Episode 178 - Building Capital as a Freelancer
Posted on 11 September, 2009 at 15:21 PM There are already 17 Comments

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We get a lot of questions from people who are just starting in the industry on what to charge and how to charge etc.

In this episode we tell you how we managed to build up capital and what method you should take.

It’s quite simple:
Take everything you can get. When you are starting out there is no time to be fussy. Work your face off and just do as much work as you can no matter what the price.

Some jobs will pay well others not, but you will be gaining a huge amount of experience and before you know it you will have some money in the bank.

User Comments

John Turner 11 Sep, 2009 15:48:12 PM

Hi guys, just wondering how your current theme business is doing? Do you do more freelance work or more work towards the business?

Is the out come and growth what you had predicted?

David Perel 11 Sep, 2009 16:01:04 PM

@John - The themes have exceeded our expectations entirely. Press seems to be a serious success. However we are not yet ready to move over, it's only month 3 and we aren't at a confident enough point to make any switch to only focus on themes.

We are also still running by the theory that we preach in this video. So if there is money to be made in client work then we will put in the effort.

I hope is that one day we will be a theme company entirely. That is a dream that we are pursuing with serious commitment.

John Turner 11 Sep, 2009 16:10:21 PM

@obox cool, well I wish you guys the best. I'm about 3 weeks from launching my wordpress mu niche site, ( non competing :) ) and having been following you guys and adii in your progress, thx again for providing an inside look at your business and knowledge.

Brad C 11 Sep, 2009 16:13:18 PM

Hey, it's good to see you guys back on the couch. It's like a throwback (Mark even shaved).

I think as start out advice it's good. But once you're established taking everything that comes your way can be draining. I've become a lot more picky about what I take on over time. I left my full time job a few years ago because I wanted to do work I could be proud of. The best marketing you can do is finishing a great project. If you're grabbing everything in sight you can't be doing your best work because you're to busy just getting things done.

David Perel 11 Sep, 2009 16:22:14 PM

@Brad - Totally, this advice is definitely for those who have 'capital' issues and don't know how to solve it. If you are in the fortunate position of being able to choose then that is definitely the right way to go. There is nothing worse than not being able to carefully consider a design etc.

Randy 11 Sep, 2009 16:25:17 PM

Guys, I really appreciate this video, as I'm facing the exact situation you've described. As a relatively new freelancer, it's hard for me to enforce a standard rate for all my clients, because I work with many people who don't understand what design/web work is worth. If I charge too high, I risk pushing clients away, and if I go too low, I've devalued my own work. Thus, for now, I'm running with your advice and getting what I can get.

Best.

David Perel 11 Sep, 2009 16:27:32 PM

@Randy - With time and experience you will eventually know exactly what to charge and how to charge (hourly or a set quote). Just try gain as much experience as you can and over time it will come.

SimonDavo 11 Sep, 2009 17:01:38 PM

Howzit Dave and Marc,

Totally right. I have only been doing freelance design for over a year now and quoting clients was the hardest task, and sometimes is a difficult task. Too high and you won't get the project, too low and you degrade yourself a bit.

And as you said with freelance, you will often have times without any work so any work available, TAKE IT!

Thanks again for the awesom video!

web page designer 11 Sep, 2009 17:17:16 PM

I agree that quoting just becomes a sixth sense. Sometimes you can gleam the amount of work a client will require above and beyond the normal scope that they present to you. It just takes a little time to get a feel, and when you start you'll surely be under/over quoting quite often.

Rachel Bastarache 11 Sep, 2009 19:12:40 PM

Thanks for the tips. Freelance video work is something I'm hoping to get into on the side, and lack of capital has been a big issue. You guys always post helpful, creative and funny content. :)

@Marc, what changed your mind on the 'stache?

lindsay 11 Sep, 2009 20:46:54 PM

Hey.. my first time on your blog, and this is a great video.. Just wanted to say.. do you get annoyed with "designers" who come up and ask "How much should I charge for a website?"

I have had this question asked a million times, and to me, its a little frustrating. I mean, i know there are always questions when you first start out, but I would think that pricing is probably the most personal of things when it comes to design. No one person can tell you exactly how to price a website.. each designer values themselves differently..

I 100% suggest that EVERYONE starting out get the "Graphic Artists Guild" book called "Pricing and Ethical Guidelines"

It answers ALL of these questions and should be in the hands of anyone who wants to start out and build a SUCCESSFUL business that also does not undercut the other designers. THAT is extremely frustrating.. getting on craigslist and seeing ads like "FREE WEBSITE FOR MY PORTFOLIO"

David Perel 11 Sep, 2009 23:30:38 PM

@Lindsay - Thanks for posting the mention of that book. I think we may even have a look at it.

Personally I don't really get fed up with people asking, I always try and help as much as I can but I never mention actual prices. Instead I offer them advice on where to start (ballpark figures).

Thanks for dropping by, we hope you find the site useful ;)

Liz 12 Sep, 2009 01:34:42 AM

when starting out if you are focused on just GETTING whatever you can and your concerned about quoting -- It can be a good idea to just ask your client what their budget is. Then, if it's within reason, you can go for it.

Ben Rama 12 Sep, 2009 15:11:20 PM

so marc and dave how much should you charge for a site in general ??? ; )

Marc Perel 12 Sep, 2009 16:37:36 PM

@Rachel - I always said that I would cut off the 'tache when I cut my hair, so the time came when I got my haircut, and so off went the 'tache

Brenda 13 Sep, 2009 14:54:23 PM

Wowww these videos load slowly :(

Todd 15 Sep, 2009 11:53:12 AM

@Brenda Loaded quite quickly for me. If its not your internet connection, perhaps you were trying to view the videos at peak time?

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Episode 178 - Building Capital as a Freelancer
Posted on 11 September, 2009 at 15:21 PM There are already 17 Comments

About the Show