If you're earning less than $500/month freelancing, this post is for you!

Are you stuck bidding on $10 projects on Fiverr or Upwork? I was in the same boat when I started out. What's your biggest fear about charging higher rates?

• Charging minimal amounts
• Agreeing with clients just because they were paying me

But I later realized it was a mindset problem. We all have preconceived notions about money, right?

That's why I'm sharing 5 shifts that took me to my first $5K month (without a marketing degree...).

Here's exactly what you can change to achieve high earnings as a freelancer:

1. Stop Being a "Freelancer," Become a Problem Solver

• Old approach: "I'm a content writer"
• New approach: "I help startups get their first 100 blog readers"

Result: Clients instantly understand your value.

2. Choose Quality Over Quantity

• Stop sending 50 generic proposals daily
• Send 5-10 personalized ones with research

Your response rate will shoot up drastically. Clients can tell when you've done your homework!

3. Start with What You Already Know

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• You've been online for years
• Small businesses are desperate for someone who understands the digital space

Result: Your everyday internet skills can easily bring in $1K+ monthly.

4. Use the "Foot-in-the-Door" Technique

• Offer to fix one specific problem for your client
• Deliver massive value and watch clients naturally ask, "What else can you do?"

Result: Turn those $50 starter jobs into $500 monthly retainers.

5. Focus on Results, Not Years of Experience

• Build a simple portfolio showing actual results
• No one will ask about your experience, and you will land premium clients with the same portfolio pieces.

Bonus: An Actionable Tip to Build Your Portfolio as a Beginner!

• Pick 3 pieces of content you find online in your niche
• Improve them using your skills

Example: If you’re a designer, find a boring Instagram post. Improve the graphic and showcase it in your portfolio as Before/After.

Today, I don't charge below $1,000 for a project. Building my online presence early on helped me develop this confidence slowly!

Trust your skills. Yes, they're valuable to someone, even if you're just starting out. Saheli Chatterjee