Many freelancers, especially when starting out, make the mistake of charging too little. Setting a fair rate is crucial for building a sustainable business.

Common Pricing Models

By the Hour: Simple to track, but it punishes you for being efficient.
By the Project: A fixed price for a defined scope of work. This is often preferred by clients.
By Retainer: A fixed monthly fee for ongoing work. This provides predictable income.

Calculate Your Base Rate

Start by calculating your desired annual income, add your business expenses and taxes, and then divide by the number of billable hours you plan to work in a year. This will give you a baseline hourly rate to work from.