4 Things to Do in 2024 for a Successful Freelance Business

Here are 4 things you probably should think about that will make your freelance business successful.

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One Hour of Focused Marketing Work Each Day

The reason most writers fail is because they do not market their business. Clients cannot find you if they do not know that you exist. My rule of thumb is a minimum of 5 letters of introduction (LOI) per day.

Somedays this includes filling out forms, sending applications, or creating profiles. To make this less overwhelming, simply set out an hour each day where you simply focus on looking for clients and sending out emails to them.

Places where you can find high-paying clients:

1. LinkedIn- This is my favorite way to find clients by simply adding the search term “Looking for a freelance writer” or “looking for cannabis (enter your niche) writers” etc.
2. Twitter — This is another great place simply use the same search terms as LinkedIn
3. Google — Mainly use this for finding agencies and job boards. I like to enter the search term “cannabis (enter your niche) + content agencies”
4. Newsletters — There are so many amazing newsletters to join. The best places to find them are on LinkedIn and Facebook.
5. Job boards — My favorites are Problogger, All Freelance Writing Job Boards, We Work Remotely, and Best Writing. You can also join my weekly newsletter that sends out jobs every Monday tailored for African freelancers.
6. Upwork- I have found some high-paying freelance jobs on Upwork. However, you have to create a solid profile, with a great portfolio and make really good pitches

Once you have your 5 clients for the day simply send out your Letter of Introductions. Here is a template for you to use. It is a good idea to do some minor edits to the email before you send it, to make sure you have all the details right. Trust me I have made the mistake of sending an email to a potential client with the email copy reading another client's name, Cringe!

Lastly set out a day each week when you work on follow-ups. Lack of follow-up will cost you clients. So create an Excel sheet that lets you know who you need to follow up with and when. In case they make any comments have a section for that as well.

Pro tip: I normally use my follow-up day to update my Excel sheets as well. It makes my life easier.

image courtesy of Tirachard Kumtanom

One Hour of Focused Creating Every Day

Every artist must create every day. Whether you are a graphic designer, writer, social media creator, accountant, or even virtual assistant. Whatever your craft is, you need to practice every day.

As a freelance writer myself one of my 2024 goals is to write an article each day. The aim is to improve my speed as well as the quality of my research and writing. Ease is brought by expertise.

Dedicate an hour each day when you will not be distracted (for me that is early morning) to play with your art. It is a great time to create something that is just for you and to experience the art of simply creating. It is also a chance for you to grow your portfolio.

One Hour of Reading Anything Per Day

You cannot pour out of an empty jar. Reading is a way for you to fill your jar. Read within your niche as well as for general information.

Some ways to ensure you read every day

1. Join a book club
2. Get some training such as a short course in copywriting
3. Make the last hour of your day a reading time
4. Make an hour in the morning to read trends in your niche, peruse new research, white papers, and ebooks
5. Listen to podcasts and YouTube videos (Technically that is not reading but it's gaining information. Mmmh )

As a freelancer, I would advise you to ensure you read at least 3 books per year on business and marketing. This will help you build and grow a lucrative business. A great place to start is a classic; Think and Grow Rich.

One Hour of Self-care and Silence

Image courtesy of Hassan OUAJBIR)

A rest is as good as a change. Is that what they say? If you don't give your mind a rest you will end up blocked. Taking care of yourself and your health is an integral part of expanding your business in 2024.

Set aside time to relax, recuperate and recalibrate. Some of my favorite ways to do this are:

• Take a quiet walk (No music)
• Meditation
• Swimming
• Knitting (This is great for memory)
• Road trips (my laptop stays home and my phone is mostly off)
• Coffee and chats with my girlfriends
• Spending the weekend at the farm
• Watching a movie
• Having a slow, bed and KFC day (oooh so good)
• Baking

Find things that work for you, make you feel good about yourself, and add them to your to-do list. Prioritise self-care, mental health, and ease in your life. When we work in our flow state, we accomplish more.

Let's Rock This New Year

Believe that you can do it and you will do it. We all have what it takes, we just need the courage and the information to do it.

If you need someone to walk with you on your new freelance business journey. Please join our Whatsapp community here.

Otherwise, go out and create your freedom.

Happy Creating!