

However, this will still depend on your freelance industry. So, do take note of your target market and see if they are part of the demographic who use LinkedIn for searching for freelancers. Even if your services aren’t really targeted toward LinkedIn users, it still helps to have a page just to show that you are a professional freelancer or that you do take freelancing seriously.

Show That You Are Real

One of the problems freelancers and clients face is everything is based on trust. Especially now that most freelance work is online, you don’t really meet your clients face-to-face. Clients, of course, are very wary of hiring random people online. So, how can you possibly convince your potential client that you are real, you can do the work, and you will deliver?

Well, one of the easiest ways to show that you are a legitimate freelancer (and person, not a bot!) is by setting up a proper LinkedIn account. Make sure to provide appropriate details, get connected to the right people, and of course, show your amazing work so clients will hire you.

LinkedIn Profile Tips for Freelancers

By now, you should have been convinced to start working on your LinkedIn account and already have a solid answer to the question, “Should I put freelance work on LinkedIn?” So here are a few tips to help you out in getting started with this task:

1. Update Your Profile

Being a freelancer, it’s most likely you get different jobs every now and then. Now, this might be a pain, but you have to regularly update your profile with regard to the work that you get. The more updated your profile is, the better. This way, potential clients will see that you are an active freelancer and it can also showcase your skills.

For example, if you are a content creator, updating your profile with your latest work can show that you are up-to-date on the latest trends. If some of your works are already outdated, then you can delete them so your profile isn’t too messy. No one will really look through an account that is way too long.

2. Showcase Your Work

If you are a freelance artist, it’s important that you always show off your best work. You might be wondering how to add a portfolio to LinkedIn, there are several ways that you can do this.

Recommended Section

First, go to your profile and click on “add profile section” then click on the Recommended section, then click on “Add Featured.” This will then lead you to a page where you can make a post, insert an article, add media, or add a link.

The Featured Section should show your work highlights. If you have been published on a website or if you have a wonderful image of your work, do add these to your Featured Section. This section appears right below your main account profile.

Additional Section

If you have many freelance works that aren’t as notable but still worth listing, you can add this to your Additional section. This can be anything from small projects to publications.

Experience Section

If you’ve had long-term clients, this can be added to the Experience section of your LinkedIn Profile. This works best if your long-term client has had you on retainer for about a year or so. It also helps if the client is a company or has a LinkedIn page.

3. Get Client Recommendations

Speaking of clients, recommendations are very helpful for your profile. This is another way that you can showcase your freelance work by having the client speak up on your behalf, and of course, for your work. This can also help you with networking and gaining future clients, especially if they know the person who has given you the recommendation.

4. Manage Your Connections

Group of people working on a table with laptops

According to a study, the connections that matter on LinkedIn are those people who are acquaintances. You know, a friend of a friend, a family member’s former boss, etc. So, do take note of the people who are trying to connect to you on LinkedIn. Because chances are, a family member or friend will not be your client, it’s going to be somebody else. Not a total stranger, but someone who is linked to those you already know.

5. Make a LinkedIn Page

Aside from making a profile page on LinkedIn, you might want to consider creating a LinkedIn Page, too. As a freelancer, technically, you are a one-person business. (Read here if you want to learn how to set up a freelance agency).

Business Page

A LinkedIn Business Page will pertain to your freelance business. This can then be added to your profile page, which can help beef up your profile, and attract new clients.

Showcase Page

Now, if you offer several services on your freelance business, it might make sense to create Showcase Pages, too. For example, if you are a graphic artist, you might want to create Showcase Pages for your web designing, video editing, advertising, and so on. However, if your business service isn’t that broad, there’s no need to create Showcase Pages.

Conclusion

So, the answer to “Should I put freelance work on LinkedIn?” is a definite yes. However, you have to choose the relevant works and clients that you will include. This can be difficult as there may be so many works to choose from but it is very helpful for a freelancer. You can get a client by keeping your LinkedIn profile up-to-date, concise, and engaging.

Get Organized & Win More Clients

Kosmo has everything you need to run your freelancing business.

Post written by:

kosmo on September 22, 2022

Kosmo is a free All-In-One Workspace for Freelancers.

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How Much Should I Charge for Wireframes?

Growth Proposals

As you venture into apps and website design, one of the basic things you should know is how much to charge for wireframes. Website and digital design skills are in high demand now with everything being online and you should arm yourself with the knowledge on the ins and outs of this industry. With businesses both big and small investing in good marketing strategies like having their websites or apps, sure enough, designers are scrambling to get the projects. Of course, you want to stand out and get the job.

It truly is very competitive out there, with both professional designers and apps for wireframing offering services. People will ask around for quotes and rates and compare. You have to think smart and play this right, starting with how you charge your clients. Knowing how to charge appropriately and competitively for your work is a must. Because this is definitely their first question—how much will you charge for the wireframes?

Considerations on How Much to Charge for Wireframes

As a freelancer, you are free to name your price. This is one of the perks of being outside the corporate world. However, it is still very important for you to know how to properly charge for your work in order to land clients and win projects. There are many points to consider when deciding how much to charge for wireframes. Here are some factors you should take note of:

1. Who Is Your Client?

Are you doing this for a corporation or a small business? Think about it, bigger companies will most probably require more tasks. Instead of wireframing a simple structure, these big companies may ask for a more complex design. Expect that they would be demanding and would call you for updates and reports every so often. It is therefore perfectly understandable that you charge more from them, for more time and effort spent on their project. Plus, they most definitely have more budget to spare than start-ups.

The expectations are different from smaller businesses though. Start-up businesses or those simply doing some side jobs are usually easier to transact with and generally require less complicated designs. You may want to consider charging a more cost-effective rate for them. Besides, they are the ones that actively refer good suppliers to others and post good experiences on social media platforms. So with them appreciating your friendly rates, you may even earn more from having a lot of referrals!

2. Industry Standards vs Your Edge

Surely you are not the only one who can do wireframing. By simply searching the internet, you will find the average rate web and app designers are expected to charge per screen for wireframing. There are certain items that dictate the industry standards for pricing. Some of the elements to consider when charging for wireframing are the number of color schemes to be used, the interactions per page, and the platform or device for which you are making the design for.

So if this is the case and the rates are already sort of standardized, should you also charge the same? No. There is one more element that only you can add to the bill, your edge. Dig deep and think of what you can offer that others can’t. Focus on your skills and experiences and sell them. Is it your faster turnaround time? Are you more tech-savvy than others? Are you more flexible? Know your edge and yes, it is a factor to consider in charging for your work.

3. Time Spent on Project

The time and effort you spend on a project is a clear determination of pricing your work. Some projects may take longer to finish than others. For example, a page that would contain more elements in its structure would take longer to make than a page with fewer items to put together. You will obviously give a layout that requires a lot of interactions and functional buttons more thought than that of a much simpler design too right?

Also, taking on a more complicated project would mean you can only work on that single project for a specific amount of time. And that means you are losing multiple projects by doing just this one. So you should be charging more to cover for some lost opportunities.

Consider your deadlines as well. Some clients would ask you to present your design in as quick as one day while others would give you more time. The desired turnaround time a client will demand is another important factor in determining how much to charge for wireframes. Having to finish a project in one day adds more value to the product. Keep in mind that knowing how to correctly bill for your time spent on projects is very, very important in running your business.

Additional Tasks

a notebook and a pen showing a checklist

In every project or job, you can always expect that your clients would ask for additional tasks besides the main work. For example, your client may ask for two draft layouts to choose from. You see, that means you have to do two wireframes for a single project. So should you only get paid for the one final layout? Of course not. Go ahead and charge for that additional draft.

Other clients would require you to present multiple times. In having to attend meetings, think of your expenses like transportation and clothing. Go on ahead and charge for those expenses as well. Consider these other add-on requests when preparing a quote for your project:

1. Edits and Revisions

Since revisions are 100% expected, you have to automatically add that to your billing. The earlier you set your conditions on edits and revisions, the better. And do not hesitate to set your limits on revisions. If you do not set this right away, you might be trapped in a circle of endless revisions and edits, causing you a lot of time and stress.

Besides the set number of revisions, you have to define the type of revisions you would allow. Bear in mind the level of difficulty in different revisions. Adding new elements to a page is different from simply moving a box from left to right. Be clear that a major revision would of course cost more than minor ones.

Take note that some clients might already be pushing for a redesign instead of a simple edit. Be careful about this. You have to see this coming and talk to your client right away. Anyway, you could always state that you are willing to do a redesign, if you really are, and charge extra for it.

2. Creating Mockups

As an added paid service, you could create a mockup of the project for your client. This should be on top of the wireframing charges. Developing the mockup takes more work and tech and understanding that it is basically a big upgrade from wireframing would help you determine how much to charge for mockups.

Obviously, things like how much time you spend on the project as well as the scale of the project will influence the mockup cost. But aside from those, you also have to keep in mind that the product translates well virtually. The colors, fonts, images, and other elements should be accurate and detailed in a mockup so there’s no doubt that you are putting a lot more skill and effort into this. After all, a mockup is a final blueprint before the actual programming starts. It is that important. So, yes, creating mockups does have an impact and must be included when charging for your work.

Conclusion

Knowing that you are being paid fairly will truly motivate you into becoming better with each project you take on. Freelancing may be a tricky business but being smart about how you sell your work is an advantage. Having laid down the considerations in determining how much to charge for wireframes, you can now confidently go on and discuss business with your clients.

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Kosmo has everything you need to run your freelancing business.

Post written by:

kosmo on September 21, 2022

Kosmo is a free All-In-One Workspace for Freelancers.

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How to Become a Seller on Fiverr – Step by Step Guide

Getting Started

So, you’re new to freelance and you want to learn how to become a seller on Fiverr? Don’t worry, as we have a step-by-step guide to help you set up. Fiverr is just one of the many online platforms where freelancers can sell their goods and services. Don’t mistake the Fiverr website for their Fiverr workspace; you will need to create a new account even if you already signed up with the latter.

The Fiverr Lingo

First things first, you need to understand that Fiverr has kind of its own language. For example, you, the freelancer, will not be called that. Rather, you will be known as a “seller.” At the same time, your potential clients are not called clients but rather, “buyers.” The same goes for the job or services that you will offer, these are called “gigs” on Fiverr.

Steps on How to Become a Seller on Fiverr

Now that the basics for Fiverr have been broken down, you can now become a seller. So, how do you actually do that?

I. Creating an Account

The first thing you need to do is to create your Fiverr account (again, not to be confused with the Fiverr Workspace account). Make sure to fill out as many of the boxes as you will need a 65% completion rate to be able to create a gig.

Step 1: Join

Head to the Fiverr website and click on Become a Seller. This is different from clicking on the Join button because when you do that, it will automatically make you a buyer.

If you have already joined Fiverr through that or already have an existing account, you can still become a seller. Just click on your profile and choose “Become a Seller” on the menu list. Proceed to Step 3 after doing this.

Step 2: Create a User name

Once you have clicked “Become a Seller” you will be prompted to create a username (at least 6 characters long and may contain numbers or underscores). Then, you will need to enter your email.

Step 3: Read Tips and Guides

When account creation is done, Fiverr will lead you to steps on how to start selling on Fiverr. There is also a helpful video to guide you. You can also read the tips on how to make your Fiverr seller profile become successful. Then, you’ll also see rules or guidelines for buyers, pretty much a list of donts (i.e. writing misleading information or getting payments outside of Fiverr).

Step 4: Write your Personal Profile

It’s time to create your profile. You’ll be asked to write your first name and last name, add a profile picture, and then write a little something about yourself (150 to 600 characters). Finally, you need to include the languages that you use to communicate as well as your level in that said language. This can be Basic, Intermediate, Fluent, or Native.

Step 5: Input your Professional Profile

You’ll add your occupation, indicate how long you have done this role or job, and you will be asked to tick boxes on your best skills. For example, if you are in Digital Marketing, you may specialize in content marketing or mobile advertising. Next, you have to list your skills and indicate if you are a beginner, intermediate, or expert. Then you also need to provide your educational background, certifications, and if you have a personal website.

Step 6: Link Accounts

Once you have finished your personal and professional profiles, you need to link your accounts. This may be your Gmail account, Facebook, or Twitter. It’s okay if you don’t want to connect your social media accounts. It’s best if you only link professional accounts or those that pertain to your freelance business.

Step 7: Account Verification

Finally, you will need to link your email or your phone number. Either one is okay or you can also do both.

II. Creating a Gig

Hooray! Your seller profile is finally ready. However, there are still a few more steps on how to become a seller on Fiverr. Before publishing your first gig make sure to read about Fiverr’s pricing. It’s time to create a gig!

Step 1: What can you do?

Write what you are able to do or offer, then pick a category where your service falls under, and finally add buzz words or keywords your potential buyer is most likely to use to find you.

Step 2: How much are your services?

The next step involves math, you need to state your rates for your products and services. This part of the Gig is known as packages. For example, if you are a writer, you will need to indicate what it is exactly you offer, how many words you will write, how many revisions are already included, how long it will take for you to deliver, and of course, the price.

It’s possible to add extra services to your package, like additional words, additional revisions, if the buyer requires fast delivery, or if you can provide stock media.

Step 3: What’s your Gig all about?

Next, you need to create a description of your gig. This should be at least 120-characters long and must not exceed 1,200 characters. You may add FAQs for your buyers.

Step 4: What do you need from your buyer?

To make it easier for you and the buyer, the next step requires you to write questions for them. So, if you are a graphic designer, you may ask your potential buyers if they need a specific artwork size, copyrighting, or if they have branding guidelines.

Step 5: What have you accomplished before?

It’s time to show off what you got, artists may post images or videos, while accountants or proofreaders can upload PDFs of documents.

Step 6: Do you need a W-9?

You are now at the last step of creating a gig. It’s time to publish your gig once you have fulfilled the final information asked if you require a Form W-9.

Step 7: Do you need to take a test?

There are some gigs that will require you to take an assessment like an English Proficiency Exam. Once you have passed, you can finally publish your gig—you are finally a seller on Fiverr!

Fiverr Seller Tips

Know that there are different kinds of sellers on Fiverr. You can be a Level 1 or Level 2 seller on Fiverr or you may even apply as a Pro. What do these levels mean? Well, when you are still new at Fiverr, you can only create a few gigs at a time and have a limit on the maximum amount of money you can charge buyers.

The key to being a successful seller on Fiverr lies with the buyers. That’s why it’s important to have a standout profile and an even better gig description. Do take your time when creating your seller profile and highlight the very best of your work. The same goes for the gig you create, make sure that the information is concise and necessary.

Conclusion

Being a freelancer, you really need to sell yourself to be able to get a gig. Learning how to become a seller on Fiverr requires a bit of effort but it is very doable. The hard part might actually be in waiting because once your gig and profile are out there, potential buyers will be looking. Just be patient and you may land yourself a job real soon. Learning how to become a seller on Fiverr is very helpful for freelancers as it is another venue to find clients and work.

Get Organized & Win More Clients

Kosmo has everything you need to run your freelancing business.

Post written by:

kosmo on September 20, 2022

Kosmo is a free All-In-One Workspace for Freelancers.

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Best Way to Get Paid as a Freelancer

Finance Invoicing

One of the things you need to figure out is the best way to get paid for freelance work. Because you are no longer an employee wherein you get your money instantly deposited to your account on a monthly basis. As a freelancer, you really have to be a jack of all trades. Not only should you be able to do your freelance work, but you also have to do everything else. You have to talk to clients and make deals, you have to create invoices, keep track of project schedules, and yes, manage payments.

If you are just starting out, you’ll definitely wonder how do freelancers get paid exactly. Well, the answer is, that depends. There are several things you need to consider before you start creating bank accounts or downloading cash apps or signing up with a credit card processing company.

Factors to Consider for Freelance Payment Methods

The best way to get paid for freelance work will depend on factors not everyone might be aware of. This can be anything from your technical know-how to the type of clients you have, and more. Check out some of the factors below:

Industry

What industry are you exactly freelancing in? Sometimes, there are certain industries that have a specific payment method that is popular. For example, if you are a Crypto freelancer, it might make sense to get paid in cryptocurrency. But then again, this all depends on your industry and your specific niche.

Availability of Payment Methods

Where do you reside and what are the available payment methods to you? This is very important as not all payment methods are available in all countries. So, you have to check these before signing up or making a commitment to your client.

Clientelle

Globe with interconnected networking points

If your clients are from the same country as you are, then you shouldn’t have much trouble in this department. However, if you have potential clients from around the world, you’re going to need a payment method that is accessible to them all, and of course, to you.

If you choose a payment method that a client is unfamiliar with, they might not be comfortable sending money that way. So, sometimes, you have to go with a payment method that is known worldwide.

Prices of Products or Services

It’s true that a freelancer can earn more than a regular employee. And although that is a good thing, you have to consider the payment methods that you have. So, if your products or services are quite pricey, do take note of the transaction limits of the payment methods of your choice. Clients may have no trouble paying you but you might get a problem accepting the payments.

This can definitely be troublesome if you already have multiple clients and projects and there is a limit to your account. Do your research on payment methods and also do the math if your products and services will reach transaction limits.

Technical Skills

Not all freelancers are a wiz at the computer, some just know the very basics to get by. You should also know that now all payment methods are user-friendly. Some require a little technical know-how, for example, when it comes to PayPal vs Stripe the latter is designed for developers. So, it won’t be as easy setting it up as compared to PayPal.

Popular Payment Methods

There is a multitude of freelance payment methods out there, here are a few you can check out:

Physical

Yes, you might be surprised but there are freelancers who are getting paid in cold hard cash. But of course, this is only advisable if you live near your client. You can’t exactly put cash in an envelope and give it to the mailman.

Some clients may also give you a check, which you can deposit to your bank or encash. Again, this is only ideal for clients and freelancers who are close to each other, and even better if they already know each other.

Digital

If you are a freelancer who has clients from around the world or if you are a digital nomad, digital payments are the way to go. You can always go with PayPal, Stripe, or Venmo. However, you might be surprised that some freelancers accept credit cards.

There are clients who prefer to pay using their credit cards, so as to avoid the issue of converting currencies and security reasons, and so on. If that’s the case, you can check out credit card processing software. You don’t need a credit card terminal, thanks to technological advancements, but you do have the option from some companies.

Tips on the Best Way to Get Paid for Freelance Works

How to get paid as a freelancer is not as hard as it looks but there are definitely challenges along the way. It could be anything from system errors to clients that ghost you or keep saying, “next week.” Below are some tips to help you get paid for all of your hard work:

Setup Payment in Advance

Before you even start looking for work, you need to set everything up. And yes, this includes the payment methods you will use and discuss with your clients.

Person using laptop holding a credit card

– Payment Method

Sometimes, the best way to get paid for freelance work is to have multiple payment methods. But if you are just starting out, it’s best to stick to just one. A safe bet would be PayPal but make sure to read the fine print—understand transaction fees, conversion fees, etc.

– Client

Before you start working with a client, you have to lay out everything with them. Aside from agreeing on your responsibilities and deadlines, discuss payment methods, too. This may be hard for some people, especially for freelancers who are just starting out. But this is the best way to get paid for your freelance work.

If you don’t discuss it early on, you might have worked for nothing. You need to be clear about your fees and of course, the payment options that you can offer. Don’t forget that clients should also have a deadline when it comes to settling payments.

Create Invoices

It can be awkward to send a message to a client to “please pay up.” Not to worry, you can simply send them an invoice. How to create invoices is not such a hard task, as long as you know what to include. These invoices can also serve as a reminder for your client to pay as they should include the due date of their payment.

Be consistent with your invoices and always send them on time. This is a good practice for freelancers so when you are already juggling multiple clients and projects, you’ll have invoices to keep track of payments.

Use a Freelancer Software

Okay, so you can’t keep track of your payment methods, your clients, and your projects. It’s okay, freelancers do get overwhelmed, especially when work is piling up. So, how do they still manage to get paid? It’s a good thing Kosmo is around. This freelancing software is a tool that you can use to automate your freelancer business.

It comes with an invoicing tool so you’ll have no trouble creating one. It can then send the invoice to your client. More importantly, you can link payment methods, like Stripe with Kosmo. When you send an invoice it can automatically indicate your PayPal account so it is easier for your client to pay you, too.

Conclusion

Woman with an open laptop, smiling at mobile phone

Freelancing really is a whole other world, especially if you have come from the corporate world. You have to learn things on your own, including the best way to get paid as a freelancer. Choosing a payment method should be something that is convenient for you. You should also pick one that makes sense to you, if it’s too complicated you can either learn it or choose something else easier to understand.

Finally, the best way to get paid for freelance work is to get a payment method where you can get the most out of your hard-earned money. This can be dependent on the number of clients who use it to the amount of money you get after fees—you really have to do the math, so you’ll know if you are breaking even or if you need to charge more.

Get Organized & Win More Clients

Kosmo has everything you need to run your freelancing business.

Post written by:

kosmo on September 19, 2022

Kosmo is a free All-In-One Workspace for Freelancers.

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Fiverr Pricing Explained

Getting Started

Are you a new freelancer trying to figure out the Fiverr pricing? Or maybe you’ve been freelancing for years but only recently stumbled upon freelance software, apps, and marketplaces? Fiverr can be a bit confusing, especially if it’s your first time hearing about it.

Just a little background, Fiverr is a platform wherein a freelancer can sell their “goods” or services to buyers. Creating an account is free but it automatically makes you a buyer and not a “seller”, which is technically the freelancer. To be a freelancer on Fiverr, you have to register as a seller.

Fiverr Workspace

Let’s go back to the very first account creation, which gives you access to the Fiverr workspace. This workspace allows you, the freelancer, to gain access to tools that you may need. This includes an invoicing tool, contract creation, proposal, time tracking, and more. If you upgrade to an unlimited account, it opens up other features for you.

There are two types of pricing for the unlimited account:

Monthly
Annually

You can enjoy the same perks for either payment, however, you can save more money on the latter. An unlimited account on Fiverr will cost you $24 a month. However, if you subscribe for an entire year, you’ll be paying a total of $216, which is when divided into a year of $18 per month. You’ll be saving $72 or $6 per month if you go for an annual payment instead of a monthly one.

So, what are the additional perks of an unlimited account from Fiverr?

For starters, you’ll be able to manage an unlimited number of clients. There’s no limit as opposed to just getting a free account where you can only have one.

Next, you can remove the Fiverr branding from documents that you use on workspace. It can just show your logo or your name, some of the documents include proposals, invoices, receipts, and contracts.

Speaking of contracts, you can now edit the templates from Fiverr once you switch to an unlimited account. Aside from being able to apply your custom logo, font, and color, it’s also possible to remove or hide fields as you deem fit.

Other things you can enjoy with an unlimited Fiverr account include live support, quick customer information importation to workspace, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Which Fiverr Account is Best?

Now that you have a better idea of the Fiverr pricing for their accounts, you might be thinking about which one is best. Well, the answer isn’t simple, this will depend on you. Do consider several of the following factors below:

Freelancing Business Size

If you are just starting out, like literally still looking for a client, there’s no reason to jump the gun and register for an unlimited account. You don’t want fees piling up when you don’t even have clients who will pay you yet.

Number of Clients

Do you have just one client or multiple ones? Do you plan on handling many clients at once or just want to focus on one project before looking for another? Chances are if you tend to focus or stick to just one client, you won’t need the extra features of an unlimited account.

Commitment to Freelancing

Have you been freelancing for a long time or are you just dipping your toes and seeing you like it? Because if you are just trying things out, you can opt for a free account or the monthly payment (again, you have a 30-day money-back guarantee if things don’t work out). There’s no reason to pay for an entire year when you aren’t even sure yet of your freelancing career.

Operating Budget

One of the best things about being a freelancer is you can keep your operating budget to a minimum. You can work from home or go to a coffee shop (although coffee bills can rack up) or maybe even a co-working space. However, not everyone can afford to pay the fee of an unlimited Fiverr workspace account.

Don’t worry though, again, you can always opt for a free account. And if you ever find yourself with multiple clients, know that there are other freelancing apps that have a cheaper price.

Branding

For some freelancers, branding is a must. So, how important is branding to you and the freelancing business that you have built or currently building? If it’s not really an issue, just go with a free account. But, if you really want your name and logo on all correspondences and documents, then it pays to have an unlimited account.

Fiverr Pricing for Gigs

It’s time to discuss the Fiverr pricing when it comes to the seller’s gigs. You should first know that Fiverr has different seller levels. For example, if you are just new to the site, you can only create 7 gigs. And if you ever get a buyer for those gigs, you can only add up to 2 extra services for the said gig.

It’s very important to read all of the fine print on Fiverr. Using this platform comes with a price. When you accomplish gigs, you will not be getting 100% of the payment your client or the buyer will give you. Instead, you will receive 80% of the agreed-upon number. The 20% goes to Fiverr, think of it as a convenience fee for using the platform. Find out how much Fiverr charges to sellers.

So, when you create a gig, do keep this 80% and 20% rule when creating your pricing. The Fiverr platform was named that way because the website advertised that buyers can get a service done for as low as $5. However, with that in mind, if you are the seller, you won’t be getting a fiver for your job, you’ll only be receiving $4 because of the 20% fee from the site.

Fiverr Pro

You might notice that there are sellers on Fiverr that can charge way more than you. Basically, being a seller, you can only charge $5 up to $995. So, if what you are selling is pretty valuable like video services or photoshoot packages, this limit can really be a downer. However, you might find someone offering pretty much the same services as you but can charge $5,000, so why is that?

Fiverr pricing for gigs differs if you have a Fiverr Pro account (different from Fiverr workspace unlimited). You need to apply for a Fiverr Pro account but you don’t have to pay for it (the same Fiverr fees apply for this account). After sending your application and requirements, the Fiverr team will then decide if you make the cut.

Once you are a Pro, you’ll get better benefits, like having a Pro badge, improved search exposure to buyers, and of course increase in pricing. You can price your gigs up to $20,000 and custom orders up to $50,000.

It’s not such a bad idea to go Pro, after all the freelancing world is becoming even more popular. Many are considering a freelance career for many beneficial reasons, from earning more and being your own boss to time flexibility and even possible job security.

Conclusion

Woman with glasses holding a notebook and pen

When you become a freelancer, you can’t escape doing the math. When you learn the different Fiverr pricing you need to consider, you have to compute if it makes sense to use their free or paid services. It would also be best to also do the math on your possible earnings if you use the Fiverr platform altogether. Always read the details and the fine print when checking Fiverr pricing so you are not surprised with fees or charges.

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Kosmo has everything you need to run your freelancing business.

Post written by:

kosmo on September 18, 2022

Kosmo is a free All-In-One Workspace for Freelancers.

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How to Extend a Project Deadline as a Freelancer Without Irritating Your Client

Self-Care Work-Life Balance

As a freelancer, you sometimes need to extend a project deadline. Hey, it happens to everyone. Yes, no matter if you are just starting out in your freelance journey or you’ve been around for years but find yourself swamped with new clients or just life. There will come a time that you will need a project deadline extension.

Even if you are the most organized freelancer out there, things can happen. Before you beat yourself up, think that every once in a while, people mess up. Yes, you are not alone when it comes to time management struggles, especially with work related to looking at a screen all day.

So, how do you actually go about it? A freelancer asking to extend a project deadline of course may tick off clients. However, nothing really annoys or irritates a client more than a project that doesn’t get done at all. A freelancer who ghosts a client is way worse than a freelancer requesting to extend a project deadline. So, what do you do?

Freelancer Tips: Extend Project Deadline

Okay, there are several things you can do so as not to irritate your client when you ask for a project deadline. Check out the tips below:

Man sitting down, facing laptop, one hand on head.

Be Honest

It’s cliche, yes, but honesty really is the best policy. Don’t try to make up reasons why you can’t make the deadline, instead, you have to tell the truth to your client, you owe them that much.

Have a New Schedule Ready

You’ll be moving a deadline and sometimes this will cause a chain reaction on the project of your client. When you ask for an extension, make sure that you can show a new schedule of how this said extension can affect the project. This way, the client can also manage their expectations of you. Will you be delaying the project by a few hours? A day?A week?

Make sure that your new schedule has approximate time given for some tasks to finish. You wouldn’t want to ask for a deadline extension more than once—now that will really tick off a client.

Timing is Everything

If you already know your client is in a bad mood, it might not be the right time to ask for an extension. It’s best if you know your client a bit, are they quite chipper in the morning after coffee? Maybe they are in a good mood when they accomplish goals. Take advantage of the situation when your client is in a better mood, that’s the best time to ask for an extension.

Make Up for Your Missed Deadline

The thing is, you are a freelancer and you made a promise to your client to submit a deliverable at a specific time. However, you know that you won’t be able to reach this deadline, so you have to make up for it. Just like when you are a consumer and the product or service you bought did not meet expectations, you make a complaint and the seller has to compensate.

You, the freelancer, should extend the same courtesy to your client. You can request a deadline extension but you also say that you can give a small discount or offer a free service for next time. It’s about making compensations so your client will not be irritated,

Let Your Client Vent

This is a tough one but it is possible that your client will be upset that you cannot make the deadline that you agreed upon. And when the client is upset they may start to vent or ask questions, like, why didn’t you tell me sooner to why can’t you make a deadline that you promised? When this happens, they are not necessarily asking for an answer, sometimes they are just venting out their frustrations.

You just have to let your client be. It will definitely irritate them if you start throwing out reasons or excuses. Clients don’t want reasons, they want deadlines met.

Be Appreciative

There are definitely clients who are nice enough to extend your deadline. However, if you don’t show your appreciation, this will annoy them. So, if they approve your extension, say thank you right away. Tell them how much this means to you and of course, show that you really are involved with the project.

How to Avoid Irritating Clients on Deadline Extension Requests

Freelancer working on laptop, table with coffee cup, notebook, and flower vase

If you find yourself asking for deadline extensions from different clients frequently, then it might be time to change the way you work. Here are a few things that you can do to keep you on track and prevent going through the uncomfortable experience of a freelancer asking to extend a project deadline.

Create a Contract Clause on Deadline Extensions

It is advisable that a freelancer always have a contract when working with a client. This way, both parties are protected. When you include a clause in your contract that you may request a deadline extension, this can help manage the expectations of your clients. This way, your client will not be irritated if you ever need to extend work on a project.

Get Organized

As a freelancer, you have to have more than one set of skills. Whether you are a programmer, a writer, or an artist, the role does not end there. Freelancers also need to do admin work, which can take up more time and energy than you think. One way to get by is to use software that is designed specifically for freelancers—Kosmo. This way, getting organized is a breeze whether it is for lining up your current clients and upcoming projects to filing invoices, making contracts, and more.

Know Your Limits

Freelancers that are just starting out are usually more eager in handling different clients and projects. Sometimes, they end up biting more than they can chew. You have to learn your limits, prioritize specific clients or projects, and never say yes when you know that you can’t do it anymore. This will prevent you from stuffing your schedule, which can then lead to asking for deadline extensions.

Track Your Time

One of the best things about being a freelancer is you’re not on that 9-to-5 deskwork. However, if you are still new to freelancing, you might find yourself working more than 8 hours. What you can do is learn freelance time tracking. This way, you’ll get a better understanding of your schedule.

For example, if you are an accountant and you do monthly expense budgets, you can already learn the average time you spend on this project. So, if you can finish a budget for a small business in 6 hours, you can better manage your time and know how many clients to handle.

Have a Backup

There are times when you just can’t make a deadline. It can be for reasons no one can expect, like emergencies or accidents. When this happens, a deadline extension may not be the right solution for your client. It pays to have other freelancer friends. Join a community and get someone you can trust to be there in case you need a backup. You can also be this freelancer’s backup if they’re the ones who can’t reach a deadline.

Reminder: You are Not Entitled to a Deadline Extension

large timer with the word deadline on it

Remember that when you a freelancer asks to extend a project deadline, you are basically asking for a favor from a client. Not all clients will be able to allow an extension and that’s not their fault. You have to own up to your time management problems and your mistakes in calculating how many hours you need to work on a project.

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Kosmo has everything you need to run your freelancing business.

Post written by:

kosmo on September 11, 2022

Kosmo is a free All-In-One Workspace for Freelancers.

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Free Proposal And Invoice Software With Amazing Templates

Growth Proposals

Do you need to create proposals and invoices for your business but don’t want to pay a monthly subscription? It turns out that there are several excellent options available. A free proposal and invoice software is free of charge and offers an innovative method of creating professional proposals and invoices while saving you money. For many small businesses and freelancers, it is difficult to justify the monthly fee needed to use a proposal and invoice system. Not only that, but many companies do not have the staff available to ensure their proposal and invoice systems are up-to-date, secure, and efficient. Free software proposal is the best solution for such small businesses because it allows you to use your computer without the need for high-level technical training or software.

Top Free Proposal and Invoice Software

1. Stripe for subscription-based invoices

Stripe offers a free invoice service that saves you money and helps you invoice customers online straight from your web browser. Setting up an account and getting started with Stripe is relatively easy. Stripe provides an API, which means you can upload the data straight into your existing billing system. It also has a very easy-to-use interface that allows you to change the invoice style and add pages. Using Stripe would work great for businesses such as agencies and consultants that need an online invoicing system but don’t have the financial resources to purchase the software. It is a comprehensive solution for businesses looking to implement an online accounting system and is highly recommended.

2. Invoice Ninja

Invoice Ninja is free invoicing software that works with Microsoft Office. It offers three (3) plans, including a free program that may be perfect for small businesses. For the free plan, there is no limit to the number of records you can create or documents you can send. Invoice Ninja also offers a developer toolkit with complete integration that allows you to access your data and add custom fields directly into your database through an online interface. It also provides a mobile version, allowing you to view your invoices and mark them as paid on the go. With Invoice Ninja, all your earnings, expenses, clients, and vendors are recorded in your database; you don’t need to enter or purchase accounting software.

3. Zoho Invoice

Zoho invoices are free invoicing software that can be accessed using a web browser. The program allows you to create, send and track invoices online. It also offers excellent security features and has been reviewed as one of the most secure solutions. Specifically, Zoho invoices provide 128-bit SSL encryption to protect your data and several levels of password protection for each user so that your data does not become exposed or corrupt. A mini-CRM allows users to track their timesheets and invoice payments and manage contacts from within Zoho invoices. It also allows you to create, send and track estimates for your clients. The interface is easy to use and intuitive for anyone who has used any web-based program or application.

4. Square

Square is free invoicing software that can be used via desktop or mobile. It allows you to send PDF invoices and estimates directly to your clients, making it extremely customer friendly. From a technical perspective, it is elementary to use and requires almost no training or prior knowledge. This system is excellent as it can be used with any device with an internet connection. No additional fees or special programs are required to use the system because Square uses a standard web browser and standard email accounts such as Gmail. Square is the perfect solution for small businesses that need to create and send invoices for in-person sales.

5. Invoice2go

Invoice2go is free invoicing software created by the accounting firm of Marini-Burke, Chartered Accountants. Its installation and setup process is straightforward, and there is no requirement for training or high technical ability to use it. Invoice2go works with Google Chrome and allows you to send invoices via email. It also supports any browser that uses Adobe Flash, but if your computer doesn’t have it installed, Invoice2go will work with any browser that supports HTML5. Businesses can create Invoice2go Templates, including sales and management. It offers mobile templates that can be accessed by tablet and mobile devices.

6. Invoicera

Invoicera is free accounting software that offers both invoicing and proposals. It has a feature allowing users to send automated emails, which is ideal for small businesses that must deliver professional-looking invoices and estimates. Invoicera integrates with almost all popular business applications, allowing you to import your data into the palm of your hand automatically. The system also offers an auto-invoicing/proposal feature that can be configured with a few clicks. Invoicera is easy to use and set up, making it an excellent choice for small businesses looking for a more cost-effective solution without any compromise in functionality or quality.

7. Kosmo

Kosmo is a free invoice generator with a free, cloud-based invoicing tool. It is ideal for small businesses and individuals. A simple invoice generator lets users generate professional-looking invoices in just a few minutes. Its interface is highly user-friendly; any user can learn how to use it in about two minutes. Kosmo’s auto-numbering feature allows you to auto-number all of your invoices at the click of a button. With Kosmo, you can track the times you work on each project, which helps calculate your billing rates. The system also allows you to update or change the text or layout of your invoices and even create new ones entirely from within its interface. Kosmo will enable you to collect payments via standard methods such as PayPal or Stripe.

8. QuickBooks

Quickbooks is a full-featured invoice, ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), and accounting software for businesses and personal users. It includes real-time notification of payments by email, SMS, or text and can be hosted on a shared server or as a SaaS application. In addition to invoicing, it offers receivables management and can integrate with most major ERP systems. It provides inventory management, payroll processing, and sales tax calculation. Invoice status, service codes, and sales tax rates can be quickly and easily amended for different customers and locations. Quickbooks has a user-defined field feature that allows you to create customized invoice templates and add fields specific to your business. Password protection for your data is available, as well as encryption. Users can authorize third-party applications to access their Quickbooks data through API and SOAP protocols.

9. Free Invoice Machine

Free Invoice Machine is the ideal free invoice software for those who require more advanced features. Free Invoice Machine can generate invoices automatically and accurately, which is especially useful if you do not have an accountant on hand to create complex invoices. You can create special offers, group single or multiple orders, and export data to Excel. It is compatible with Microsoft Office products, so you can easily include documents such as presentations and spreadsheets within your Proposal or invoice creation process. Free Invoice Machine allows users to work on a document offline and then save it on the server, making it more convenient for users traveling or working from home.

10. Quite Proposal

Quite Proposal is free proposal software that allows you to create professional-looking proposals and invoices. You can use it to send quotes or estimates directly to your customer’s inboxes without having to open an account with a payment processor. This Proposal software is compatible with almost all email programs and works in any browser that supports HTML5. It is elementary to use and requires no prior training or skill level to use it effectively. It enables users to add customized fields according to their needs and offers valuable features such as spreadsheet or database integration, calculation of taxes, and currency conversion. Website redesign rfp and campaign management are some additional features with Quite Proposal.

11. Quick Invoice Generator

Quick Invoice Generator is free invoice-generating software ideal for small businesses and freelancers who need to generate multiple invoices. The software allows you to create numerous invoices with the same graphical layout, using different fields to differentiate them. It also lets you fully customize the design of each invoice by showing the unique invoice number and title at the top of the page in a stylish font. It has up-to-date integration with all major payment processors allowing you to collect funds directly into your bank account. The software provides users with customized templates, auto numbering, barcode generation, and other valuable features that make it ideal for businesses looking for an inexpensive yet powerful solution with no compromise in functionality or quality.

12. Freelancer’s Invoicing Tool

Freelancer’s Invoicing Tool is a free web application that helps freelancers create custom invoices for their clients or projects. Freelancer’s Invoicing Tool involves users in creating their invoices by asking them to provide some of the information directly, such as their name and company name. The software also allows users to specify the project they worked on, the date, and the invoice number. It will enable users to create proposals or estimates for their clients using only one platform. The software offers users an auto-save feature and tracking of hours spent on each project, which is ideal for businesses that bill by the hour. Freelancer’s Invoicing Tool supports paperless transactions, so once you receive payment, the system automatically generates an invoice for you. It is available in over thirty languages and also supports multiple currencies.

13. PayPal Invoicing

PayPal provides a free service that allows you to create invoices, accept payments and manage your account with a single platform. You can also create and store customer information within the system, which allows you to view important customer information such as address and payment preferences. You can also use this platform to accept credit card payments and make recurring monthly or quarterly payments. Using PayPal’s own completely secure online payment system, you can ensure that your transactions are safe and private. PayPal includes a feature called Send Money, which allows you to send money between PayPal accounts without needing an intermediary bank account or third-party service provider, making it easier for users to pay for services or send reimbursements. It is secured with multiple security measures, such as the Secure Socket Layer, which ensures that all transactions go through a secure connection.

14. Cashboard

Cashboard is a free invoicing and project management platform designed specifically for freelancers. It allows you to create professional-looking invoices, accept credit card payments online and make online payments in return. You can also track income, expenses, tax, and profit statistics. You can also choose between different themes or templates to customize the look of your invoice according to your business needs or tastes. Cashboard offers users an intuitive and easy-to-use interface that features drag and drop features, the ability to attach files, and even add multiple users or team members. It also allows you to import items from your inventory through a spreadsheet or CSV file, which can be helpful if you use Cashboard as your sole inventory management system.

15. Wave

Wave is a free invoicing system that allows you to create professional and beautiful invoices for your customers. It features an easy-to-use interface that is simple enough for beginners but also offers more advanced features that allow experienced users to customize their invoices according to their needs. The software includes an invoice template editor, enabling you to choose from different layouts or customize the invoice template to suit your business needs and style. You can also have additional information such as contract numbers, services performed, payment dates, and other necessary details within each invoice. Wave automatically calculates and prints the appropriate tax, which is helpful if you do not want to waste your time figuring out how much tax to charge. You can also view statements, cost and profit statistics, view and manage outstanding payments, generate receipts, track your finances by cash flow and manage multiple currencies.

Person Holding White Printer Paper Invoice

A free proposal and invoice software is an excellent alternative to expensive and cluttered programs, which are suitable for short-term or one-time proposals. Proposal and invoicing software can make your business run more efficiently, save you time and money, help you meet your customer’s needs, and ensure that your proposals are done quickly and with proper formatting.

Get Organized & Win More Clients

Kosmo has everything you need to run your freelancing business.

Post written by:

kosmo on September 10, 2022

Kosmo is a free All-In-One Workspace for Freelancers.

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How to Quote a Graphic Design Project Correctly

Growth Proposals

Why do you need to learn how to quote a graphic design project, you might be thinking? Well, it’s not every day that you have a client who already knows what they want and has specific pricing for it. There are clients out there who have a specific graphic design project in mind but they would shop around—meaning they’ll ask a bunch of freelancers about their prices.

One of the troubles freelancers have is how to put a price on their products or services, especially custom ones. There really is no “standard” pricing in graphic designing, especially freelance graphic designing. However, if you learn how to quote a graphic design project correctly, you’ll find yourself with clients who want to work with you.

According to research, a graphic designer is one of the most hired freelancers by small businesses. Chances are there are also clients who have no idea how much their project is going to cost, that’s why they will ask for a quote or an estimate from you. If you are having trouble giving a quote to potential clients, don’t worry as this article will tackle the factors that will help you determine the right price.

Factors that Affect How to Quote a Graphic Design Project

The world of graphic design is broad enough as it is. There really isn’t a specific price tag for a graphic design project, the closest you can have is a gauge or an estimate. Below are some of the factors that can help you determine how to quote a graphic design project correctly:

1. Specific Project or Niche

To be a graphic designer, you need to be a jack of all trades. However, chances are your client will have a specific project in mind. That project or niche will determine the price of your quote. For example, a website design project will have a huge quote difference from an animation project. And again, it will depend on the specific project. Will the client need just one page to be optimized on their website? Do they need a brand new site or do they just need to update elements like colors and fonts?

You can give a potential client a better quote if they can give you their specific needs and requirements. If they just want a “graphic designer” but can’t really tell what you’ll be doing exactly, then it would be quite difficult to give them a proper quote.

2. Timeline/Schedule

Do you notice when you want something instantly, like for deliveries, the price is higher? The same goes for quoting graphic design projects. Always, always ask your potential client how much time will you have to accomplish a project. Because if they want it fast, then you have to increase your quote.

For example, if someone wants a company logo and they give you one day to do it, this will take up your valuable time. Whereas if the client gives you a week to come up with a company logo, you’ll have time to fit the work into your schedule. It’s best to get graphic design projects that give you enough time to work so that you don’t get burnt out easily.

3. Tools or Software

Man facing computer screen, wearing headphones, holding mouse

There are dozens of tools and software used by graphic designers, you have to make it clear to your client which ones they require.

However, if you aren’t so lucky, you might need to purchase or subscribe to that specific tool or software on your own. It’s best to include the additional charges in your final quote if that is the case.

4. Difficulty Level of Project

Don’t forget to consider checking the difficulty of the project when creating a quote. For example, if you are requested to do a product design, do take note of the amount of research that you will be doing. It’s not just about creating the design of a product but you also have to do a background check with your client as well as competitors.

5. Admin/Miscellaneous/Edit Fees

Calculator with pencils, sticky notes, and paper clips

Don’t you just hate it when you’re buying something and then suddenly there are “hidden” fees added to the total? Well, clients don’t like that either. When you make a quote, do try to inform them of separate fees that can be included in their estimate.

For example, if your quote for a one-pager website is $200, you also have to tell them if you will have additional fees if they request edits (especially major ones) after you have submitted your deliverable.

Also when making a quote, don’t just think of the actual product or service you are offering. You’ll also need to include design briefs or admin work—Tip: Make your life easier with Kosmo (time-tracking, contracts, invoicing, and more)

6. Client

You need to consider that there are some clients who will not pay as much at first because they are just testing out the waters. However, they may offer you a retainer agreement or become a repeat customer that promises a higher payment once you have proved yourself. It’s important not to sell yourself under value. Politely inform your client that your pricing is fair.

Do take note that there are clients that may request quotes per project deliverable or hours that you spend. You have to be ready to give them a quote for either when they ask.

7. You

One of the major factors that affect how to quote a graphic design project is you, the freelancer. Of course, there is still a basis for this estimate, you can’t just price something on a whim. Here are three things to help you figure it out:

a. Expertise

Again, the world of graphic design is quite broad, so the project you are handling may or may not be your expertise. If you are an expert on branding design, then, by all means, go ahead and get your money’s worth. However, if you are just starting out in branding design, don’t estimate too high. Think that this project is not just about the money you will get but also the valuable experience for your freelancing career.

b. Income Goal

Do you have a specific goal for the week or the month when it comes to earnings? This is a relevant factor when making your quotes. You have to do the math that the time you spend on a project will be worth it, that it will keep your business afloat and not just break even.

c. Current Workload

Computer screen showing schedule or calendar

How much do you have on your plate right now? If you are quite a busy freelancer, then you have to raise your quotes (think of it as supply and demand). However, if you find yourself without any projects, it may be a sign that you are quoting wrong. Most likely your estimates are too high and potential clients will try to look for another graphic designer with a lower rate.

Conclusion

Now that you know the factors to consider, you’ll have an easier time learning how to quote a graphic design project correctly. Freelancers need to be able to do it all, you need to learn how to sell yourself to clients, do the math so you can keep your business running, and do the actual work of a graphic designer. Make sure to add how to quote a graphic design project the right way to the list of things you can do.

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Post written by:

kosmo on September 9, 2022

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What Is a Design Brief and What Should Be Included?

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You finally land your first freelance gig and your client sets up a meeting to discuss the design brief. Now, this is not a reason to panic, a design brief is simply a document wherein you pretty much cover all of the bases of the project.

What is a Design Brief?

If you are new to freelancing or the world of creative work, it might be the first time you encounter a “design brief”. As its name implies, it’s a summary of the design or work you will be doing for a client. For example, if you are a website designer, this can include everything from what type of font the client wants or the company colors to be used. But that’s not all a design brief is for, it will also include other important details about a project, including deadlines or even budgets.

A design brief and its contents will rely heavily on your industry, the project you are specifically doing, and of course, the client you are working for. Some clients require every little detail to be put in while others prefer generalized information so it doesn’t get too long.

As modern freelancers, it’s best to create design briefs that can be viewed any way a client wants. You can ask your client what kind of design brief they would want (something that can be projected, printed out, or maybe even both). And of course, you need to make the brief accessible for the clients’ changes or comments.

What’s It For?

Now, you may be wondering what is it even for. Like, why should you even bother to do his document when you have the actual work you need to do for your client? There are many reasons to make a brief and most of them are very beneficial to you, the freelancer.

Communication

Just imagine you are talking to your client via chat or even video call, how will you explain a design project? How will the client relay the information to you? Will they send one email after another on all of the things they want? That’s going to be very confusing on your end. It will also waste a lot of time and effort on communication with your client.

Clarity

Top Shot: Cloth swatches and pictures on table

In the design world, making yourself clear on a project can be very challenging. For instance, colors, just think how many shades of whites, pinks, yellows, and blues are out there. With a design brief, you can narrow down specific colors to help your clients decide on which one they may want for their project. At the same time, the client can simply put in the actual HTML color they actually want on the brief.

Professionalism

When you have a (proper) brief it can give the impression to your client that you are a serious business and a legit freelancer. This professional document can show clients what you can offer and the way you work. If you just send random messages or emails, it’s all very cluttered. It will be hard for you and your clients to keep track of all their requests and subsequent changes that are made.

Protection

Woman biting a pencil, looking at laptop

There are some clients out there who are very fickle when it comes to requests. These types of freelancing gigs can be very challenging as they can end up wasting your time and efforts. You need to protect yourself from clients who abuse your work and one way to do that is to have a design brief. A brief contains the scope of a project as well as a timeline or schedule.

At the same time, a brief can also include the requests your clients made. So for example, if you have already agreed with your client to make a web page in blue, that’s going to be on the brief. If they change their mind, it should be in the brief what the new color should be. You can then keep track of how many times the client changes their minds or you can show them the last request they made. (To help you against fickle-minded clients, look into billing time increments to help you out.)

What Should Be Included in a Brief?

Now every creative brief can be different as industries and clients vary. However, there are key details that all briefs should have. Below are some of the most important things that a brief should have:

Scope of a Project

What is included in the project? What kind of work do you specifically have to do? In a web designing project, will you be doing image sourcing? Or are just responsible for coding or creating the layout. Will you be the one to write the copy on the website? Or will the client do it on their own or have someone else lined up for that?

These are the important details that have to be in the brief so all is fair between you and your client. You don’t want to work on something you are not getting paid for. At the same time, clients don’t want to pay more than they have to.

Goals or Objectives

For every project, there is a reason why it should be done. So, for websites, what does the client want exactly? Do they simply want awareness of their products and services? Do they want an increase in sales? Having a goal or objective can help define if the project is successful or not.

Schedule or Timeline

Time is money for both the freelancer and the client, that’s why a schedule or timeline is defined in every brief. Some clients are more chill when it comes to timelines, they just want an end date of the deliverable.

However, be prepared for other clients who may be a little uptight. If you are a portrait artist, the client may want a timeline where they can see the first draft and the second draft, etc. This can be helpful though, especially if you have trouble sticking to your schedule or if you have a lot of work going on at the same time.

Design Overview

This may take up the bulk of the brief, depending on the client and the project. So, this is where you explain the design elements for your work. If you are a designer, you put in your sketches, the fabrics, the colors. Add as much detail as you can so there are no miscommunications with the client.

The design overview should have space for the client to make comments, so do leave that option open. You can also leave space for inspiration, kind of like a corkboard for your clients’ ideas so you can better interpret what they want.

Other Important Details in a Brief

Now, not all design briefs have the following information but depending on your project, you might need it. They can also be requested by your client so do take note of the following:

Budget

There are projects wherein you also have to show the budget to a client. For an interior designer, you have to give the closest estimate to furniture that the client may want as well as other tools needed for the project like paint, flooring, and so on.

Not going over the budget can be a huge problem. Just imagine you are a client and after you have received your request a huge bill turns up that is added on top of the freelancer’s fee. Always be transparent with the budget so as to avoid problems with your clients in the future.

Target Market or Audience

Sometimes, it’s just the client you have to please. But for projects that do have a target market or audience, you have to be as specific as possible. You can even try to make personas so there is a clearer understanding of the path of the project. For example, an e-commerce website with baby toys should target younger or first-time mothers. You can then get more specific with the person who the website is for.

When you have a specific target market, this can change the course of the project. You have to please the audience, learn what kind of colors they are attracted to, what kind of keywords will make them click on the shopping cart, and so on.

Competition

Not all projects may have a competitor, but if your project has one do include them in your brief. Ignoring your competitors can be very bad for your project as you may doing the exact same strategy. Or worse, the competitor has a strategy that trumps yours.

Conclusion

Freelancers should know the tools and documents that can make their life easier. The design brief may seem like a lot of work at first. But think of it as the outline of your work, it serves as a guide for you and your clients. So do put in the effort when making a design brief.

Get Organized & Win More Clients

Kosmo has everything you need to run your freelancing business.

Post written by:

kosmo on September 9, 2022

Kosmo is a free All-In-One Workspace for Freelancers.

Learn More