blog

<p><em>Have you just leaped and said goodbye to your job to become a full-time freelancer? Now, you only need to find your first clients. Regarding this, what can you do to convince them you are the perfect person, especially when you begin or do not have a lot of experience yet? Let us give you a few tips on how to look like a pro when becoming a freelancer.</em></p> <p></p> <h3>Ask for the right rate</h3> <p>One of the most common mistakes new freelancers make is not asking enough. Indeed, to increase their chances of getting contracts and stand out from other freelancers, they will ask for the lowest price possible. Unfortunately, this strategy has many disadvantages.</p> <p>First, by not asking enough, you tell people you do not trust your abilities. Then, there is a great chance that your revenues will not be sufficient to live adequately. You likely wanted to become a freelancer for a better quality of life, right? A low price can also harm the general market since it does not help educate clients about fair rates. Finally, it will be difficult to raise your fees after.</p> <p>We often hear that you need to ask for at least $40 an hour as a freelancer, but it is more complicated than that. We suggest discussing with a financial advisor or accountant to learn more about everything you need to consider when establishing your prices.</p> <p></p> <h3>Think about having a contract of service</h3> <p>Our second tip if you want to look like a pro is to have a contract of service. Indeed, this legal document will show that you have thought about everything; it will also protect both parties if there is a conflict. Believe us, a<a href="https://www.momenteo.com/blog/the-importance-of-having-a-good-contract-of-services" target="_blank"> good contract</a> can help you avoid many problematic situations and unreliable clients.</p> <p>Some people will say that a contract of service or an appointment with a lawyer is expensive, and they do not have the time or money for this. Unfortunately, if something happens, it is likely that it will even be more expensive. You can also write a first draft and have it checked by a professional. Your contract of service can then be adapted and reused if needed.</p> <p>If a potential client refuses to sign a contract saying you do not need it and can trust them, beware. It is a serious red flag.</p> <p></p> <h3>Start billing taxes</h3> <p>There are many reasons why it could be relevant to start billing taxes as soon as you become a freelancer. One of the most important is that it means that your business revenues are higher than $30,000 per year, which means that you have had some contracts and clients. It may secure some people.&nbsp;</p> <p>In Quebec, waiting until you reach this level to<a href="https://www.momenteo.com/blog/freelancers-when-do-you-need-to-register-for-taxes" target="_blank"> start billing taxes</a> on your invoices is not mandatory. You simply need to register. Moreover, by doing so, you can claim your business expenses taxes. Do not hesitate to contact an accountant to learn more about this.&nbsp;</p> <p>On another topic, you could choose an invoice number starting with 100 instead of 1 or add a prefix to tell that it is not your first contract.</p> <p></p> <h3>Get a basic brand image</h3> <p>Legal documents and accounting are not the only things that are important to consider when you want to look professional. A relevant and basic <a href="https://www.momenteo.com/blog/the-brand-image-of-a-freelancer" target="_blank">brand image</a> can also make a difference and convince potential clients to work with you.</p> <p>You may answer that you do not have the necessary budget to hire a brand specialist or a graphic designer to get a professional visual universe. It is not a problem. A basic brand image can be enough when you start as a freelancer.</p> <p>Regarding this, you could consider having a business logo and choosing a color palette and font that represents your business well. Next, use these visual elements everywhere, for example, on your business cards, invoices, website, official documents, and social media pages, to create brand consistency.</p> <p></p> <h3>Proofread your texts</h3> <p>Finally, the last point concerns the appropriate use of language. Whether you are sending an email or a quote, spelling and grammar mistakes can quickly harm your professional credibility, especially if you work in fields like copywriting, translation, or communications.</p> <p>No one is immune from a typing error. For this reason, it is essential to take the time to proofread your texts. You can also use tools like Antidote or Grammarly to help you find mistakes if needed. If it is an important document, why not work with a professional proofreader to ensure peace of mind?</p> <p>Also, consider your language level during a<a href="https://www.momenteo.com/blog/why-offer-discovery-calls-to-potential-clients" target="_blank"> discovery call</a> with a potential client or a networking event. It is not necessary to use a tone of voice or expressions that are unfamiliar to you, but remember to remain professional.</p> <p></p> <p>In conclusion, becoming a freelancer is not always simple, but with these tips, you will be able to present yourself like a pro more easily. Start by defining a fair price, then consider the contract of service and taxes. Next, work on your brand image and texts to ensure everything is fine and makes you look credible.</p> <p>If you are looking for great-looking<a href="https://www.momenteo.com/blog/where-can-you-find-professionallooking-invoice-templates" target="_blank"> invoice templates</a>, do not hesitate to try Momenteo. Our invoicing templates can surely help you manage your business and create professional invoices that you can customize!</p> <p></p>