Within a few moments of meeting Doug Shaw, it becomes obvious how much he enjoys his work and how delighted he is with the way it fits around family life. Last year, Doug being a freelancer meant that the family could relocate from Las Vegas to Colorado Springs so that Doug’s daughter could pursue her ambitions to be a top figure skater.
For the last ten years, Doug has been working full time for Upwork clients as a Google Ads expert but also advises on funnel marketing and development using YouTube, TikTok and Linked-In. After nine years of hard work, Doug passed the $1 million flag for his earnings and today is as busy as ever and thoroughly enjoying the variety of work he is given.
As more and more people are now switching to freelance work, Doug remains as enthusiastic as ever about the choice and gives great advice to those currently thinking about ‘taking the plunge’.
Why did you choose to be a freelancer?
I had studied at Boston University and had begun work as an insurance underwriter- knowing it was just for a short while. I went on to study business management at graduate level and then worked at one of the largest equipment providers before starting to work with Google Ads in my spare time.
I heard there were some really good jobs available on Elance (now Upwork) and did some research looking at the jobs, the rates of pay and importantly, the competition. I decided that I certainly had the skills to secure a number of the jobs and in the early days I priced my bids modestly to get myself going.
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Did you have the right skill set?
It is impossible to be an expert on everything that a client wants. I decided to specialise in Google as I had in-depth knowledge, with YouTube as a close second and I made sure that I was confident of working with TikTok and Linked-In too as each is slightly different and they fulfil different roles. It is definitely important as a freelancer to have ‘fingers in lots of pies’.
All the way through, I have been very conscious of the fact that times are always changing and that it is really important as a freelancer to keep your skill set current. Honesty is very important and instead of bluffing, I always tell a client if I don’t know something but add that I am happy to learn – and I do. Client expectations are continually changing.
How do you keep yourself ahead of these changes?
It is very important to set aside some time every week that you use purely for learning. You may have the chance to attend a seminar, read some articles or watch a podcast on themes that are trending in your specialisation or in order for you to develop your skills. I have recently developed companion skills including Google Tag Manager and analytics
Why did you choose Upwork?
I was recommended to look at the Elance website and I started working for Elance clients before the platform’s merger with oDesk to form Upwork. At that stage, the Elance platform had the most suitable jobs for me, and the price was right. In the early days, was getting about $14 per hour whereas now, having worked really hard to become an expert in what I do, I can charge between $65-100 now. My main aim is always to exceed my client’s expectations. It is best to under promise and over deliver.
How did you get the flow of work going?
I worked really hard to get a steady stream of work to help me earn a good reputation. It is really important to have a conversation with the client about the job before you agree to do it – a video conversation is best. In this way you can make a personal connection and you can evaluate them as a person and assess their characteristics. Always have some questions to ask so that you can interview them!
I have always had good communication with clients and have found that during a job, this is essential, but also afterwards. Even today, a few weeks after I have finished work for a client, I will message them to see how things are going and whether there is anything else I can help them with – and there often is!
What Upwork features do you particularly like?
I really like the way that earnings are safe with Upwork. I do keep my own record of jobs and earnings (and recommend that all freelancers do) but the Upwork platform is excellent and if there are any problems with a client and their account, Upwork is very swift to take action and resolve the problem as the money is held in escrow. Upwork is the best work platform and regularly advertises on American television, so is always attracting new work and new freelancers and is hard to beat.
What advantages do you think freelancing has?
Freelancing is ideal as it gives flexibility to your life. I am the ‘family taxi’ and this works really well and while I am sitting in the car park, I am happy to work – my laptop is always at my side!
I think a huge advantage is the diversity of work available and the fact that you can pick and choose which jobs you like and are best suited to you.
It must have disadvantages too?
Flexibility is also possibly a disadvantage too! No matter how well you plan your time management, there will be occasions when you have to work late on several consecutive evenings to clear the backlog as some work will definitely take longer than thought and some clients will need last-minute help with something and to maintain the good working relationship, you have agreed. Having a supportive and understanding family is a bonus.
A skill I have had to develop is time management and ensuring that all my work plans are on a spreadsheet so at a glance I know exactly what I need to do each day.
Another point to consider – but it is not really a disadvantage – is that as a freelancer, it is important to buy your health insurance and there are tax breaks available to help do this.
What happens if things go wrong?
It doesn’t happen very often, but there are going to be instances when your client is over demanding. It is essential that you really understand exactly what they want before you start the contract. It is essential that you keep an accurate record of all your current jobs – especially as you could have 8- 10 at any one time.
It is inevitable that you will occasionally over-stretch yourself and can’t deliver on time. Tell your client honestly as soon as possible that you will be late – and when you will be able to send the work. Few clients get angry, they prefer your honesty. If they are upset, apologise, and offer to complete a separate small job- such as a blog- totally free of charge for them as this turns a negative situation into a positive one.
Many people find the idea of working on their own every day really challenging, what do you think?
I completely understand their feelings. I think it is essential to get out of the house every day. Why not ring the changes by going to your local Starbucks or other coffee shop with your laptop? After a short time, you get to know the staff and other regulars, and this gives you a boost as you work. I have a mobile hotspot so I can work in my car while I wait from my kids. A change of scenery does you good.
What do you think is the key to continued success?
Giving your client more than what they wanted and exceeding their expectations. This is not always easy as some clients know exactly what they would like, but other clients would like to develop their mid-funnel sales and marketing for example but have no idea how to achieve this. When this is the case, time is needed to advise them how best they can use social media, blogs, and videos to develop their customer base. They are often very sceptical in the beginning, but it is really rewarding when everything is in place, and they start to get more enquiries- that is real job satisfaction for me!
And what advice for new freelancers?
Spend time and thought making your application tailored to each job. Read the advert carefully and make your application specific for that job and include a taste of your expertise and particularly mention anything that makes you the ideal choice. Always suggest that you would like to discuss the job with them on a video call.
I never set out to make $1 million dollars; my main aim was to make a handsome amount of money for my family. Freelancing was the best option for me, my personality, and my family. I really enjoy what I am doing and always will….
