Here are the six most common pricing models for creative services:

1.     Hourly rate pricing

2.     Project-based pricing

3.     Billing by retainer

4.     Value pricing

5.     Performance-based pricing

6.     Equity-based payment

All have their place, depending on your level of experience, the project, and the client.

If you’ve wondered how to get work from big companies or various levels of government, the secret lies in vendor lists.

If you’re not on the vendor list, there’s little chance of you working with them.

Here’s what you need to know to apply and why it’s worth the effort to be there. For us, being an approved vendor doubled and then tripled our billing.

Scope creep occurs when a project goes beyond the agreed-upon scope without additional budget.

Here are 5 reasons it happens and what you can do to prevent them.

Whether you’re a freelancer or marketing agency, don’t let scope creep steal your profit.

A survey asked clients what they valued most in their relationships with freelancers.

You might think it was the price. Perhaps it would be talent.

No. Here’s a list that may surprise you. This is what marketing clients value most in freelancers. The biggest surprise? Price came in last.

Are you thinking of quitting your job to launch your creative agency? Here are 7 key indicators that tell you you’re ready to launch.

Make sure everything is in place before you make the leap to running your agency.

You’re a successful freelancer making a good living working solo. Most days, you’re happy with your work and life.

So why would you consider forming a small agency?

I went from freelance to starting my first agency. It was the best thing I ever did.

Here are 7 reasons why you might do it too…

Have you ever been asked to work for equity or shares? I’ve done it twice.

You’ll have to decide whether you believe in the team and the product. And then, get answers to a few key questions before you say yes. Remember, you’re taking on a risk. It’s usually an “all or nothing” game.

Get answers to your questions here…

If you’re an employee, there are two key reasons to freelance: earn extra money and start building your future.

When you freelance, you’ll learn how to run the business including taking client briefs, creating estimates and invoices, working and developing relationships with clients.

There are many ways to find clients. Here are a few…

If you’re a senior creative talent, you should have some kind of ownership. You may be a partner at your firm or have your own company.

Otherwise, you limit your income and put your future in jeopardy. While it may seem safer to stay, it’s actually far riskier. Think about your future now…

Have you ever presented your work in a full boardroom with all eyes on you? It’s nerve-wracking. Presenting your creative work is a critical skill.

Once you’ve started your own company, you’ll be doing a lot of it. Get good at presenting. Your company will be counting on you. You may want to get some training…

Before freelancing, get a job in a creative agency. It’s the ideal on-the-job training for starting your own business.

Use the job to learn about business. Observe and note what you’d want to copy for your own company.

Look at processes, paperwork, and people interactions.

It’s the best of times, it’s the worst of times. If you’re a creator, is now the time to start your agency? Here are 5 reasons why the answer is “Hell, yes”, and 5 why it’s maybe “Hmm, not so sure…”

I’m with the optimists. I did it three times, and I know you can do it too.

How To Start a Successful Creative Agency is the business book for freelancers and small agency owners who want to grow.

The book is not about how to write, design, or program. It will teach you about running your business and building a solid foundation to make your company successful.

Hi, my name is Andy Strote. I’ve been a copywriter, creative director and founder of three successful creative agencies in Toronto.

I packed this book with useful information about running a business, finding the best clients, managing your finances and working with staff and partners.