Being a freelance developer is awesome, you get to create amazing websites, work with cool clients, and (ideally) manage your schedule. But let’s be real: it’s not all smooth sailing. Along the way, there are a few mistakes every freelancer will encounter, especially early in their career.
1. Skipping the Contract (the “Let’s Trust Each Other, Right?”)
You’re excited. You just landed a client who seems great, and you’re eager to work together. They say, “We don’t really need a contract, do we?” But here’s the deal: you absolutely dudly do!
A contract isn’t just about protecting yourself (though that’s a big part). It also sets clear expectations on what work you’re delivering, deadlines, payment terms, and what happens if things go sideways. Without one, misunderstandings can lead to unpaid invoices or never-ending revision cycles. Once, I completed a project only for the client to vanish when it came time to pay: no contract, no recourse, no paycheck.
2. Underestimating project timelines
You know the saying, “It always takes longer than you think”? That’s especially true in web development. You might think a website will take two weeks to build, but then the client takes five days to approve the design, or the scope suddenly grows to a (“Oh here’s an idea, can we add an online store?!”).
3. Saying “Yes” to Every Client (Even the Red-Flag Ones)
When you’re starting out, it’s hard to say no to a client. Trust me, I get it, you are worried about income, so you take on every project that comes your way. After all, freelancing means no steady paycheck, and turning down work feels risky.
But here’s the thing: not all clients are a good fit. Some have low budgets, unrealistic expectations, or a knack for ghosting just when you need feedback (or payment). Saying yes to these projects can lead to more stress than they’re worth, draining your time and energy for better opportunities, trust me!
4. Not pricing your work properly
Ah, the pricing conundrum… At first, I underpriced my work because I was scared clients wouldn’t hire me otherwise. But charging too little only led to burnout, and worse, clients who didn’t value my time.
5. Neglecting your own website
This is one mistake almost every freelance developer makes. You are busy building amazing websites for clients, and your own website collects dust. But your site is often the first thing potential clients see—it’s like your online business card. Make time to update your website regularly. Show off your best projects, write about your expertise, and ensure it’s easy for clients to contact you. Think of it as your most important marketing tool.
Remember: Mistakes Are Lessons
Freelancing isn’t just about building websites, it’s about building a business. Mistakes can and will happen, but each one is a chance to learn and grow. Trust me, I’ve made plenty, and I’m still here (with a solid contract template now, thank you very much).
Oh and if none of these mistakes sound like you and you’re looking for a reliable WordPress developer to bring your project to life, I would love to work with you! Whether you need a custom theme, a blazing-fast e-commerce site, or a complete site overhaul, get in touch with me today, and let’s create something amazing together! 🚀