There’s never been a better time to freelance for creative agencies of all kinds.

Over the past few years, the nature of work has changed with people leaving full-time jobs or getting laid off. More than ever, agencies are open to working with freelancers.

That makes it ideal for freelancers to approach agencies for work.

Many creators have difficulty talking to clients about money. Are you one of them? Do you wish you could just do your job without having to talk about fees, deposits, retainers, or progress payments?

But if you’re in business, you have to talk about money. If you’re uncomfortable doing it, you’re probably undercharging.

Let’s talk about money now.

If you’re freelancing in 2024, you’ll be in a busy market. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of work for everyone.

Freelancing will continue to grow, and that’s good for you. As it becomes more mainstream, companies of all sizes and types will look to freelancers to help them with their marketing and communications requirements.

Here are 7 rules to help you thrive in your freelance business.

This is for copywriters, designers, or programmers who are going from employee to full-time freelance.

Learn what it takes to be a successful freelancer. Develop a freelancer mindset, get comfortable with money, get clients that are right for you.

This checklist will help you have the best chance to be a successful full-time freelancer.

Governments have a lot of communications work that they give out to agencies, freelancers, and consultants. It’s not easy or obvious how to get in, but once you do, it can be very rewarding.

Here’s how and why you may want to pursue this business.

A competitive communications overview gives your client a concise report of what the competition is saying and doing.

This can be very useful for your clients and create numerous projects for you. For you or your agency, it’s also a change from the usual types of projects. you do. Here’s what you need to know…

Clients are not all the same. It’s helpful to know in advance what makes some clients wonderful to work with, while others are awful.

Learn how to deal with unprofessional clients. (Get money upfront.)

Also, learn how you can be a better supplier. Communications is a two-way street. Be your best.

Common wisdom says, “Whoever has the money is the boss and calls the shots.”

But that’s not necessarily true. Think of the last time you went to a lawyer. You’re the one paying, but they’re going to tell you what they’ll do.

Why is that? Simply, because they’re a professional. You should be a professional too.

Here is how you should pick a niche, why you’d want to do it, and where to find the high-paying niches.

Some niches are more obvious than others. The good news is that there are hundreds to choose from. Also, learn about the difference between vertical and horizontal niches.

It’s interesting to read the discussions about how much creative freelancers charge. Sooner or later, these phrases come up:

“Know your worth.” “Raise your rates.” “Add 20% to what you were going to charge.”

Use these tips on how to charge, and how to charge more.

How to make sure you have the skills you need, identify the right niche for you, and then find your ideal clients.

Also, how to work on developing confidence in your work and your client presentation skills. Both are vital to success.

Should you get a job before going freelance? I’ll tell you what I think.

How many of us consciously start our business with the idea that it could run without us?

Too few, I’ll bet. Not me, either.

Portia Burton did. Learn about how her agency, DocumentWrite, helps tech clients create thorough documentation and processes.

You could apply these learnings to your agency.

A big question for freelance writers, designers, and developers is whether they should incorporate their business.

Here are the three main reasons to do so:

Reduce taxes by paying yourself dividends, limit your liability, and look more professional.

Let’s get into it…

If you have employees, you have to talk to them about money at least a few times—once when you hire them, and then at review time.

Many people feel awkward talking about money. But avoiding money talks leads to problems and misunderstandings.

As the employer, you should be in control of the money talk.