Should you list your prices on your website? (Here’s what I do)
It’s a conundrum many of us creative entrepreneurs face: do I list pricing (or typical pricing) on my website or not? Some entrepreneurs swear by it; others refuse…and both make valid arguments. So...
View ArticleHow to stay motivated when solo business has got you in a rut
Ever have one of those days (weeks?) where you just can’t seem to get yourself motivated? And I mean REALLY unmotivated, like nothing — not even dusting to avoid work — can tear you away from putting...
View Article11 Free must-have WordPress plugins that make client customizations super simple
Fellow WordPress designers and developers: Doesn’t it just make your day (week) when you find the handiest new plugin?* Something vetted by someone who has used it before. Something that wraps up a...
View ArticleHow to build a stellar portfolio to land your very first freelance gig
Deciding to jump into freelancing is an awesome, scary, exciting rush of emotions. Unless you have money set aside, you’re probably still working your “regular” job until things really take off, but...
View Article8 Quick tips to improve client relationships overnight
Y’know that guy – one of your peers who always seems to get the very best clients? He who: Never has a problem with late payments. Doesn’t have to haggle pricing on rush projects. Makes handling a...
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How to negotiate with clients (or anyone) like a pro this year
Negotiations always give me the jitters. Am I proposing a fair deal? Am I about to get swindled? Should I look elsewhere? Am I going to lose this project? Is this client going to be more stress than...
View ArticleThe 3 most important factors in naming your business
Naming your business is probably the single most challenging task in creating a business – and career – you love. Despite an internet overflowing with business naming advice and a wealth of creative...
View ArticleHow to handle tough client conversations and save the relationship
Being a solopreneur is a lot of fun. You almost always get to make your own schedule, wear whatever you want, reject projects that aren’t a good fit, not drive during rush hour…it’s an all-around...
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10 Awesome apps for productivity and project management
For me as a creative entrepreneur, picking the right app can be a daunting task. First of all, I’m only one person who’s already wearing 15 different hats, so carving out time to look for productivity...
View ArticleHow to apply rush fees without ticking off your clients
If you’ve freelanced worked for any amount of time, you know that almost everyone wants their project done yesterday. As so far, that’s impossible, most will settle for “in the near future.” Some are...
View ArticleHow to share bad news with a client and save the relationship
No matter how careful you are, if you’re in business long enough, you’re going to screw up. Bad. (Not the “my bad, I sent over the wrong revision.” The big “we just printed 3000 brochures with the...
View Article5 Business purchases to make before the end of the year
It’s the holiday season and you’re probably already feeling super-strapped for cash. However, now’s one of the best times of year to make business purchases. The end of the year is one of the best...
View ArticleMy 10 freelance business goals + tips for setting yours
Your design business will DIE without solid goals, because without a goal in mind, you have no basis for where to begin or what path to take. So when I first started freelancing, I purchased Preston’s...
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How to position your creative business (and yourself) for success
When asked, a lot of successful entrepreneurs respond with, “well, I just happened to be in the right place at the right time.” Or, “I stumbled upon the opportunity and took it.” For the rest of us,...
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4 Effective responses to stop price haggling in its tracks
“Do you offer a new client discount?” “I’d love to work with you. If you can do my project for $X, I’ll start today.” As a creative, you’ve probably heard something like this (or worse) all too often....
View ArticleWhat kind of contract should I use for small or ongoing projects?
Have you ever struggled to write a contract for ongoing work? You’re not alone. One Millo reader commented: Love the article you posted today about freelance with a contract. I’m curious, I can’t seem...
View ArticleThe right way to turn down new freelance clients
So you’re midway through a potential client consultation when your gut starts telling you this client isn’t for you. Maybe your personalities just aren’t clicking or maybe they sound like a bad design...
View ArticleIs your location killing your freelance business?
One of the beautiful things about being a freelance designer is the freedom to live where you want, be it within walking distance of the ocean, near family, or three floors above the most awesome...
View ArticleHow to find clients in a new city
If you’ve ever experienced the “joy” of moving* (especially if you’ve accumulated furniture), you know that not only are you learning the ropes in a new community personally, but as a business, nobody...
View ArticleCan you pitch your design business (well) in 15 seconds?
I’m a person you’ve never met. Maybe we just bumped into one another in line at the supermarket. Maybe we’re both regulars at the local coffee shop waiting for our morning latte. Maybe we’re riding the...
View ArticleHow to quote a design project – and win the account
Quoting a project isn’t easy – and knowing how to quote a design project well is even tougher. Part estimation, part research, and part historical evidence, a good design quote creates a fair proposal...
View ArticleWhen a new client calls you, don’t freak out. Do this:
I have a love/hate relationship with my phone, especially when it comes to new clients. In fact, I used to be so bad that my boyfriend would listen to my end of the conversation so that he could give...
View ArticleHow I went from losing my job to being a profitable freelancer in 18 months
If you would’ve told me when I got laid off I’d have a profitable freelance design business a mere 18 months later, I’d have laughed at your absurdity. Heck, I may have even snorted. Losing my job =...
View Article“We” vs “I”– the best pronoun for a freelance business
If you’re like me, once you started using your official business name, “we” vs “I” became a big issue. Which sounds better? Am I misrepresenting myself if I use we? What will clients prefer? Think...
View ArticleHow I found my freelance niche and tips to finding yours
You’ve all heard the phrase, “if you try to be good at everything, you’ll be excellent at nothing.” But unless you’re one of the lucky ones, finding your niche can be really difficult. Don’t feel bad...
View ArticleHow to deal with high-maintenance clients (and not ruin the relationship!)
Have you ever had one of those clingy clients that calls daily? Twice daily? Sunday afternoon? Do you save their number in your phone just so you can press “ignore” when you see them calling (for the...
View ArticleHow to build a killer physical portfolio and win your next account
A picture is worth 1,000 words. Keep that in mind when you go to your next potential client meeting. You want to make a great first impression and win the account. While what you say and how you act...
View ArticleUnderstanding freelancing insurance + do you need it?
The Freelancer’s Union recently announced the ability for members to purchase liability insurance. But as freelance designers, do we really need it? Truthfully, when I read the “hey, we’re now offering...
View ArticleHow to quote a project you’ve never tried before
Deciding to tackle a project you’ve never done before takes guts. It’s exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time. Can you do it? Is this going to be a total disaster? Are you going to absolutely...
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