Events, conferences, and retreats: How freelance writers can make the most of them
Over the years we’ve attended many events, conferences, and retreats designed to help us improve our businesses. At the risk of sounding curmudgeonly, we’re not getting much out of them these days. But that doesn’t mean they don’t have a place in your business. Should you go to events? If so, which ones?
Is copywriting the same as content writing?
Most freelance writers specialize in either copywriting or content. Although we consider ourselves content writers, we have experience in copy, as well. Emma’s even written copy for Kaleigh! But what’s the difference between copy and content… and why does it matter?
Will AI tools replace writers in the near future?
A plethora of new AI tools are on the market, all claiming to help you write. Are these tools a threat to our livelihoods? Or is it possible that we can use these tools to make our offerings as freelance writers better? Kaleigh and Emma share their experiences with the latest AI tools to help you suss out whether they’re helping or hurting.
Do you need a freelance writing coach?
Everyone and their mom says they’re a business coach, which might make you wary of hiring someone to help you grow and shape your freelance career. But we’ve both worked as coaches and hired them– we’ve seen the good and the bad and are sharing our experience with freelance writing coaching.
Should you switch from freelance writing to a regular, full-time job?
Freelance writing has a ton of benefits, but it’s not for everyone. We’ve known many who’ve decided to hang up their freelance coats and go to a more traditional, full-time job. And many love this trade! In this episode, we share why some freelancers give it up for a regular, full-time job, as well as when you might consider this option. Spoiler: going in-house is not a failure.
Strategies for defeating writer’s block
Is writer’s block even real? Kaleigh isn’t sure. At the very least, writer’s block isn’t an excuse to go months and months without writing. But what happens when you’re just uninspired? How can you get the words onto the page and break through…especially when you have deadlines?
What To Do When Personal Disaster Strikes
We had to delay the release of this season due to personal disaster. Unfortunately, these types of disasters are part of life. When you’re battling chronic health conditions, a family emergency, sudden lack of child care, or any other disaster, it can be hard to power through and focus on work. In this episode, we discuss how we navigate these disasters so they have minimal impact on our relationships and careers.
Dealing with online naysayers and bullies as a freelancer
The internet is a weird place full of weird people. While we’ve met many of our closest friends, colleagues, and clients online, we also have encountered our fair share of online bullies, devil’s advocates, and naysayers. As a freelancer, you’re the face of the business, and whatever you say online is fair game to the internet’s trolls. How can you deal with it?
Recession-proofing your freelance writing business
The economic landscape is a little unstable. Rising interest rates, sinking stocks... is this going to affect your freelancing career? Hmm. In this episode, we discuss our perspective on a changing market and share some strategies for recession-proofing your freelance business.
Should you get business insurance? Maybe?
Disclaimer: we are not lawyers. However, someone told us to get business insurance so we looked into it. In this episode, we discuss business insurance. One of us has it and one of us doesn’t. If you’re looking for a brief overview of what two experienced freelancers know about business insurance, listen in.
Speaking gigs: Their place in your freelance career
Speaking is a great way to share your authority and meet new people. You may want to start booking speaking gigs so you can share your knowledge with the world. In this episode, we discuss how to start small and what to keep in mind as you embrace speaking as a freelance writer. Emma also shares a comedic and bizarre tip for getting people into your talks.
Our freelance desk and office setups: our go-to tools that keep us comfy and productive
Kaleigh got a new L-shaped desk. Emma’s is vintage. In this episode, we’re sharing our freelance desk and office setups. You’re going to hear about a zen-like place and a corner of chaos. By the end of this episode, you’ll want one of our desks and not the other’s… ;-)
“What would I charge for this?”: Getting real about the $$$ we’d charge
WE ARE GETTING REAL ABOUT WHAT WE CHARGE FOR CERTAIN ASSETS. In this episode, we share what we think are reasonable rates for blog articles, case studies, websites, and more. There is always nuance when it comes to pricing but if you’re wondering if you’re totally off base with your rates, give this a listen.
Using LinkedIn as a freelance writer
Neither of us is a LinkedIn master, but we’ve seen freelancers get massive amounts of value from the platform. We call out Michal Eisikowitz and Leah Neaderthal, who are both doing awesome things with the platform. In this episode, we discuss how we approach LinkedIn and how we’ve seen others leverage it.
Longterm clients, retainers, one-off projects: which is right for you?
Some freelancers work with one or two long-term clients while others do a series of one-offs. It can depend on the type of work you do, what you like and what matters to you. In this episode, we discuss the pros and cons of long-term clients, retainers, and one-off projects, and what’s best for you?
How To Create and Uphold Client Boundaries as a Freelance Writer
Are your clients texting you in the middle of the night? Do they expect instant responses on Slack? Do they want you to deliver a draft within 24 hours or hop on a call right now? In this episode, we cover everything client boundaries. We discuss how to create them and uphold them so you can take back control of your business (and your life!)
How to juggle the many demands of being alive as a freelance writer
A listener asked us how we juggle the daily demands of our lives and careers: how do we eat nutritious meals? How do we make sure we get outside every day? How do we make the most of the flexibility that freelancing has to offer?
We’re far from perfect, but we have been freelancing for a long time and have some ideas. In this episode, Emma confesses to just how long she went without renewing her car’s registration.
How to get off Upwork, Fiverr, and other freelance platforms
There’s nothing wrong with starting your freelance career on Upwork, Fiverr, or another platform. But what do you lose when you continue to rely on these platforms to get work? Freelancers often tell us they want to get “off-platform” but aren’t sure where to start. In this episode, we discuss the pros and cons of these platforms, why it might make sense to get off, and some strategies on how to move away from them.
How to write about something you know nothing about
Both of us write about fairly technical topics we once knew nothing about. But now, we’re experts. In this episode, we talk about our strategies for understanding a topic when we’re out of our league. This will be particularly helpful for those who write about topics they haven’t encountered before.
Negotiation for freelance writers
Freelance writers have a varying approach towards negotiation—some don’t believe in it, whereas others are willing to wiggle. Here, we talk about how we feel about negotiation.