Unlocking the Secrets to Becoming a Six-Figure Freelancer
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Chapter 1: The Foundation of Freelancing Success
Achieving a six-figure income as a freelancer may sound ambitious, but it's rooted in a few straightforward principles. While it's true that multiple skills are essential for this level of success, I've noticed that many freelancers with a broader skill set often don't earn what they deserve. So, what’s the missing piece?
Last year marked my first experience with six-figure earnings, and it taught me a crucial lesson: clients appreciate when you go above and beyond. You’ve likely noticed this in your own life—like enjoying complimentary bread at a restaurant, receiving a package earlier than expected, or riding with a quiet Uber driver. When you overdeliver, clients are more inclined to tip generously, refer you to others, and become loyal customers.
With the confidence to charge more, you can leverage your positive experiences to increase your rates. Even if you don’t feel ready, you’ll find that income will begin to flow more freely. The question remains: how can you exceed expectations without overwhelming yourself or allowing difficult clients to take advantage of you?
Overdelivering is simpler in theory than in practice. So, how do you manage to exceed expectations as a busy freelancer? Here are a few effective strategies that I have implemented.
Section 1.1: Transformative Meetings
Many freelancers shy away from meetings, but they can significantly enhance your business. Meetings build trust, facilitate upselling and cross-selling, reduce the frequency of revision requests, and support higher pricing.
Section 1.2: Creative Presentation of Work
I incorporate my web copy into mock-ups, which I find immensely helpful. While my husband creates these mock-ups, I would readily hire someone else if needed.
Subsection 1.2.1: Email Engagement Tools
I utilize subject line testers for email projects, sharing the results with my clients to boost engagement.
Section 1.3: Proactive Delivery
I strive to deliver work a day earlier than promised. Additionally, I share relevant articles I’ve written that could benefit my clients’ businesses.
Section 1.4: Extended Revision Opportunities
I offer a delayed revision period, allowing clients up to a month to test their copy and provide feedback if they are unsatisfied.
Section 1.5: Post-Coaching Follow-Up
Following a coaching session, I send a summary along with a quiz I’ve developed or recommend additional resources.
Not every suggestion may fit your model, but consider compiling your own "Ways to Overdeliver" list and implement what resonates.
Chapter 2: Ideation for Value Addition
Generating ideas is often underestimated, yet it’s crucial for your growth as a freelancer. To elevate your freelancing career, take some time to brainstorm methods to overdeliver, keeping in mind these guidelines:
- Aim for value-adding options that won't consume too much of your valuable time. Focus on strategies that come naturally to you or can be learned with practice.
- Consider your clients’ journey before and after they engage with your services. What unexpected ways can you assist them along that path?
- Reflect on the resources or knowledge you possess that could be beneficial. Perhaps you can create a repository of tips, tricks, or hacks to share with every delivery.
- Leverage existing technology to enhance the credibility and efficiency of your services—think subject line testers, headline analyzers, and user testing platforms.
- Explore ways to expedite your deliveries. Interestingly, if you typically operate under tight deadlines, it may be better to provide longer timelines and surprise clients with early submissions rather than waiting until the last minute.
Have some ideas emerged? Fantastic!
Final Thoughts
After I began overdelivering, I experienced an influx of positive reviews, increased tips, and a surge in returning clients. My average order value soared from $200 to nearly $300 in just a few months. It's as simple as that—effective yet straightforward.
If you’re working on building a one-person business or aspire to do so, consider joining the One-Person Business Success Newsletter for unique strategies that can dramatically enhance your success.
In the first video, titled "I asked 6-figure freelancers what 'the secret' to $100,000 is," successful freelancers share valuable insights on achieving high earnings in the freelance world.
The second video, "What it REALLY takes to become a 6 Figure Freelancer," reveals the essential elements and mindset necessary for freelancers to reach their financial goals.