4 Worst Freelance Writing Mistakes to Avoid in Submitting your Work

A freelancer’s job is to make his/her client’s life easy, but they are humans too and make mistakes – they are unavoidable. And being a newbie, you will err at some point.

Although, many freelancers make mistakes while dealing with the clients, but major freelance writing mistakes happen during the submission of the assignments.

Also Read: How to Write Freelance Proposal for a High-paying Job?

How do Freelance Writing Mistakes Affect your Career?

Most newbie freelance writers fail to consider minor details while working like,

What is the client’s actual need?

Who is the client’s target audience?

What tone were they opting for?

Were they trying to be Formal and Up front?

Or Fun and knowledgeable?”  

Some mistakes might not be very noticeable, like ‘speilng miscakes’– Oops!

But mistakes can cost you a lot, a valuable client. 

Although mistakes are not always bad, provided you learn from them.

And with this article, you won’t have to learn them the hard way.

As said by Eleanor Roosevelt,

Okay! So, let’s not waste our time here, and learn what those mischievous mistakes are.

Also Read: 20 Content Editing Tips to make your content ‘Wow’

4 Deadliest Freelance Writing Mistakes

1. What’s the hook with client’s requirements?

Alright! So, it’s your job to listen to the client’s requirements and work accordingly, but “Clients are always right” is never a good policy.

Meeting up to their demands is necessary, but becoming a bobble head over every demand can cost you.

Let’s say the client requests you to add something after the completion of the project, then don’t be so benevolent and think, “Oh, it’s a small task. I can do it in a snap.”

Every work you offer has a price. Be up front while stating it; you can reply with “Yes, I can add the so-and-so. It’ll be finished until [set a new deadline]. It may cost you so-and-so extra.”

See, not so hard, is it?

2. Undercharging your worth

Pricing your service seems to be little tricky, considering the project size and your effort it consumes, which varies. But it is important to set a perfect price or it will hurt your credibility.

Most freelancers cannot recognize their own worth. It’s tempting to discount your prices to attract customers, but charging too low might not be helpful.

One way to find if you are undercharging or not is to check your schedule.

Can it afford new clients? Do you have time for yourself? Are all of your present clients treating you well? Can you meet all your deadlines effortlessly? And lastly, can you pay all the bills?

If you answered one or more questions with ‘no’, then you are undercharging.

3. Free Service

The worst thing than undercharging is working for free.

I know it’s exciting to get replies from clients, but don’t get too excited.

Not all clients are trustworthy. They can manipulate you into getting their work done, and for free.

They use methods like asking for samples or rejecting the project last minute- after the final draft is sent for review.

Prepare yourself for such situations; if the client wants to see a sample of their work done by you, calculate the price for that part and ask for a payment. 

Get a certain percent of advanced payment out of full payment. Ask your client to break down the project into small goals, so you can get paid after each delivery. 

4. Deadline Delay 

Deadlines aren’t tentative dates; be punctual with your submissions.

Always consider your life happenings while setting a deadline; you never know when you’ll get sick, or when your computer will crash, and so on. 

Also, you might’ve accepted more than one project. Take in account your most urgent and prior client.

Always stick to your deadlines and in return, the clients will stick to you. 

Final Words

That’ll be all!

Now you know what worst freelance writing mistakes you can make when submitting your work.

One last caution.

Never explain your plans in detail unless they are ‘actual’ clients instead of ‘potential’ client. If they get the outline of their project, they may hire someone else with a cheaper cost, with your idea. 

Discuss terms and conditions beforehand, for better understanding. Form a payment schedule of ‘half now’ and ‘half later’. 

And when you are not taking any projects, use the time to learn new skills. There’s nothing wrong in learning new things.

Lastly, don’t take your work for granted.

Show the clients the value of your work. And never give up!

As said by Conrad Hilton,

Was this article helpful? Share these mistakes with your fellow freelancers to guide them for the future.