Why I Started Freelancing
I started freelancing in May 2025 — about 15 months into my full-time contract role at IVTREE. Not because I needed the money urgently, but because I wanted to build products that were entirely mine, work directly with clients, and push my skills in ways a single company environment doesn't always allow.
Getting the First Client
My first project came through a LinkedIn connection — a digital marketing agency that needed a client-facing platform. The conversation started with them asking if I knew anyone who could build it. I said: me.
Don't wait to be asked directly. When someone describes a problem, position yourself as the solution immediately.
Pricing
I made the classic mistake of underpricing my first project. I quoted a flat rate based on how long I thought it would take. It took 40% longer. Now I use a different formula:
- Estimate hours honestly
- Add 30% for scope creep (it always happens)
- Add 20% for communication overhead
- Set a clear hourly rate and multiply
Projects Shipped
- SocialBoost — Social media marketing SaaS with Stripe subscriptions
- LeapBooster — Marketing site achieving 91% search visibility increase
- MatchMyResume — AI Chrome extension with Gemini API integration
- SnapFile — Browser-based file optimizer using WebAssembly
What Actually Matters
Communication beats everything. Clients don't care about your tech stack choices — they care that you respond quickly, set clear expectations, and deliver what you promised. The best technical work in the world means nothing if the client feels ignored.
Your reputation is built one project at a time. Protect it fiercely.