Qualify leads before you invest hours in them

Not every lead is worth a proposal. Spending three hours on a detailed quote for a client with a tiny budget, no decision power or a vague idea is a common way new freelancers lose a week.

Ask a few qualifying questions early:

• What problem are you solving, and what happens if you do not solve it?
• Do you have a budget range in mind?
• When do you need it, and why that date?
• Who else is involved in the decision?

If the answers are weak, a short reply with a rough range is enough. Save the detailed proposal for leads with a clear problem, a realistic budget and someone who can say yes. The Freelance Developer Client Checklist has a full qualifying list.