Hey Lykkers! So, you’ve decided to take the leap into freelancing. Congratulations! That first rush of freedom—no commute, choosing your projects, being your own boss—is incredible. But then, the two big, daunting questions hit:

“What on earth do I charge?” and “Where do I even find clients?” If you’ve ever stared at a proposal, cursor blinking, wondering if you should charge $30 or $300, you’re in the right place.

Let’s demystify the freelance business, one practical step at a time.

Step 1: The Rate-Setting Riddle (Solved)

Forget guessing. Your rate needs to cover your costs, your value, and your life. Here are three proven methods:

1. The "Cost-Plus" Method (Start Here)

First, know your Survival Number. Add up all your monthly living expenses (rent, food, insurance, Netflix). Now, add business costs (software, taxes, your laptop fund). Let’s say that’s $4,000.

A common freelancing rule is that you’ll only be billable about 50-60% of your time—the rest goes to marketing, admin, and that thing called life (Bureau of Labor Statistics). So to earn $4,000, you actually need to bill for more hours.

Formula: (Monthly Expenses / Billable Hours) = Your Hourly Floor.

This isn't your final rate, but your non-negotiable minimum.

2. The Value-Based Mindset (Level Up)

This is where you stop selling hours and start selling solutions. Instead of “I’ll write for 10 hours,” think “I’ll craft a website landing page that converts visitors into leads.”

"Hourly billing for professional services is a horrible practice for everyone involved. It devalues the expertise of the consultant and encourages mistrust in the client because the financial incentives of the two parties are misaligned." — Jonathan Stark, Hourly Billing Is Nuts (official book page)

3. Market Research Reality Check

What are others charging? Look at:

- Freelance platforms like Upwork (to see a wide range, but be wary of the low-end race).

- Industry surveys from sources like the Pew Research Center or professional organizations.

- Your network. Politely ask fellow freelancers over coffee. Most are surprisingly open.

This gives you a range. Your experience, niche, and the value you provide should place you in the mid-to-upper end.

Step 2: The Client-Finding Formula

Clients won’t magically appear. You need a system. Ditch the spray-and-pray approach.

1. Your Network is Your Net Worth

Tell everyone you know—former colleagues, college friends, family—exactly what you do and who you help. Use a clear "I help" statement: “I help eco-friendly brands create engaging Instagram content.” Post it on LinkedIn. Most freelancers land their first few great clients through weak-tie connections (Sociological Science journal).

2. Become a Portfolio Powerhouse

You can’t just say you’re good; you have to show it.

- Do 1-2 pro-bono or passion projects to build initial samples.

- Create “spec work” for a dream client you admire.

- Document your process in public. Share a case study on LinkedIn about how you solved a problem. This demonstrates expertise and attracts clients who value your thinking.

3. Master the Strategic Pitch

Finding clients is about solving their problems, not begging for work.

- Target companies you genuinely admire.

- Do your homework. Notice a flaw in their blog? See a gap in their social media?

- Send a concise, personalized pitch: “Hi [Name], I loved your recent product launch. I noticed your tutorial page could be more visual. I specialize in creating short, clear explainer videos and have an idea that could boost user engagement. Are you open to a brief chat next week?”

This shows initiative and moves you from a commodity to a consultant.

The One Rule to Rule Them All

You are a business, not an employee. This mindset shift changes everything. You are now responsible for your own healthcare, retirement (look up a SEP IRA!), taxes (set aside 25-30%), and continuous learning.

Your First Action Item

Today, choose one:

1. Calculate your Survival Number hourly rate.

2. Craft your "I help..." statement and post it on one social profile.

3. Find one company to research for a potential pitch.

You don't have to have it all figured out today, Lykkers. Just take one step. Your freedom, on your terms, is built one client, one project, and one confident rate at a time.