7 Mistakes New Freelancers Make
6 mins read
Published Sep 1, 2024
Money Mistakes
New freelancers often underprice themselves to win work. This leads to long-term challenges — clients expect low rates, and raising prices later can feel impossible.
Other money missteps:
Forgetting to track expenses like taxes, software, and fees
Waiting for a single final payment instead of using deposits and milestones
👉 Solution: Price for value, track every cost, and split payments to protect your cash flow.
Contract Mistakes
Skipping contracts or relying on quick emails is one of the biggest freelancer errors. Without clear terms, projects often expand beyond scope, payments get delayed, and disputes drag out.
Common issues:
No written scope of work
No late fee or clear due date
Agreeing on trust alone
👉 Solution: Always use written agreements. Platforms like Bind make contracts quick and enforceable, while also tying payment terms directly into the deal.
Work Habits Mistakes
Even talented freelancers lose clients by overcommitting or failing to communicate. Taking on too much leads to missed deadlines, while vague updates frustrate clients.
Other pitfalls:
Saying yes to every project
Avoiding marketing and depending only on referrals
👉 Solution: Accept only what you can deliver well, communicate clearly, and market yourself consistently to keep your pipeline strong.
