Austin Church, talented freelancer and author of Free Money, joins the podcast to discuss calculating survival rates for freelancers. They delve into the minimum amount needed to stay in business, sustainable pricing strategies, and incorporating specific numbers in client proposals for credibility and trust. The episode also covers negotiation tactics and exciting updates on Austin's new book and upcoming webinar for freelancers.
Calculate your survival rate accurately to set sustainable pricing as a freelancer.
Transition from hourly rates to project-based pricing for enhanced earnings and client trust.
Deep dives
Setting Rates for Freelancing Success
When setting rates as a freelancer, it's crucial to break down your survival number to determine how much to charge by the hour or project. One common oversight is overestimating the amount of work in a year, leading to miscalculations. To calculate your rates effectively, consider your true availability in a year and your effectiveness, which determines the billable hours. By understanding these factors and aligning them with your financial goals, you can establish smart, strategic, and sustainable prices for long-term success.
Transitioning from Hourly Rates to Project-Based Pricing
Although charging hourly rates is common, transitioning to project-based pricing is advised for freelancers to enhance their earning potential. By determining your survival rate based on yearly income and billable hours, you can set a foundation to calculate prices for projects. It's important to use specific units of calculation for rates, prices, and negotiation strategies to ensure business sustainability and profitability beyond just surviving.
Precision Pricing Strategies for Freelancers
When pricing freelance projects, employing precision pricing strategies can enhance client trust and profitability. By converting round numbers into precise figures, such as turning 500 into 525 or 575, freelancers can convey a sense of meticulous calculation and reliability in their pricing. This approach not only instills confidence in clients but also allows for negotiation flexibility where slight adjustments can accommodate client preferences without compromising profitability.
I am joined by special guest co-host Austin Church on today's show.
He is a very talented freelancer and the author of the new book, Free Money.
It's all about growing your revenue as a freelancer, and we talked today about calculating your survival rate. That's the rate you need to stay in business as a freelancer. What's the minimum amount you need to make to stay in business? So, if you've wondered how to calculate that rate best, stay tuned for today's Q&A episode with Austin Church and me, Preston Lee. Here we go.