I am new to the freelance world, and I'm not afraid to admit it. I've worked with a handful of clients and had no issues regarding what little content in the contract agreements we had. Until now.
Enter large project. Zero scope. The "scope" of a project is what one is expected to do according to the agreement. Since we did not agree on a scope for this project (besides building a website), I have ended up handling content management among other things usually outside the scope of a web designer/developer. The biggest issue I have run into so far is revisions. It seems every time said client sees a different website they like, they send me all these ideas from the new website. Keep in mind I have already designed and coded most of this website. Weeks pass and the revisions keep coming. So many revisions after one month that my code is a mess, and I scrap the whole thing and start from scratch. It only takes me a day to catch up, but then come more revisions.
As a whole, this project will be awesome for my portfolio, and besides the indecision, the clients are great people.
In conclusion, I've come up with some tips for new freelancers.
Simon's Tips for Fresh Freelancers (or What I've learned):
1. Make a contract.
2. Learn meaning of and include "scope" in said contract.
3. Wait until client gives you all content before beginning.
4. State amount of allowed revisions in contract.
5. Listen to Deeply Graphic Design Cast for more tips and tricks.
6. Over estimate everything; (time, cost) revise later.
7. Don't take clients (for big jobs) who hire you before looking at your portfolio or website.
8. Client referrals are important.
9. Write in contract that cost is ONLY AN ESTIMATE in case of overestimates.
10. Always get paid what you're worth. If you feel like you're not charging enough - you're not. In fact, charging less than industry standard brings down the industry standard and EVERYONE can expect to get paid less.
That is all for now. I am going to try and keep up this blog more regularly, so keep in touch.
,Sim
