Freelancer Setup

Set up Moqup as a solo designer or freelancer for professional client presentations.

Moqup is perfect for freelancers who want to present work professionally without complex tooling. This guide covers the optimal setup for independent designers.

Getting Started

Workspace Setup

As a freelancer, keep it simple:

  1. Single workspace: One workspace for all clients
  2. Project per client: Separate projects per engagement
  3. Consistent branding: Your logo, your colors
  4. Professional URLs: Custom domain if possible

Initial Configuration

Configure your workspace in Settings > Workspace:

  • Name: Your Design Studio
  • Logo: Upload your logo
  • Color: Set your brand color
  • Default stages: Concepts, Feedback, Revisions, Approved

Project Structure

Simple Stage Workflow

For most freelance projects:

1. Concepts - Initial design directions
2. Client Review - Awaiting feedback
3. Revisions - Implementing changes
4. Approved - Final deliverables

Naming Convention

Keep projects organized:

[Client Name] - [Project Type] - [Date]

Examples:
- Acme Corp - Website Redesign - Jan 2025
- TechStart - Logo Design - Q1 2025
- Local Bakery - Menu Design - 2025

Client Experience

Creating Client Access

For each new client:

  1. Create the project
  2. Upload initial concepts
  3. Enable client access
  4. Set permissions (usually Approver)
  5. Add password if needed
  6. Share link via email

Client Portal Benefits

What clients see:

  • Your branding throughout
  • Clean, focused interface
  • Easy annotation tools
  • Simple approval buttons
  • No confusion or complexity

Email Template

Send with the access link:

Subject: Your Design Review is Ready

Hi [Client Name],

Your designs are ready for review! I've uploaded [X] concepts
for your [Project Name] project.

To view and provide feedback:
1. Click this link: [Your branded link]
2. Enter password: [if applicable]
3. Click on any design to view full size
4. Click anywhere to add feedback
5. When satisfied, click "Approve"

I've included [brief description of concepts].

Please let me know if you have any questions!

Best,
[Your Name]

Feedback Management

Handling Client Feedback

  1. Review all annotations: Read through completely first
  2. Group by priority: What's critical vs. nice-to-have
  3. Clarify ambiguity: Ask questions in threads
  4. Track changes: Version notes for each update

Revision Workflow

Typical cycle:

Client comments → Review feedback → Make changes →
Upload new version → Notify client → Repeat until approved

Setting Boundaries

In your client agreement:

  • Number of included revisions
  • Additional revision rates
  • Response time expectations
  • Approval deadline

Time Management

Notification Settings

Optimize for productivity in Settings > Notifications:

  • New annotation: Email digest (not instant)
  • File approved: Instant email + push notification
  • Digest frequency: Daily at 9:00 AM

Daily Workflow

  1. Morning: Check digest for overnight feedback
  2. Work session: Address revisions in batches
  3. End of day: Upload completed work
  4. Review: Check for urgent client messages

Avoiding Overwork

  • Set "do not disturb" hours
  • Batch client communications
  • Clear expectations in contracts
  • Professional boundaries

Presentations

Preparing for Review

Before sharing with clients:

  1. Ensure all files are properly named
  2. Add descriptions for context
  3. Organize in logical order
  4. Remove any work-in-progress
  5. Double-check permissions

Adding Context

Use file descriptions:

Concept A: Modern and minimal approach
- Clean typography
- Lots of whitespace
- Monochromatic color palette

Concept B: Bold and vibrant
- Strong color contrasts
- Dynamic composition
- Playful elements

Presentation Tips

  1. Guide attention: Lead with your recommendation
  2. Limit options: 2-3 concepts maximum
  3. Explain thinking: Why you made design choices
  4. Be available: Quick response to first questions

Financial Integration

Tracking Billable Work

Use Moqup data for invoicing:

  • Revision count per project
  • Time between uploads
  • Approval dates
  • Scope additions

Connecting to Invoicing

Via webhooks or Zapier:

When file approved → Create invoice line item
When revision added → Track as additional work
When project completed → Generate final invoice

Growing Your Practice

Building Your Portfolio

With client permission:

  • Export approved designs
  • Save before/after comparisons
  • Document case studies

Referral System

Happy clients:

  • Easy sharing of review experience
  • Professional presentation reflects on you
  • Smooth process = recommendations

Scaling Up

When ready to grow:

  • Add team members (contractors)
  • Define roles and permissions
  • Create templates for efficiency
  • Consider agency workflow

Tips and Tricks

Keyboard Shortcuts

Press Cmd+/ (Mac) or Ctrl+/ (Windows) to see all shortcuts.

ActionShortcut
Command paletteCmd/Ctrl + K
New itemN (on dashboard)
Search/ (on dashboard)
Navigate itemsJ / K
Open itemEnter

Efficiency Hacks

  1. Quick replies: Save common responses
  2. Project templates: Reuse structures
  3. Figma integration: Direct import
  4. Mobile access: Review on the go

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Not setting revision limits
  2. Unclear project scope
  3. Too many concept options
  4. Skipping internal review
  5. Poor file organization

Next Steps

  1. Client Onboarding - Teach clients
  2. Best Practices - Optimize
  3. Notifications - Stay informed