

I wanted to get actionable insights on how the top 1% freelancers are finding better clients, charging higher rates and landing more gigs, so I can implement that advice today. "Most of the studies talk about freelancing from a more higher-level perspective like where the industry is heading, how much money this industry contributes to the economy, etc. "I've seen and read multiple freelance studies that are out there," said the study coordinator and Hubstaff's Growth Strategist, Madhav Bhandari. Asking for a discount is another bad sign (26%), as is requesting too many meetings (12%).

When asked what signs to look for to identify bad clients: The number one response was clients that ask for too many revisions (40%). When it comes to landing freelance gigs: Prospects that come through referrals were by far the most likely to convert to clients at 30%. Highlighting your work on a business or personal website helps you charge more: Freelancers with websites who work 40 hours a week earn nearly $28,000 more annually than full-time freelancers without websites.Įxperience factors into the rates freelancers charge: Marketing industry freelancers with fewer than two years experience earn an average of $17 per hour, but those with more than ten years of experience earn an average of $52 per hour.

Location plays a major role in average hourly rates: Freelancers in Great Britain command the highest average rates (more than $46 per hour), and those in the Philippines earn the lowest average hourly rates (less than $12 per hour). Here's what the freelancing industry's top 1% say about finding more clients, charging higher rates and landing better gigs.
