How to freelance and actually get paid

1. 01Price from your real costTarget annual income ÷ realistic billable hours (about 1,000/year, not 2,000), then add tax, insurance, software, and unpaid admin.
2. 02Always use a written agreementScope, deliverables, timeline, revision limit, payment terms, kill fee, IP transfer on final payment, and what counts as out of scope.
3. 03Take a deposit25–50% up front for new clients, milestone payments for long projects. This is standard, not rude.
4. 04Separate your moneyA business account, a tax account holding 25–35% of every payment, and a personal account you pay yourself from.
5. 05Invoice like a systemSame day each month, clear due date, late fee stated, and one-click payment. Most late payments are just forgotten.
6. 06Chase early and calmlyFriendly nudge at day 1 overdue, firmer at 7, pause work at 14, formal demand at 30. Never keep working unpaid to stay likable.

General educational information, not legal, tax, medical, or financial advice. Rules vary by country and change over time — verify with a qualified professional before acting.