FFN #58: Are things a little slow this year?

This week: Where are all the clients at? Combatting slow seasons, Jobs & More!

Author

Freelancing Females
October 15, 2024

Where did they all go?

There is no doubt this year has been a little rocky for many freelancers, with the economy wavering and the cost of existing going up by what feels like the second it has us wondering - where the heck have all the great clients run off to? Slow seasons are inevitable in business, they aren’t anything to panic about and they certainly aren’t your fault. This week lets get into a few strategies to reignite that cash flow and bring in GREAT clients.

❝

Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t let the noise of other’s opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition.

-Steve Jobs  

🧪 Time to Get Creative

Slow seasons are the perfect time to experiment with your offerings. Test new ways to create excitement around your services. Take a look at your data, what’s working and what isn’t? This will help you make informed choices of what clients are actually looking for when designing new packages to bring in. We also love to look at what’s happening in our industry landscape, what type of thing are you seeing more of? One of the quickest ways to inject cash into your biz is to design a package around a service that’s in demand right now. In the past when we’ve hit slow seasons, we arrange a bunch of networking coffee chats to lean into community so you aren’t left second-guessing yourself. If you’re a part of the FF slack channel, keep an eye out for the coffee chat channel.

🧚🏽‍♀️ New Skills Pay the Bills

Sometimes slow seasons can expose aspects of our business that could do with a little love and attention. For us, that meant learning a new skill so we could offer complimentary services alongside our strongest skills. For example, if you’re a website designer, have you thought about upgrading your copywriting skills or even throwing in a little SEO? These skills are simple ways to boost your packages and make your business a one-stop shop for clients. We love using Skillshare and Coursera for upskilling.

🗣️ How’s your Marketing?

Life is busy, we get it - but are you promoting your business as much as you should be? The thing is, clients can’t find you if you aren’t promoting yourself. We’ve spoken about this a lot but creating an engaging social media page, email marketing strategy and actually updating your website are crucial steps in your marketing strategy. Plus there’s paid social! We recommend getting your organic strategy nailed down by consistently posting before putting any $$’s behind advertising. Once you have content there, market to local businesses in your area via Meta or TikTok ads - it’s a great way to expand your reach. Then there’s good ol’ door to door and no don’t roll your eyes! One of the most effective ways to land those clients is to hit the pavement and network with local businesses in your area, you never know who might need your skills for projects or ongoing retainers. Plus people love meeting people in IRL.

Westpaw - Toppl

 I am obsessed with Westpaw’s Toppl’s for Mango, they keep him happy and entertained while I get my work done between his walks. I love filling them with his food or fun enrichment treats, as an apartment pup I’m always looking for ways to tire him out mentally and this does the trick every time. Plus did I mention they’re sustainable?! A must-have for every FF pet parent in my humble opinion.

Bala

 Sara our other FF team mate lives in a van and swears by Bala Bangles! Not only are they cute, they are small and can pack away neatly in small spaces. We love that the company is female-founded and the perfect addition to your next Pilates workout. 

📈 Check out HoneyBook’s Growth Guide. New research reveals what the top independent marketing and creative professionals do to take their businesses from $50K to $500K. Spoiler alert: you can do it, too. #partner 

Visual Designer

Primerli looking for a top-notch graphic / UX designer to help us with their first company white paper! Freelance. Project-Based Rate. Remote.

Financial Copywrite

Blue Craze Media is seeking a talented and motivated Freelance Writer to join their dynamic team. Freelance. Remote. $50-$100/hr.

Account Manager

A Public Relations agency client is looking for an account manager to join their team. Freelance. Remote. 40 hrs per week, $50 - $60 /hr.

Freelance Copywriter

Burson would like to appoint a Copywriter, to become an accelerant and further catalyst for their Creative on their full portfolio of clients, with a focus on their pharmaceutical clients. Freelance. Remote. $50-$100/hr

Kodiak Cakes

As the weather cools down I have been obsessing over warm hearty foods and snacks. I love having Kodiak cakes for breakfast and even as a little afternoon sweet treat. My go-to on busy days is their frozen waffle and flapjack range, they’re so easy to just throw in the toaster before a workout or shove in my bag for a little snack while I’m working from a coworking space. Plus I love love love everything the company is about!