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Sep 9 • Notes 📝
Notes (Learn Smart Freelancing, Earn Halal - Final Chapter - Completed)
Chapter - 8 "Setting Realistic Goals in Freelancing"
- Topic - 1 "Setting Realistic Goals in Freelancing"
- How to set realistic goals in freelancing?
Break goals into levels:
1) Short Term (0–3 months):
Goal: Land your first 3 clients, refine your service offering, and set up a solid portfolio.
Example:
- On Upwork: Apply to at least 5–10 jobs/day using personalized proposals.
- If you don’t have a portfolio, offer 3 free or low-cost projects in exchange for reviews.
- Test different service packages. For example: "Basic video edit - $50” vs. “Full vlog edit - $200”
2) Mid Term (3–12 months):
Goal: Consistently earn $2K–$5K/month, build authority, and optimize pricing.
Example:
- On Upwork: Optimize your profile with SEO keywords.
- Start ranking in Upwork’s search algorithm.
- Raise your price every 3 clients.
- Post content on LinkedIn & Instagram.
- Engage with potential clients in Facebook groups and other similar platforms.
- Convert one time clients into monthly retainers.
3) Long Term (1–3 years):
Goal: Scale to $10K/month, automate tasks, hire help, and transition to an agency.
Example:
- On Upwork, stop actively applying and let inbound clients come.
- Rank as Top Rated or Top Rated Plus for better visibility.
- Offer high-ticket packages or $1K/month retainers.
- Hire junior freelancers to handle small tasks.
- Build a lead funnel on LinkedIn/Instagram.
2. Use Data, Not Emotion:
- Check market demand before picking a niche.
- Track hours worked vs. money earned to set hourly income targets.
- Track conversion rate and improve proposal quality.
3. Avoid These Mistakes:
- Stop low-paying projects and focus on high-ticket clients.
- Improve proposal-to-response ratio (test new outreach messages).
- Don’t apply for every job and hope for a response.
4. Track Hours vs. Earnings:
If you spend 40 hours/week freelancing but only earn $1,000/month, that's just $25/hour.
Example Scenario:
If you send 100 proposals and get only 5 replies (5% response rate).
5. Instead of burning connects, test:
Shorter proposals (3–5 sentences), Speed bidding, More client-focused messaging (e.g., "I helped a similar client get 40% engagement increase"), Specific portfolio links in proposals.
6. Reverse Engineer Earnings:
Example: Want to earn $5K/month? If your rate is $50/hour, you need 100 hours/month. Adjust pricing/offers to meet income goals efficiently.
Calculation for $5K/month Goal:
- On Upwork: If your rate is $50/hour, you need 100 billable hours/month (about 25 hours/week).
- Direct Clients: If one client pays $1K/month on a retainer, you only need 5 clients to hit $5K/month.
7. Set System-Based Goals, Not Just Outcome-Based Goals:
Outcome Goal:
- Earn $10K/month.
System Goal:
- Send 20 quality proposals per day.
- Build case studies.
- Network with 5 people weekly.
Example: Upwork Proposal System
- Write short, direct proposals (3–5 sentences).
- Always attach a portfolio or relevant sample.
- Close with a CTA ("Want to see a 30-sec sample before deciding?").
- Post content about case studies & results to build credibility.
8. Focus on High-Leverage Activities:
Learning new skills is good, but outreach, content marketing, and positioning bring results faster.
Spending months learning 10 skills before getting a client is a big mistake. Instead, learn only what's needed to land clients ASAP.
Example: Instead of learning every software, focus on:
- Reel editing + color grading basics
- Apply on Upwork
- DM potential clients for free
9. Best Ways to Grow Revenue:
- Convert Upwork one-time clients into long-term retainers
- Sell monthly video packages instead of one-off edits
- Use Upwork to build credibility, but use DMs to scale without burning connects
10. Final Takeaway:
Freelancing is a business, not a job. Set realistic goals, optimize Upwork for inbound leads, and use free platforms to get clients without wasting money on connects.
- Topic - 2 "Myths About Freelancing Goals"
1. Freelancing = Passive Income.
No. Freelancing is active work. Passive income comes from digital products or an agency model.
2. I just need to be great at my skill.
No. Sales, marketing, and positioning matter more than just skills. The best marketers often earn more than the best designers.
3. High Prices = High Earnings.
Partially true. High prices without proof = no clients. Start with competitive pricing, deliver killer results, and then raise rates. You can also use the 30-70 rule.
4. I need a fancy website before I start.
No. You need clients, not a website. A strong Upwork profile or LinkedIn presence is enough to get started.
5. More Clients = More Money.
No. Fewer high-paying clients = More money, less stress. Focus on quality over quantity.
Final Takeaway:
Freelancing success comes from smart strategies, not myths.
Build your skills but master marketing and sales to scale fast. Optimize Upwork for inbound leads, use cold outreach for free, and focus on high-paying clients, not just more clients.
- Topic - 3 "Lies People Tell To Sell Freelancing Courses"
1) Freelancing is easy, anyone can do it. No It takes sales skills, discipline, and strategic positioning to win clients.
2) Just follow my template and you'll succeed. No Clients see through copy-paste proposals. Customization is key.
3) You can make $10K in your first month. Unrealistic unless you have prior experience, a strong network, or a proven offer.
4) Platforms like Upwork are dead. No Upwork is still one of the easiest places to start if you use the right strategies (great profile, value-driven proposals).
5) Freelancing gives unlimited freedom. Partial truth. You control your time, but you must work to get paid. True freedom comes when you scale beyond solo freelancing, like agency models or digital products. Selling digital products, coaching, or consulting to create passive income is also a great option.
I realize this post is a bit lengthy but that’s because today I completed the final video of the freelancing module, which was about an hour long. Naturally, the notes turned out to be detailed as well. I hope you find value in them. Thank You✨
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Notes (Learn Smart Freelancing, Earn Halal - Final Chapter - Completed)
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