Building a Freelance Business from Scratch

When I was starting my freelance online business, I was all alone. My only coach and consultant was YouTube. Yep, 90% of the things I learned came from YouTube. Honestly, there are millions of educational and amazing videos out there that can help you grow your business. It’ll be hard. You’ll feel lost. You’ll want to give up. But don’t. Never give up. Always remind yourself why you started.

Know Your Personal Brand

Before you start your journey, take a moment to define your personal brand. Think of your brand as your identity—what makes you unique and memorable to your clients. Answer these questions:

• What are my values?

• What skills and experiences set me apart?

• How do I want clients to perceive me?

• What kind of clients do I want to attract?

• What’s my style of communication and delivery?

Your personal brand will guide everything from how you market yourself to how you interact with clients. Be authentic and consistent; people are drawn to those who are genuine.

Tip: Take time to research other freelancers in your niche to understand how they brand themselves. This will help you refine your unique approach.

Build a Strategy

Before diving headfirst into freelancing, take a deep breath and write down a strategy. Think of it as your map—how else will you know where you’re going? Ask yourself these questions:

• What services am I offering?

• Who is my ideal client?

• How much should I charge? (Be realistic, but don’t sell yourself short!)

• How will I find clients?

• How will I manage my time?

A solid strategy makes all the difference between wandering around aimlessly and building something that actually works.

Tip: Break your strategy into short-term and long-term goals. This way, you’ll stay motivated and track your progress more easily.

The Power of Social Media

If you’re not on social media yet, what are you waiting for? Start small. Pick one or two platforms your target audience is on and focus on those. Instagram, LinkedIn, and even TikTok can work wonders. Follow these steps:

1. Set up your account: Use a professional profile picture and write a clear bio that screams, “This is what I do, and I’m good at it!”

2. Create a content plan: What will you post? Tips? Behind-the-scenes? Success stories? Mix it up but keep it relevant.

3. Engage: Reply to comments, follow potential clients, and share other people’s content when it makes sense.

After setting up, stay consistent. Post regularly, even if it’s just once a week. It’s better to be consistent and slow than disappear for months.

Tip: Use free tools like Canva to create professional-looking posts and free scheduling tools like Buffer or Planoly to stay on track.

Avoid Overwhelm and Imposter Syndrome

Feeling overwhelmed is normal. So is imposter syndrome—that nagging feeling like you’re not good enough, even when you’re killing it. Trust me, you’re not alone. Here’s how to fight back:

• Take breaks: You’re not a robot. Rest is productive too.

• Celebrate small wins: Landed your first client? Got your first comment on a post? That’s a win!

• Remember your why: Why did you start this journey? Keep that reason close.

Tip: Surround yourself with a supportive community of freelancers. Join Facebook groups or LinkedIn communities where you can share experiences and get advice.

Set Up Your Home Office

Your workspace doesn’t need to be fancy, but it should work for you. A corner with a desk, a comfy chair, and good lighting can do wonders. Add a few plants if you’re feeling fancy—they’re great for your mood and Instagram pics (just saying).

Tip: Keep your workspace organized. Use cable organizers, a whiteboard for your to-do list, or a desk organizer for your essentials. A clutter-free space boosts productivity.

Stay Productive and Customer-Focused

Productivity doesn’t mean working 24/7. It means working smart. Use tools to manage your time and projects. Google Calendar or Notion are lifesavers. And never forget the golden rule of freelancing: amazing customer care. Your clients are your business. Treat them well, deliver on time, and go the extra mile when you can.

Tip: Learn how to prioritize your tasks. Use methods like the Eisenhower Matrix to focus on what’s urgent and important.

Don’t Give Up

There will be days when it feels like nothing is working. Push through. Follow your strategy. Learn from your mistakes. And most importantly, don’t stop. Success takes time, but you’ve got this. Now, grab your pen (or keyboard) and start building that dream business of yours!

Next Blog: How to Make Your Social Media Strategy

I post every Monday on my blog. On TikTok, I share content Monday to Friday, and on YouTube, I upload every Friday. Need a 1:1 coaching session? Schedule a meeting with me! Email me for inquiries or collaboration opportunities. See you in the next post

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