The smartest moves you can make in freelancing
Here are some smart moves that you can do right now to get out your freelance business going and/or pivot based on your situation:
-Invest in your own freelance business to stay current
Whether that’s a certification, a quick course to learn something new, or a coach, it’s important to invest in yourself and your business so that you don’t lag behind (especially in today’s world of AI!).
-Diversify your freelance marketing because…algorithm
One complaint I’ve seen over and over again? The algorithm!! (shakes fists at the gods) Insta, LI and Threads have all been complaining about it so I’m sure YouTube and TikTok and Facebook also have issues. The culprit? AI. All the companies are using AI to try and figure out what people want to see and I think they’re going through, ahem, a big learning curve to say the least. Content creators are pissed. Heck, I’m pissed too. I used to get thousands of impressions on my LinkedIn posts. Now? Maybe 100-300 in the first week.
But guess what I’m doing, and what you should do too? Change up your marketing. Don’t rely on one social media platform. Build out in other ways, borrow other people’s audiences, go to networking events - jumpstart your business by NOT relying on social media. (If you need to understand more about this, invest in my 3-Week Jumpstart for your Freelance Marketing training)
-Incorporating AI into your work to get ahead
I know, I complained about AI getting into our algorithm and now I’m saying to use it. AI is here to stay, and I’m very pro-AI. It can help immensely. If you don’t use it, you will be left behind. There. I said it. Clients want to see you know how to use it, and beyond that, they want to see how you use it and create results with your own brain to get them ahead of their competition. Don’t be afraid of it. Get ahead, jump on the AI bandwagon and learn how to make the most of it.
-Pivot industries to target to keep your business strong
Follow the money trail. What industries are doing well? There is always money out there. I know we’re seeing a lot about cuts, but the news is mostly covering the tech industry.
We were talking about this in my Flourishing Freelancer group and landed on two that are doing quite well: video games and the food/beverage industry.
Take a look around. Invest time into looking at stocks and the news. If the industry you usually work for is floundering, pivot. Follow the money. Money is a flow of energy so if one sector doesn’t have it, another one is gobbling it up. That’s where you need to be.
-Get a part-time job in addition to freelancing to continue the influx of cash/income
If you need to get a part-time or full-time job to supplement your freelance income, DO IT. Don’t be too proud and wait until it’s too late. It’s only your pride at stake and you’re the only one who cares enough. If I needed to, I would absolutely turn down my coaching business and ramp up my freelance business. Or, uber on the side. I don’t care. You shouldn’t either. Earn additional income to keep the lights on and realize there is nothing to be ashamed of.
-Learn from expert freelancers sharing their knowledge for free to help others
There are plenty of freelancers out there handing out tons and tons of free advice on social posts, podcasts and trainings/networking events. You can learn a variety of different opinions for free. This keeps you ahead and helps you when you need to learn new ways of handling client situations.
-Not giving up on your dreams to make freelancing a full-time career
There have been a lot of changes in the freelance industry, to say the least. And the most important thing you can do is believe in yourself. Day in and day out you should have that be the underscoring reality of your life. No matter what, you will be a full-time freelancer. I believe in you.
The one thing this year has taught me, and what I see as essential in 2025, is to understand how to shift the way you run your business. This includes changing your marketing, the way you approach and land clients, and utilizing everything you have at your disposal.
I repeat it over and over again: As a freelancer, YOU are a business owner. Don't wait for jobs to land in your lap. Stop manifesting. Take action. Even if that means going back to employment to support your freelancing dreams.
Most of all - don't give up.
"Let us make our future now, and let us make our dreams tomorrow's reality." -Malala Yousafzai
Like what you read? Want to work with me and scale your freelance business? Find out more about my coaching here.
