This post highlights 20 common challenges you may face when trying to grow your freelancing business and seek for more opportunities on Upwork plat form. Each challenge stated in this post is accompanied by a real-world example and a practical on how to overcome it.
Freelancing is a form of self-employment that provides you with the freedom to live anywhere and deliver your services to clients all over the world with a reliable internet connection. Learn more here.
Freelancing is doing specific work for clients without committing to full-time employment. Upwork says72% of U.S. freelancers state their main reason for freelancing is to be in control of their financial future. Examples of freelancing jobs include graphic designs, website building, data entry, proofreading and editing. See example here.
20 Challenges Freelancers can Face on Upwork
Here are 20 challenges freelancers
face on Upwork, detailed with real-world examples and accompanied by practical
tips for overcoming them.
1. Educational
Bargaining
Challenge:
Clients sometimes undervalue a freelancer's skills, seeking to negotiate lower
rates, which can demotivate and undermine the profession’s standard.
Example: A graphic designer with five years of experience applies for a branding project with a budget of
Tip: Clearly articulate your value
in your proposal. Include specifics about past projects, client testimonials,
and how your unique skills directly contribute to the client's objectives. Set
a minimum acceptable rate and stick to it, explaining that quality work costs
more.
2. Competition
Challenge:
With numerous freelancers vying for the same jobs, distinguishing oneself can
be challenging.
Example: A content writer notices
that for a popular job posting, over 100 proposals have been submitted within
hours of the listing going live. How does one stand out among that many
applicants?
Tip: Create an optimized profile
featuring a professional photo, detailed descriptions of your skill sets, and a
portfolio demonstrating your best work. Tailor each proposal, addressing the
client's specific needs and incorporating relevant keywords that match the job
posting, which can increase the chances of being noticed.
3. Finding
Quality Clients
Challenge:
Many freelancers encounter clients who have little experience and may not
understand the work involved, leading to unrealistic expectations.
Example: A web developer is hired
for a project but soon discovers that the client expects a complete website rebuild
within a week, despite not having provided all the content or design
specifications.
Tip: Qualify leads by looking for
clients with verified payment methods, strong hiring histories, and positive
reviews. Consider sending a message before bidding to gauge their experience
and expectations. This initial communication can filter out potential issues
downstream.
4. Time
Management
Challenge:
Balancing multiple projects, deadlines, and personal tasks can lead to burnout
or missed deadlines.
Example: A copywriter takes on three
projects at once but struggles to manage her time effectively, leading to late
submissions and unhappy clients. Conversely, if she declines work, she could
lose income.
Tip: Invest in time management tools
like Trello or Asana to create a project timeline. Break larger tasks into
smaller, manageable pieces and set dedicated work hours. Prioritize tasks based
on deadlines and allocated workloads.
5. Client
Communication
Challenge:
Poor communication can lead to misunderstandings regarding project outcomes and
expectations.
Example: A digital marketer submits
a campaign proposal but fails to clarify the reporting process with the client.
As a result, the client is unhappy with the lack of progress updates and
assumes that no work is being done, causing tension.
Tip: Establish a communication plan
with your clients upfront. Clarify preferred contact methods and frequency of
updates. Use brief project summaries, recorded video messages, or visual aids
as needed to ensure everyone is aligned throughout the project.
6. Maintaining
Consistent Work
Challenge: Freelancers often face fluctuating workloads, leading to periods
of high stress and uncertainty.
Example: A programmer completes a major project, only to find themselves
with few new opportunities for months afterward, creating financial strain.
Tip: Proactively pursue new projects even when busy. Allocate specific
time weekly for pitching or applying to new jobs and setting up automatic
alerts for ideal job postings. Building ongoing relationships with clients can
lead to repeat business.
7. Unclear Job
Descriptions
Challenge: Ambiguous job postings can lead
to a mismatch in expectations between freelancers and clients, resulting in
frustration and potential conflicts throughout the project.
Example: A graphic designer applies to a job
posting that states the client needs "creative visuals" for various
campaigns, but does not specify the type of campaigns, target audience, or
visual style. After the proposal is accepted, the designer learns that the
client has a completely different aesthetic in mind, leading to multiple rounds
of revisions and dissatisfaction from both parties.
Tip: Before submitting a proposal, reach out
to the client with targeted questions to clarify their needs. Inquire about
their brand guidelines, target demographics, examples of preferred styles, and
expected deliverables. By showing initiative and seeking clarity, you not only
position yourself as a proactive professional but also ensure that both you and
the client have a mutual understanding of the project scope.
8. Scope Creep
Challenge: As projects progress, clients may
request additional tasks that were not included in the original agreement,
often without acknowledging that this will require extra time and resources
from the freelancer.
Example: A video editor is hired to produce
a three-minute promotional video. Halfway through the project, the client asks
for additional animations, voiceovers, and changes to the script, which were
not part of the initial agreement. If the freelancer doesn’t address these
requests promptly, they may find themselves overwhelmed and unable to meet the
deadline.
Tip: To prevent scope creep, include a
clause in your initial contract that outlines how additional requests will be
handled. Communicate clearly about any changes in the project scope, along with
the associated costs and timelines. As soon as a client makes an additional
request, remind them of the initial agreement and discuss how the changes could
affect the project.
9. Payment Issues
Challenge: Inconsistent payment practices or
disputes over payment can create significant stress and financial uncertainty
for freelancers.
Example: A freelance writer submits an
article, but the client delays payment with various excuses. After several
attempts to communicate, the freelancer finds it difficult to secure payment
due to lack of a clear contractual agreement.
Tip: Always work within escrow systems when
available on freelance platforms. Ensure that payment terms are clearly defined
in your contract before beginning work. Consider requesting a deposit upfront,
especially for larger projects, to mitigate the risk of non-payment and
establish a sense of commitment from the client.
10. Limited Networking
Opportunities
Challenge: Freelancers may find it more
difficult to network and build relationships with industry peers compared to
those in traditional office environments.
Example: A software developer frequently
works alone and misses out on valuable collaborations or partnerships that
could arise from networking with other professionals.
Tip: Take advantage of online communities
and platforms where freelancers gather. Join relevant groups on LinkedIn or
forums specific to your industry. Attend virtual meetups, webinars, and online
conferences to connect with others. Building relationships in these spaces can
lead to referrals, collaboration opportunities, and invaluable support
networks.
11. **Managing Client Expectations
Challenge: Clients may have unrealistic
expectations regarding timelines, deliverables, and results, leading to
potential dissatisfaction.
Example: A marketing consultant is hired to
increase a client's website traffic by 50% within a month, despite the fact
that such results typically require a longer timeframe. When those results
aren’t achieved, the consultant faces criticism.
Tip: Educate clients on realistic timelines
by clearly explaining your process and the factors that influence results. Use previous
case studies to set benchmarks and illustrate what can be reasonably
accomplished. Regularly update clients on progress to keep them informed and
engaged, reinforcing their trust in your expertise.
12. Working with Difficult
Clients
**Challenge**: Occasionally, freelancers
encounter clients who are difficult to please, have unclear feedback, or
exhibit poor communication styles.
Example: A web designer is subjected to
last-minute changes and passive-aggressive comments from a client, making it
difficult to satisfy their needs and maintain a constructive working
atmosphere.
Tip: Establish a professional relationship
built on mutual respect. Document all communications and decisions to reference
if disagreements arise. If a client becomes too difficult, acknowledge your
boundaries; it’s okay to suggest parting ways if the project is not a good fit
after reasonable attempts to resolve issues are made.
13. Adapting to Client
Feedback
Challenge: Freelancers may struggle when
clients provide feedback that is ambiguous, vague, or overly critical, making
it hard to implement necessary changes.
Example: A graphic designer delivers a logo
concept based on the client's initial brief. The client responds with phrases
like "I don't like it" or "Can you make it better?" without
offering specific guidance on what they dislike or how to improve it.
Tip: Encourage constructive feedback by
asking targeted questions. For instance, you might say, “Could you specify
which aspects of the design you don't like? Is it the color scheme, the font
choice, or the overall layout?” This can help the client articulate their
thoughts more clearly, allowing you to make meaningful adjustments that align
with their vision.
14. Finding a Balance
Between Multiple Clients
Challenge: Juggling multiple clients and
projects can lead to burnout, confusion, and missed deadlines if not managed
efficiently.
Example: A freelance consultant takes on too
many projects at once to maximize income, but soon finds it impossible to
allocate adequate time and focus to each client, resulting in poor quality work
and dissatisfaction.
Tip: Use project management tools or task
lists to keep track of deadlines, deliverables, and client communications.
Prioritize tasks based on deadlines and workload, and don’t hesitate to limit
the number of clients you take on at any given time to maintain quality and
service standards. Communicate openly with clients if you foresee potential
delays; they will appreciate your transparency.
15. **Building a
Personal Brand
Challenge: Many freelancers struggle to
establish a unique identity or brand that sets them apart from the competition.
Example: A freelance writer competes with
thousands of others on Upwork, finds it challenging to attract clients, and
often loses bids to more visible profiles.
Tip: Develop a strong personal brand by
identifying your niche expertise and what makes your skills unique. Create a
professional portfolio that showcases your best work and includes testimonials
or reviews from previous clients. Use social media platforms to share valuable
content related to your field, positioning yourself as an authority and drawing
potential clients to you.
16. Handling
Non-Responsive Clients
Challenge: Freelancers may face difficulties
when clients become non-responsive after an initial agreement, making it
difficult to move projects forward or receive feedback.
Example: A copywriter begins a project but
after submitting the first draft, the client stops responding, leading to
delays and uncertainty about how to proceed.
Tip: Set expectations regarding
communication frequency at the project's outset. If a client becomes
non-responsive, reach out politely to check in. You might say, “I hope
everything is well! I wanted to follow up on the draft I submitted and see if
you had any feedback or further instructions.” If the client remains
unresponsive, establish a timeline after which you will assume the project is
complete and submit your invoice.
17. Dealing with
Negative Reviews
Challenge: Receiving a negative review can
significantly impact a freelancer’s profile and future job prospects on
platforms like Upwork.
Example: A web developer receives criticism
for a project that the client feels did not meet their expectations, despite
the developer believing they delivered quality work in line with the brief.
Tip: If you receive a negative review,
respond professionally and considerately. Acknowledge the client's concerns and
offer to discuss the situation further. This shows prospective clients that you
are willing to engage constructively and learn from feedback. Consider asking
satisfied clients for reviews to balance the impact of any negative feedback,
thus improving your overall rating.
18. Understanding
Platform Fees and Pricing Strategies
Challenge: Upwork has a sliding scale fee
system, which can affect freelancers’ pricing strategies and profit margins.
Example: A freelancer is unsure how to set
rates that remain competitive while still factoring in Upwork’s fees and
ensuring sustainable income.
Tip: Familiarize yourself with Upwork’s fee structure and factor this into your pricing. Consider what you need to make per hour or per project to cover those fees while still earning your desired income. Research similar freelancers in your niche to ensure your rates are in line with industry standards. Periodically review and adjust your rates as you gain experience and positive feedback.
19. Staying Motivated and Focused
Challenge: Freelancing can lead to periods
of intense workload followed by slower times, making it hard to maintain
motivation during downtime.
Example: A freelance designer experiences a busy month followed by a dry spell, leading to feelings of self-doubt and decreased productivity during slower periods.
Tip: Create a schedule that includes both
work and personal activities, allowing for rewards and breaks during
high-pressure days. Use slow periods to invest in personal development, such as
learning new skills, refining your portfolio, or marketing yourself. Setting
tangible goals can also help maintain focus, whether that’s reaching out to
potential clients, submitting proposals, or updating your online presence.
20. Maintaining Work-Life Balance
Challenge: Freelancers often struggle to
separate work from personal life, leading to burnout and decreased
productivity.
Example: A freelance writer finds themselves
working late into the night and on weekends because they lack a structured
schedule, eventually resulting in exhaustion.
Tip: Set clear working hours and stick to them. Use tools like calendars to block out time for work while also scheduling personal activities and downtime. Communicate your availability to clients so they know when to expect to reach you. Prioritizing time for self-care, relaxation, and socializing can help maintain your mental health and overall productivity.
By addressing these challenges effectively, freelancers can build resilient careers on platforms like Upwork and thrive in the ever-evolving freelance marketplace.