When I started out with Heather, it seemed that there were just too many blog designers. Everbody thought they could design a blog. In some ways, they were right – we all have unique tastes and preferences, and a variety of designers is a good thing for the clients. So I jumped in the ring with Healing Designs (the predecessor to DSWP). The more I learn about coding a WordPress theme, the more I regret those first few ‘designs’ that I put into the blogosphere. At least they were mostly-free (& free). Even then, those customers have sought me out until they found me here, at DSWP, because it is the service that truly matters.

The moral of my story is that you don’t have to be the best, to have loyal fans and customers – you need to offer quality, value, and in the online world – a truly trustworthy reputation.

So, are you ready to make some money by freelancing?

Are you ready to be a freelancer?

Namely:

1. When friends and family start asking for your advice/ service.
2. A would-be client/PR firm contacts you and asks if you ‘offer this service’.
3. You get hungry. Meaning – you need to make an income, this can be incredibly motivating!
4. And in rarer (and far more gutsy) cases, you’d be ready to go ’solo’ when you’ve done your market research, created a business plan, and have the capital funds in place, assuming there is a market for your service.
5. When you have a ‘big’ following on your blog. At some point, you look at that huge number in your stats program, and wonder, “Could I turn this into a job?”

How to set your rate like a professional.

So, now that you’re going to take off on your own, how much can you make?

I’ve read some enlightening articles that have shaped how I currently – and plan to in the future – set my fees. First, this Mom Blogger, Jennifer James, shares,

“Looking back and being completely candid, when I first started blogging I did a lot that I should have been paid for, but I seriously didn’t know any better. I was just a stay-at-home mom (in my eyes) and was thrilled to get an email from a PR firm that thought I was good enough to contact.’s

Jennifer even says that some PR professionals are blaming Mom Bloggers for the ‘rewards and prizes’ compensation model. Is that what your marketing services are worth – a free stick of deodorant? Read the full article here.

Alternately, if you happen to offer a service, like blog designs, you need to read how Chris Pearson sets up his fee structure – and even goes public with it!

Now that you’ve decided you are indeed a professional, you need to set your rates with your services, market, and expertise in mind.

Things you need to include in your calculation:

• business fees (rent, software, insurance, legal, accounting, marketing)
• personal responsibilities (What kind of income do you need/ are you used to?)
• billable hours
• profit margin

And this calculator from Freelance Switch will help you do just that!

I definitely want to know if y’all take the leap and start freelancing! Did these articles have an impact on you like they did on me? Can’t wait to see all my clients just take off and make a full time living on their blogs!!