March 4, 2025
I worked like hell day in and out… and got paid NOTHING.
Sounds insane, right? But that’s exactly what happened when I started out.
I made the classic mistake of working with clients who squeezed every ounce of effort out of me - then vanished when it was time to pay.
If you’re starting out in lead generation, design, or content creation, learn from my mistakes. Here are 4 things you MUST know before taking on clients:
1/ Always take an advance payment.
This does two things:
- It filters out freebie hunters. A serious client invests in your work and gives genuine feedback, helping you grow further.
- Your risk of not getting paid = zero. If they ghost you, at least you didn’t work for free.
2/ Never overpromise & underdeliver.
I used to tell clients, “Your content will go viral, leads will flood in!”
Did I know how to make that happen? Nope. And as the clients caught my bluff, they left.
Moral? Real value comes from transparency, not flashy promises. Underpromise, overdeliver - that’s how you build trust.
3/ Set a super clear target.
Whether it’s content, leads, or design - always define a measurable goal.
For content? Engagement metrics.
For lead gen? Conversion rates.
For design? User response & interaction.
If you run in blindly without a destination? You’ll go nowhere, and the client will go somewhere except your DMs.
4/ Choose your clients wisely.
Not all money is good money. Some clients will drain you, disrespect you, and waste your time. Don’t settle for the first offer that comes your way.
Work with clients who value your skills and not your ability to pull off an all-nighter for the cost of an extra chai - that’s how you grow.
These 4 lessons changed the way I work. While this is relatable for most of you, I'm sure you must be having bitter experiences and far better insights to share.
What’s that one mistake you wish you knew before starting out? Drop it in the comments.
March 4, 2025