If you're a freelancer, you probably understand the importance of having a strong online presence. Your website is central to being able to market your business and establish yourself as a successful freelancer. Indeed, a well-designed website serves many functions, including:
Here, this article will explore not the reasons why you need a website — we can safely assume that you already know them by heart and have probably discovered some new ones too — but the essential elements you need on your website. First of all, let’s tackle the obvious ones: You want a strong SEO-optimized presence as well as clear and obvious contact data.
We’ll jump straight to the lesser obvious aspects of a freelance business website, and why you need them for growth.
Professional-looking intro video
Video content has become increasingly popular due to its engaging nature and ability to convey information effectively. In fact, a video is more likely to engage your audience than a long text. That being said, you want to keep some crucial facts in mind:
A professional crafted video will help showcase your personality, skills, and passion for your work. It is also a great greeting for new visitors. Believe it or not, but there are plenty of inexpensive and high quality Ai video generators that can do the job for you.
Payment platform
Selling your services or products online has become a logical choice for freelancers. By integrating a payment platform into your website, such as the hosted payment form from PayTrace, you can streamline the process of receiving payments from your clients.
From a freelancing perspective, this not only saves you a lot of time and effort that you don’t spend preparing invoices and chasing payments, but it also offers a seamless and secure payment experience for your customers. This makes it easier for them to hire your services, or purchase your products, and for you to manage the transactional part of your relationship.
Newsletter sign-up button
Building a loyal audience and maintaining a strong connection with clients is vital for every business. The belief that only established companies can have a newsletter is wrong. For freelancers, the newsletter can be a fantastic tool that allows them to send exclusive content, keep the audience in the loop, and share latest offers and activities.
Even though newsletters may sound old-fashioned, they still help build loyalty and keep your customers in the loop. Therefore, adding a sign-up button on your website can help you build a group of potential leads. Regular (but not too regular) newsletters can nurture a loyal following, establish a sense of trust and credibility, and ultimately lead to repeat businesses and referrals.
As a freelancer, your website serves as a powerful marketing tool that can attract clients, establish your brand, and demonstrate your USP. As such, you want to seize the opportunities to make your website work harder for you with the tips shared above.
Some people are born to take on creative roles and others struggle to fit in with the confines of a traditional job. I've said it before and I'll say it until I die - we are ALL creative. But not all creatives are entrepreneurs.
For people who embrace their creative impulses, it can seem like you were always destined to pursue a different career path from the rest of society. Many people with a natural creative flair find themselves setting their own work agenda. Creative people may find their ideal role as an entrepreneur or freelancer, which allows them to work without the constraints of a traditional nine-to-five setup or to enjoy the flexibility of working to their own schedule. This may sound like the ideal way to work, but it can be challenging to keep your creativity flowing. Others, still, may only choose to pursue their creative endeavors as a hobby.
Many creative people find that they hit a stumbling block from time to time. This may mean that there are periods where they struggle to be productive and find that their creativity seems to have all but disappeared. So, what can be done when this situation strikes? Feeling that your creative juices have stopped flowing can be frustrating and pretty worrying when it is your income source. Take a look at these tips to help you recapture your creativity and regain your productivity:
When you feel stuck in a rut, and your creativity has come to a standstill, it is helpful to remove yourself from the situation. Whether you are a writer, an artist, a designer, or have an entirely different creative role, getting a change of scenery can be a big help.
Moving yourself away from the distractions of your daily life can provide you with the breathing space you need to regain your creativity. This could mean taking a break at a resort near Nashville or taking a trip to the coast. Whether you stay away for one night or a few, you should find that creating this distance is a great help.
When you use your creativity to generate your income, it is only natural that you want to deliver the best work every time. When your business and reputation depend on your creative abilities, it can be even more challenging when your creativity dries up. While this is never an easy situation, it can be helpful to ease the pressure on yourself. Putting yourself under excessive pressure to be perfect will only cause your creativity to dry up. Instead, it can be helpful to let go of this pressure and to be kinder to yourself.
Rather than trying to create your best work, it can be helpful to simply focus on creating some work. This means your work does not need to be perfect; you simply need to create something.
The work you produce may be incomplete, messy, or even nonsensical. However, the important thing is that you got started and produced something. This work then provides you with a foundation to work on, safe in the knowledge that your creativity will soon start to flow again.
(Image licensed under Pexels CC0 License)
Let's talk about something we all know deep down: there's no one-size-fits-all approach to success in business. It's all about finding YOUR way and embracing your unique creative spirit (within legal boundaries, of course!). But hey, let's be real; carving out your own path can be a bit challenging, especially if you're a Fusion creative like me. No matter where you fall on the creative spectrum, if you're feeling a little lost on your journey to success, I've got you covered!
In this episode, I'm sharing five exercises that will bring clarity to your life and business. Trust me; they're game-changers! Tune in now to discover your path to success and get ready to unleash your creative freedom!
In this episode, we are talking about:
Rising Tide community members can login and access your free downloads here.
Not a member yet? It's free! When you register for the Rising Tide, you also get email updates, the FREE learning library, and access to episode transcripts, worksheets, and more!
Special thanks to our Patrons for your continued support.
Theme music: “Big Time” by Ikoliks, Artlist.io
CC0 Licensed Image Courtesy of Pexels
It can be hard to find suppliers when starting a new business. Often times, particularly for product-based businesses, you've got to contend with minimum orders, set-up fees, and prototyping costs. That can be a big hurdle. The suppliers you use contribute directly to how well your business grows. Here are a few places to look:
Trade shows are one of the best ways to find what you need. There are usually products on display, so you can get up close with the samples and see if they fit what you need. Check the industry perodicals in your niche to find out when there are exhibitions. You should also check for attendance by industry leaders such as LOC Scientific for specialist products, such as lab design. You can often get a list of attendees far in advance when you book. If the people you think you might want to work with aren't there, it's probably not worth attending.
If you're a local business, you may rely on local support. And it helps to give something back by supporting other local businesses. Business-specific trade directories are a great way to find local suppliers. And the best thing about these is that they are very easy to find compared to using a search engine. A directory is often niche-specific, so you typically don't get convoluted results. Additionally, there is no ranking system or algorithm, so all are listed regardless.
Of course, Google and other search engines can be a great way to find suppliers. And they are also free, unlike some directory services. Any business worth using will have an online presence with at least a website. However, because of the way search engine algorithms work, it can be hard to find what you need. So, you must use keywords correctly when looking for a local supplier. And don't forget to read reviews and testimonials carefully before using a company.
Word of mouth is a very powerful thing in business. Most people will trust what others say about a service. So, much so that a survey of 40,000 consumers found that 80% use a business based on what others say. And today, social media is also a powerful tool for this. Most businesses and suppliers will have a social media account. So look at what others are saying. You can even use specific hashtags such as #LocalSupplier to find a supplier you need.
The web is full of data. And there are some sites that offer a quick snapshot of a specific business. So you can check these when looking for a supplier. Sites such as Clutch also rank local businesses and suppliers according to certain metrics. Or you can use industry-specific ranking sites. For example, Lumanity can help you find solutions for medical and healthcare supplies. These sites often only recommend and support the very best in your chosen industry.
There are a variety of ways to find the suppliers to get your business growing. Attending trade shows is great for networking; Google can give you quick results, and you can also use industry-specific reports. Above all, however, make sure that the people you're doing business with are a good fit for the mission, values, and purpose of your business. There's nothing worse than enlisting the support of a vendor who turns out to be problematic to your business or the world at large. Do your due diligence and build something you're really proud of!
Ready to break free from the ordinary and tap into your magical potential?
In the latest episode of the Creative Freedom Show, we're diving deep into the world of Undervalued Unicorns - those extraordinary creatives who are making waves but still flying under the radar.
Does that sound like you? Then you might be an Undervalued Unicorn. Tune in to the podcast and learn how to EMBRACE your inner Unicorn and STOP being Undervalued.
In this episode, we are talking about:
Rising Tide community members can login and access your free downloads here.
Not a member yet? It's free! When you register for the Rising Tide, you also get email updates, the FREE learning library, and access to episode transcripts, worksheets, and more!
Special thanks to our Patrons for your continued support.
Theme music: “Big Time” by Ikoliks, Artlist.io
Woo to the hoo! It is Season 8, my friend! We are kicking off the season with the most frustrating and yet important topic I could ever share with you:
Business models.
I know. I know. You’d probably prefer to talk about anything else. But let me remind you that, whether you like it or not, you’ve already got a business model if you’re bringing in any income from your business.
The question, though, is whether or not it’s working for you.
So, is it? Working for you, I mean? Stay with me, and I’ll show you how to fix the top 6 business model mistakes I see with Creative Entrepreneurs.
In this episode, we are talking about:
Rising Tide community members can login and access your free downloads here.
Not a member yet? It's free! When you register for the Rising Tide, you also get email updates, the FREE learning library, and access to episode transcripts, worksheets, and more!
Special thanks to our Patrons for your continued support.
Theme music: “Big Time” by Ikoliks, Artlist.io
Woo to the hoo! Creative Freedom Season 8 launches next week!... and we are kicking things off with the most frustrating yet important topic I could ever share with you! You don't want to miss it, so stay tuned!
Special thanks to our Patrons for your continued support.
"About Damn Time" is a parody of "About Damn Time", originally recorded by Lizzo. Parody lyrics by Lisa Robbin Young.
I've noticed a trend in my email inbox recently...
Even the high-ticket, luxury sellers are seeing belt-tightening behaviors in their audience. One high-end business consultant I know piled on a bunch of bonuses for their intensive, slashed the price by 25%, offered a longer payment plan than normal and still had "ONE SEAT LEFT" for their offer at the cart close deadline. They followed it up the next week with a group version of the same offer - something they've "never done before".
They kept using those words: "I've never done this before."
So no, it's not just you. Selling anything right now is requiring more effort for most folks.
Especially folks who don't have their business model figured out.
A rock-solid business model is essential if you want to achieve your goals and dreams. If you're a creative entrepreneur, you might not be focused on that aspect of your company.
I get it. Many folks are turned off and their eyes start to glaze over when I even mention the words. But it's the crux of how business gets done.
A business model is essentially the plan that outlines how your business will make money. It's the strategy you'll use to attract customers, deliver value, and generate revenue.
Now, you might be thinking, "But I'm a creative entrepreneur, why do I need a business model?"
Well, the truth is, having a solid business model is just as important for creative entrepreneurs as it is for any other business owner. In fact, I would argue that it's even more important.
Simply put, it's the foundation of your business. It's how you make money, who your target customers are, and how you deliver your product or service to them. Here at Creative Freedom HQ, we use a simple "equation" to help you create a business model that works for how you're wired to work:
It's a flexible framework that lets you lean into what matters most to you. It's much easier to navigate than most of the business model design tools out in the world right now.
Without a solid business model, your business is like a ship without a rudder. You may have a great product or service, but if you don't know how to reach your customers and generate revenue, you'll be steering in circles, and getting nowhere fast.
A business model helps you stay focused. When you have a clear understanding of how you're making money and who you're serving, you can concentrate on what matters most - delivering value to your customers, generating revenue, and enjoying the fruits of your labors!
A solid business model also makes it easier to make decisions. You'll know exactly who your target customers are and what they want, so you can create offers that meet their needs without a lot of extra spaghetti throwing!
And perhaps most importantly, a rock-solid business model helps weather the ups and downs of the market. With a clear understanding of your revenue streams and customer base, you'll be able to make informed decisions that keep your business profitable and growing.
That means you'll spend a lot less time scrambling to create revenue during the inevitable belt-tightening periods!
I like to say that if you're making any money in your business, you have a business model. The better question is whether or not it's working for you.
Taylor Swift is not just a talented musician, she's also a savvy businesswoman. She's moved from country to pop music and built a brand around her music. Swift knows her audience, and she adapts her business model to stay ahead of the game.
Business models evolve as you evolve. Take Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, for example. He's not a wrestler anymore. And he's not just an actor, either. Johnson built a personal brand around his larger-than-life personality. He then parlayed that into physical products like tequila. He's evolved his brand and his business model several times since his wrestling days.
What if you're not famous (yet)? Well, the same principles apply. Whether you're a freelance writer, a graphic designer, or a photographer, having a solid business model is essential if you want to succeed.
A solid business model will help you:
In our Rising Tide Community, we have a workshop that walks you through the process step-by-step. And the best part? Our business model workshop is available on demand, so you can take it at your own pace.
If you're not already a member of the Rising Tide Community, we're currently offering an open house, which means you can try our learning library and connect with other members in the community at no cost. Come play with us!
Regardless of whether you join us or not, it's important to have a rock-solid business model that works for how you're wired to work. Otherwise, you'll be launching, re-launching, and throwing spaghetti on the wall just to hit your income goals. And that's pretty exhausting!
As a solopreneur, you'll wear many hats. From marketing and sales to customer service and admin tasks. It's easy to lose your focus or motivation.. and don't get me started on the household distractions: chores or family that seem to want your attention - or even the latest streaming series (Ted Lasso, anyone?).
I've talked to a LOT of solopreneurs in my time who felt "stuck in a rut", isolated, or unable to take their business "to the next level".
Look, I get it. More often than not, I too have found myself caught up in the day-to-day tasks of running the business. Then, you look up and recognize how far you've come on your own.
Alone.
On one hand, props! It's not easy to build a business. And it's especially challenging doing it by yourself. We Fusion Creatives manage to do a LOT on our own. But that loneliness and sense of disconnection isn't the only problem that comes from trying to do it all on your own.
Take it from someone who knows: it may feel like you're going faster, but at some point, you hit a wall where you're carrying all the things, wearing all the hats, and you just can't add another thing to your plate. What's worse, because you've been trying to manage it all yourself, you may not have built the network and business relationships that could help you take the load off.
Which puts you in a place where it feels like you can't step away from the business - everything is riding on YOU.
Finding a supportive community can be vital to your growth and success. Notice the key word here: supportive. I've been part of too many groups that pretended to be communities. Some were little more than places for people to pitch their shizz and try to turn members into their own customers. Either that or propaganda machines where the host didn't allow ANY promotion except for their own stuff.
Blech.
Some were just not a good fit for who I am and how I show up. One community that provides a TON of value to their clients does almost everything in real time (synchronous connection) in order to get support. They have a "group" forum where you can post questions, but the answer is always "show up live in the chat room and we'll help you!"
I have a full calendar most of the time and I wouldn't have joined if I'd known the only way to really get help was to be on in real time. Why have a forum if you never use it?
Other groups just didn't match the level of growth I was at. I've been online for 30-ish years and an online coach for about 20 of them. When I have a complicated question that needs support, I get a lot of crickets in those groups. But I get to GIVE a lot of help, which also has its place. I've learned to balance that desire to give generously with the genuine need for help that I often come to community for.
I'm not trying to be Debbie Downer here. The right community makes a BIG difference. Running a business can be lonely, and having a supportive community can provide much-needed encouragement and motivation. There's nothing like being in a room with people who understand the challenges you face as a solopreneur. Sharing experiences, offering support and advice, and providing a safe space where you can come out of hiding and be witnessed by others on a similar journey is GOLD!
That kind of recognition, safety, and belonging can help you push through tough times (or just witness the "hard" you're going through for moral support). Celebrating your wins builds your confidence, helps you feel more capable and can be just what you need to re-commit to your Great Work when things have been hard for too long. Not that I speak from experience or anything!
When I'm in the right community for me, I discover new tools and strategies that help me streamline my workflow and save time. I get to learn by watching others: the words to use when I ask for help or hold healthy boundaries, contract examples, lessons learned. That shortens my learning curve and saves me a crap ton of resources I don't have to waste! I've also learned best practices for systems and processes that allowed me to better focus on what I do best.
In short, I become a better business owner and a better human when I'm in the right communities for me.
Being a part of the right community can also help keep you accountable for your goals and progress. Sharing your goals with others and receiving feedback and support can keep you on track and motivated. Cheering others on can inspire you to set and achieve your own goals, too!
And yes, a supportive community can also provide valuable networking opportunities, which can lead to collaborations, referrals, and even new clients. Meeting other entrepreneurs in your industry or related industries can open up new doors for your business.
Some communities can be a great place to learn new skills and gain or deepen your knowledge. Whether it's through workshops, webinars, or simply sharing information and resources, being a part of a community can help you grow and develop as an entrepreneur.
I get it. Being a business owner demands a lot of your time and energy already. So how do we find or create community when we're already strapped for time?
While I've attended a few in-person events and networking-type meetings, I do most of my connecting online. I was on Zoom before Zoom was cool! Before that, it was Skype. Before that, it was teleclasses! I've been around for a WHILE!
Online communities can be a great option for busy entrepreneurs who don't have a lot of time to attend networking events or meetups in person. My preference is hybrid communities. Where there's a face-to-face, "synchronous" connection opportunity in addition to a group, social media page, or app. I've been able to connect with people all over the world through communities like Polka Dot Powerhouse, LunchClub, and others. Some are more familial or social in nature, while others are great places to connect with other entrepreneurs in your industry or niche. In fact, the lessons I've learned from being in those communities have helped inform how we're building our own Rising Tide community!
Another place to look: join a mastermind. A mastermind is a hand-picked small group of folks with common interests or goals. Often, you'll hear this term used to describe entrepreneurial groups, but it can also be for other goals and pursuits as well (a book club or DND group can also function similar to a mastermind). In the business world, you'll meet regularly to support and hold each other accountable to goals or actions you've committed to achieving before the next meeting. Masterminds often provide a deeper level of connection and support than larger communities. You get to know your fellow masterminders more intimately, learn more about their backstory and context, and develop stronger "know like and trust" when you're interacting more regularly.
Attending industry conferences is another way to meet other entrepreneurs while you learn new skills and/or knowledge. Conferences that are relevant to your industry or niche can connect you within your industry, while conferences that are outside your industry can connect you to collaborative partners, potential affiliates, and even new friends or colleagues. Yes, celebrity conventions (ComicCon, D23 Expo, etc) also count. The point is to go places where there are people you'd like to connect with and learn more about. Community doesn't always have to be about business!
Paid or free? While there are plenty of free communities out there, consider investing in a paid community that provides more value and support. Paid groups often have facilitators that can monitor and moderate conversations, answer questions and provide technical support that's hard to come by in a free community. Paid communities are also incentivized to keep engagement cooking. New content, valuable resources, and meeting new connections make paid communities sometimes more valuable than what you can find for free.
Our Rising Tide community is one example that provides resources, training, coaching and other support for creative entrepreneurs. We just migrated off Facebook (for lots of reasons), and our Open House is on now! The Rising Tide is the best of both worlds: a free level that includes a growing learning library for early stage entrepreneurs, and a paid level that gives more advanced entrepreneurs support for issues that might be more complex. We're an inclusive community - meaning all our members at both levels can interact with each other to develop new connections, make new friendships, and learn from one another.
Regardless of how you choose to build your community, do your due diligence. Not every paid (or free) group is worth your investment of time, energy, or money. Ask for a trial period, whenever possible. Then talk to people who've been there a while and get their take on why they stick around. Take note of their answers and see how it jibes with what you're looking for in a community. If it's not a good fit, don't feel obligated to stick around. Thank you for taking care of yourself!
Ultimately, it's easier when you've got a crew to help row the boat. It may be a little slower going at first, but the rewards are much sweeter when it's a team effort.
Sarah owned a small retail store selling vintage clothing that wasn't growing the way she'd expected. She was working way too hard for far too little, and wasn't clear on how to right the ship. Sarah realized she needed help - and fast.
If you want your business to grow to the point where you're getting a positive return on all your resources (ROR), chances are good you'll need help along the way. Just like Sarah. When I'm working with clients, here are a few places I recommend you look first:
Being proactive and seeking help when needed is crucial to growing and supporting your business. Take the time to analyze your business, seek expert guidance, set clear goals, appreciate your team, and learn from your mistakes. Remember, success doesn't happen overnight, but with hard work, dedication, and the right support, you can achieve your dreams.