Welcome back to Freelance Freedom — where we help young freelancers in Pakistan, the Middle East, and beyond earn fairly from day one.
In Article 8, you built a winning profile.
Now, in Article 9, we answer one of the toughest questions:
“How much should I charge?”
Too low? You get clients — but feel underpaid.
Too high? No one hires you.
The goal is to find the sweet spot:
A price that’s fair for you — and acceptable for clients.
And the good news?
You don’t need experience to charge right.
Let’s break down exactly how to set your rates — even if you’re just starting out.
Why Pricing Is So Hard for Beginners
Most new freelancers make one of two mistakes:
- Undercharging: “I’ll do it for $2!” → Attracts bad clients, burns you out
- Overpricing: “$50 for a blog post!” → No orders, lose confidence
But pricing isn’t about guessing.
It’s about strategy.
And there are three main ways to charge:
| Method | Best For |
|---|---|
| Per Hour | Virtual assistants, translators, coders |
| Per Project | Writers, designers, video editors |
| Packages (Basic/Standard/Premium) | Most freelancers — easiest for clients |
We’ll focus on per-project and package pricing — because they work best for beginners.
Step 1: Start Low (But Not Too Low)
When you’re new, your goal is to get your first 3–5 reviews.
So yes — you’ll charge less at first.
But “low” doesn’t mean “almost free.”
Here’s what to charge as a beginner (2024 standards):
| Skill | Suggested Starting Rate |
|---|---|
| Blog Writing (500 words) | $5 – $10 |
| Social Media Post (Canva) | $3 – $8 per post |
| Instagram Stories (3 slides) | $5 – $10 |
| TikTok/Reels Editing (30 sec) | $8 – $15 |
| Translation (per 100 words) | $3 – $6 |
| Virtual Assistant (per hour) | $3 – $6/hour |
| Resume Writing | $5 – $10 per resume |
| Data Entry (per hour) | $3 – $5/hour |
📌 These prices are realistic for platforms like Fiverr and Upwork — and enough to get noticed without devaluing your work.
💬 Example:
Ayesha from Lahore started charging $5 for 3 Instagram stories. After 10 orders and great reviews, she raised it to $12 — and still got bookings.
Step 2: Use Packages (Not Just One Price)
Clients love options. Give them 3 levels of service.
This helps you sell more — and charge more — without pressure.
Example: Canva Designer
| Package | What’s Included | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | 3 Instagram posts | $5 |
| Standard | 5 posts + 2 story sets | $12 |
| Premium | 10 posts + brand kit + 7-day support | $25 |
This makes the Standard option look like the best deal — and many clients pick it.
You earn more, deliver value, and look professional.
Example: Blog Writer
| Package | What’s Included | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | 500-word blog, 1 revision | $8 |
| Standard | 800-word SEO blog, keyword research | $15 |
| Premium | 1,000-word article + meta description + image suggestions | $25 |
Clients see value. You grow faster.
What NOT to Do When Pricing
| Mistake | Why It’s Bad | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Charging $1 per article | Looks suspicious — may be seen as bot/scam | Minimum $5 for writing |
| Saying “Negotiable” everywhere | Clients lowball you | Set fixed prices |
| Copying top freelancers’ rates | They have reviews — you don’t | Start low, raise later |
| Offering unlimited work for $10 | You’ll get burned out | Define scope clearly |
When & How to Raise Your Rates
You don’t stay at beginner prices forever.
Here’s when to increase:
| Trigger | Action |
|---|---|
| After 5 good reviews | Raise by 20–30% |
| Repeat client asks for more | Offer next level at higher rate |
| You feel rushed or underpaid | Next gig = higher price |
| Demand increases (more orders) | Test a higher price — see if it sells |
Real Story:
Zain, a video editor from Islamabad, started at $8/video. After 12 orders and 5-star reviews, he raised to $15. Orders kept coming — because his quality proved the value.
How to Handle “Can You Do It for Less?”
Clients will ask. Stay calm. Be polite. But protect your worth.
Good Responses:
- “This is my standard rate for quality work. I deliver fast and make revisions.”
- “I can do a smaller package for $X.” (Offer a cheaper option — don’t lower main price)
- “I offer discounts for long-term work. Are you looking for ongoing help?”
Avoid:
“Okay, I’ll do it for $2…” → Sets bad precedent.
Getting Paid: Practical Tips for Pakistan & the Middle East
- Use Payoneer – Works with Fiverr, Upwork, and direct clients
- Wise – Great for freelancers
- Direct Bank Transfer – Some clients pay via local transfer (ask)
- Avoid PayPal – Not reliable in many regions
Tip: Always agree on price before starting work.
Message: “Just confirming — $10 for this blog post, right?”
Real Pricing Examples from Beginners
| Name | Skill | Starting Rate | After 2 Months |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sara (Dubai) | Blog Writing | $8/article | $18/article |
| Ahmed (Dubai) | Video Editing | $10/video | $20/video |
| Meher (Karachi) | Canva Design | $5 for 3 posts | $15 for 5 posts |
| Fahad (Lahore) | Translation | $0.05/word | $0.10/word |
They didn’t start high.
They started smart.
Then they grew.
Summary: Your Beginner Pricing Plan
- Start with a fair low rate — not rock bottom
- Use 3 packages — Basic, Standard, Premium
- Be clear about what’s included — no vague offers
- Raise prices after 5 good reviews
- Don’t negotiate down — offer smaller packages instead
You’re not selling your time.
You’re selling solution, speed, and reliability.
And that has value.
What’s Next
You now know:
- How to set a fair beginner rate
- How to use packages to earn more
- When and how to raise your prices
But how do you actually get hired?
In the next article, we’ll show you:
How to write proposals that win jobs
The exact structure clients love
Fill-in-the-blank templates for Upwork, Fiverr, and direct messages
No fluff. Just what works.
Coming Up in This Series:
- Article 10: Best Freelance Platforms Compared (Upwork, Fiverr, Toptal, etc.)
- Article 11: How to Write Proposals That Win Jobs (Templates Included)
- Article 12: Finding Clients Off-Platform: Cold Email, Social Media, Networking
- …and 21 more practical guides to help you earn, grow, and stay free.
Final Word
You don’t have to choose between getting hired and earning fairly.
With the right pricing strategy, you can do both.
Charge too little — you attract takers.
Charge too much too soon — you scare people off.
Charge just right — you build trust, get paid, and grow fast.
Pick your starting rate.
Set your packages.
Hit publish.
Your first client is waiting.
