What actually happened, the story

Back in 2016, when I was still studying, my friend and I decided to start freelancing. We aimed to provide web development and graphic design services. So we set up our profile and very soon got a few small scaled design projects. We made around $25.

The good days didn't last long and were almost over when we got our "last" project. It was a web development project and our budget was $40. We were excited about the project and were confident we could nail it in no time.

The buyer was constantly in touch with us pressed to deliver on time. We listened and delivered the project on time. But, when we delivered, the buyer was frustrated. According to him, we had worked on a different design theme.

My friend and I were baffled. As the buyer was in touch, we couldn't understand how things took a turn like this. We decided to make things right, but before that, we decided to go through the project requirements. Well, there were no formal requirements (I know this sounds silly). The requirements were available on chat only. So we skimmed the chat and found out he was kind of right.

Once we found the mistake, we asked the buyer for a chance to make it right. Well, he was too angry and didn't listen. So, he left a bad rating and review. It was so bad that it dropped our profile's rating so low that we couldn't bid anymore. Seemed like the end of our freelancing career. Dishearted from the experience, we didn't think about freelancing for a long time.

What did we learn?

The best way to deal with bad experiences is to think about what did it teach you. What were the mistakes on your part and how could you avoid them. What were the red flags in the other party that you would look for in the future?

In my opinion, bad experiences are great teachers. So, don't overthink. It's not the end of the world, right?

Below are some of the lifelong lessons we learned.

🔹 Always take down requirements formally

There is no exception, note all the requirements in as much detail as possible. After that, verify the same from the buyer. Make sure he is part of the requirements document and reach a consensus before starting the project.

Having clear requirements would help you and the client in numerous ways. You can plan your work and timeline better and the buyer knows exactly what he will get.

Also, when there is a conflict, you can always present the requirements document to the moderator. Without any formal requirements, the moderators won't be able to help you and you might suffer a financial loss.

🔹 Decide on the timeline

Time is the most precious asset when you are working. You simply cannot work the whole day and night. Don't accept unrealistic deadlines where you have to push yourself too hard and impact your well-being.

You can break the project into smaller parts and create milestones when you would deliver a portion of the project. In this way, the client would be satisfied and have more trust in you. You can also get feedback from the client. The feedback could save you if you are not working according to the requirements(unlike us, I wish I could use this tip earlier).

🔹 Decide on the number of revisions you'll offer

Limit the number of revisions you'll provide and it would be better if you charge for each revision. In this way, the client would be serious in providing detailed project requirements. Also, the client won't have the freedom to ask for pointless corrections that weren't part of the scope.

🔹 Build a strong portfolio

A strong portfolio always gives you an edge in freelancing. The buyer gets to know that you are quite serious about your work and offerings. This greatly increases trust. And once you gain that trust, you can always request the price you deserve.

🔹 Look for red signals

It is very important to judge your client through his manners and the way he is requesting to get work done. Is he serious, can he pay according to my criteria or is he just wasting my time? Some freelancing companies provide the option to view the seller's ratings, do look at that. Do some research if possible. Remember, you are selling your services, you are not sacrificing your wellbeing.

Wrapping up

I started to freelance a few years later. I was able to get some good projects and reviews too(thanks to the lessons learned). However, I am not currently a freelancer.

If you are starting with your freelance journey, I hope you do not make the mistakes I made. Keep in mind the tips I shared, I wish I knew these before. If you think freelancing is for you, hope for the best and wish you all the best in your freelancing career. 🎉

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