If there’s one lesson I learned too late in my freelance marketing journey, it’s this:
Never work for free—or for cheap.

When I started out, I thought being “flexible” on price would win me loyal clients. It didn’t. It just attracted people who wanted the world for $100 and a condescending thank-you email. And let me tell you—those are the worst clients. The ones you discount for will expect discounts forever. The ones who haggle will drain your time, test your patience, and absolutely ignore your boundaries.

I learned this the hard way in my twenties. I began my career on a pre-law path—fully prepared to argue in court, not with clients who thought having a Canva account and a Facebook page somehow made them marketing professionals.

But once I got a taste of mass communication and marketing, I made the switch—and haven’t looked back. Since graduating, I’ve been deep in the world of advertising and marketing, both in-house and freelance.

And while I love the freedom of occasional freelance work, I’ll be real: it’s not for the weak.

So whether you’re just starting out or deep in the hustle, these are the 15 best tips for freelance marketers—based on experience, regret, and some pretty rad wins too.

1. Never work for free or cheap. Ever.

Exposure doesn’t pay your rent. “Getting your name out there” won’t cover your bills. And cheap clients? They’ll cost you more in time, revisions, and stress than any invoice will cover.

2. The right clients don’t haggle.

If they can buy a $3,000 designer bag or drop hundreds at brunch, they can afford your rate. If they question your price, they’re not your people.

3. Always, always have a contract.

Even if it’s your friend’s startup or your cousin’s wedding photography business. A contract protects you, not just the deal.

4. Scope creep is not your problem to solve.

It’s a boundary to enforce. Be crystal clear about deliverables, timelines, and rounds of revision—and charge for anything beyond that.

5. Don’t charge hourly.

Hourly rates penalize efficiency. You’re not a temp. Charge based on the value of your work, not how long it takes you.

6. Strategy is a service—charge for it.

You’re not just “making things look pretty.” Your insights, campaign planning, and brand voice work are billable assets.

7. No deposit = no work.

This is non-negotiable. A deposit isn’t just financial—it’s a sign of commitment. If they’re not ready to pay, they’re not ready to work with you.

8. Clients who don’t respect your boundaries will also delay payment.

You can tell a lot about how the project will go based on how the first meeting and invoice are handled. Trust your gut.

9. Presentation matters.

Have a branded email, clean proposals, polished invoices, and a real onboarding process. You’re a business, not a side hustle.

10. Avoid the “quick favor” trap.

If someone asks for a “quick logo tweak” or “just one social caption,” they’re testing how much they can get for free. Shut it down.

11. Protect your weekends and evenings.

Just because you’re freelance doesn’t mean you’re available 24/7. Set boundaries early and reinforce them often.

12. You are not “junior” if you’re delivering senior-level work.

Stop downplaying your expertise just because you’re not working for an agency or a full-time gig. Own your brilliance.

13. Follow up on invoices like a boss.

You’re not being annoying—you’re being professional. Use invoicing software with reminders and late fees if needed.

14. Build your own brand like a client.

Your website, socials, portfolio—they should speak your language and attract your dream clients. Market yourself with the same energy you give your accounts.

15. Say no often and with confidence.

Not every project is aligned. Not every client is worth the energy. And no, you don’t have to explain yourself when you say no.

Bonus Tip: If They Want to Be Famous, Don’t Take Them On as Clients.

If someone comes to you with dreams of going viral or becoming famous overnight, walk away. These clients typically lack a clear vision or brand identity and are just chasing trends, hoping to ride the wave of the latest meme or viral sound. The problem? It’s not sustainable.

This is actually one of the main reasons I stopped accepting social media freelance work altogether. People expect instant fame—millions of followers or thousands of likes, with zero consistency or authenticity behind it. But here’s the harsh truth: If your content is disingenuous, if you’re not consistent, or if your brand doesn’t have a clear voice, no one will care. The algorithms won’t save you.

Even if you’re bringing in booked appointments or actual sales, you might not have the “vanity numbers” to show for it—and that should be perfectly fine. If your social media is bringing in money, why stress over follower count? But everyone seems obsessed with the idea of becoming famous now, and honestly? It’s cringe. Focus on building a real, sustainable brand, not a viral moment.

You’re the Prize—Act Like It

Freelance marketing can be powerful, profitable, and freeing—but only if you treat yourself like a business from the jump. That means setting boundaries, charging what you’re worth, and walking away from clients who don’t get it.

And remember: the clients who truly value your work won’t try to nickel-and-dime you. They’ll pay your rate—or even more—because they understand the ROI. The rest? Let them keep shopping for “cheap.” You’ve got bigger things to build.