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Welcome to the 16th edition of Expert•ish Freelancer, a newsletter that helps you launch or elevate your freelance business. Every other Friday, get tips, tools, and insights based on my 35⁺ years as a freelance writer.

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Hi Friend!

Thanks to everyone who responded to my recent poll, asking about what topics you’d like to see covered more in Expert•ish Freelancer in 2025. Your voice really does matter!

I thought money might be the top contender, but surprisingly, it wasn’t even in the top three topics you want to see more of. It looks like, overall, you want to see a mix of content, but the clear winner is…marketing, garnering 43.24% of the votes. This was followed by writing and business. Your feedback will guide my content plan for 2025. Thanks so much for sharing what you need to help you launch or elevate your business! I appreciate you taking the time to do my poll.

BTW, you might have missed the new option for how you can “consume” Expert•ish Freelancer. While you’ve always been able to read it in your inbox or online, you can now listen to it, too! Personally, I love listening to podcasts when I’m doing mindless tasks (hello, laundry) or going for a walk.

Just click on the Listen Online link at the top right of the email. I was toying with choosing a British narrator, which I think always elevates any audio. But then I thought, Bloody Hell, woman, you’re not British! 😉 So, I went for a more authentic voice.

And now, the reason you’re really here….

Today’s newsletter dives into taking care of business.

🔍 Key Takeaways: 

1. Lay a strong legal and financial foundation.

2. Establish essential protections and processes.

3. Prioritize a professional brand and client-focused marketing.

Today’s issue is brought to you by Authory. Sponsors help keep the newsletter free, so please click on their link to check out their offer! ⬇️ 

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Freelance Focus: What Do Freelancers Need to Be a “Real” Business?

I love getting questions and feedback from subscribers! Here’s a great question that deserves my focus this issue. Plus, it ties into the results of my recent subscriber poll—wanting more articles about the business of freelancing.

First, I think you should cut yourself some slack as a freelancer. You’re a one-person business wearing many hats. 🎩 It’s really hard to get it all done.

And yes, it can feel overwhelming if you look at what you need to do to function as an official small business. That’s why you don’t do it all at once. Just get a game plan and start tackling one task at a time.

NOTE: I did create a previous infographic called 10 Steps to Kickstart Your Freelance Writing Journey. (It’s in the Resources page of Expert•ish Freelancer website.) While there’s a bit of overlap, the infographic is less about the “business” of freelancing (i.e., legal and financial) and more about the very first steps in getting started and building momentum as a freelancer.

Anyway, when I first started out, it took me months to take care of some of the foundational steps of feeling like a “real” business. Then it took me a few more years to put other elements into place.

As time evolved, I had to keep tweaking my business foundation, adding new software tools, switching my business structure, redoing my website (it needs an overhaul again 😒), etc.

And, while I’m all about having a positive mindset, that only takes you so far. The nuts and bolts of establishing a “real” business involve concrete steps that go beyond embracing positivity.

Build the Foundation

While the freedom and flexibility of freelancing are undeniably appealing, transitioning from a solopreneur to a formal business can be daunting. 😵‍💫 

But fear not! By taking a few key 🔑 steps and embracing the fundamentals of business ownership, you can establish a solid foundation for a sustainable and successful freelance business.

Establish a Legal and Financial Framework

• Choose a Business Structure: While many freelancers start as sole proprietors (🙋‍♀️), some transition to a limited liability company (LLC), corporation (S or C corp), or other structure. Why? Because they can offer significant advantages, such as liability protection and tax benefits.
  Each has pros and cons and can vary in complexity, set-up fees, and compliance requirements. Consult with an attorney for legal advice and an accountant for tax planning to determine the best structure for your specific needs. Remember, specific requirements and processes can vary by state, country, and industry.

• Obtain Licenses and Permits: Research and acquire any required licenses or permits for your industry and location. File the necessary paperwork with your 🌎 country, state, and local government. Again, these can vary depending on your type of business, your location, and the services you offer.

• Set Up Your Finances: No matter what you choose for your business structure, keep accurate financial records and separate personal and business expenditures. Otherwise, doing your taxes will be (even more of) a nightmare.

  • Open a business bank account: Separate your business finances from personal expenses to maintain clear records and simplify tax time.

  • Get a business 💳 credit card: Build business credit, earn rewards, and streamline your expenses. This also makes it easier for both online and in-person business purchases.

  • Get paid: For every new client, establish payment 💵 terms and essential processes, like sending your W9 and agreeing on invoicing details upfront, to ensure smooth and timely payments. Use accounting software like QuickBooks, HoneyBook, or Wave to track income, expenses, and taxes. Consider hiring an accountant for expert advice and tax preparation, especially as your business 📈 grows.

Protect Your Business

As a freelancer, you're exposed to various risks. Protect your business and your livelihood with the right insurance coverage. Some of my clients even require me to carry certain insurance. Consult 📞 an insurance agent to discuss your specific needs. 

• General Liability Insurance: Safeguard yourself from claims of property damage or 🤕 bodily injury. If you’ve got a physical office where clients visit, you’ll likely need this.

• Professional Liability (E&O) Insurance: Insure yourself against errors and omissions in your work. I use Hiscox.

• Travel Insurance (Optional): This makes sense for me. I take a lot of trips as a travel writer, so I want to have a lifeline if my flight is delayed, the airline loses my baggage, I get sick outside the U.S., etc. I use Allianz Travel.

Build Your Brand

Creating a strong brand identity plays a crucial role in attracting and retaining clients. Here are some essential steps:

• Create a professional online presence: Design a simple yet impactful website to showcase your portfolio and services. If you can’t afford (or don’t want) a website, consider a portfolio site (like Authory, today’s newsletter sponsor!).

• Leverage social media: Tap into platforms like LinkedIn (or Instagram, X, or wherever your clients are) to connect with potential clients and industry professionals.

• Develop a marketing strategy: You’ll need to consistently market yourself, so create a marketing plan to attract 🧲 and retain clients. This doesn’t need to be complicated, but it should include a mix of both outbound and inbound marketing efforts.

• Network strategically: Build relationships with other freelancers, editors, potential clients, and industry experts.

Streamline Your Workflow

You’ve got to be organized and manage your time well to maximize your productivity and minimize stress. 😱 Consider these tips:

• Use project management tools: Tap powerful tools like Trello (my personal fave), Asana, or Notion to manage projects, deadlines, and tasks.

• Track your time: I don’t personally use any ⏰time-tracking software because I rarely charge by the hour. But if you do charge hourly and want to accurately bill clients, you might try tools like Toggl, Clockify, or TimeCamp.

• Embrace communication tools: Leverage tools like Slack, MS Teams, or Zoom for efficient communication with clients and collaborators.

Prioritize Essentials

While it's tempting to focus on the outward trappings of a business (like creating a cool logo, building a fancy website, or getting professional 📸 headshots), prioritize the essentials:

1. Legal compliance and proper registration

2. Solid financial management and bookkeeping

3. A basic but professional online presence

4. A system for acquiring and managing clients

Focus on delivering value to clients and managing your business effectively. As you grow, you can reinvest in more advanced tools and services. Start with these fundamentals, and gradually expand as your business grows and your needs evolve.

Again, this article just serves as a general overview and does not constitute legal or financial advice. I strongly advise that you invest in your business and consult appropriate experts (attorney, accountant, insurance agent, etc.) to guide you in building a solid legal and financial foundation for your freelance business.

High/Low

⬆️ High: I got the sweetest compliment from another freelancer on LinkedIn: “Love how supportive you are of your fellow freelancers. You're the embodiment of what community can be, and it's much appreciated.” #MyHeartIsSmiling

⬇️ Low: Due to my unavailability, I had to turn down a project from a client for $1.75/word. #BuhBye$1750

Up Next

• What I Learned From My Biggest Mistake

• Conducting a Year-End Review

• Planning for Next Year

When You’re Ready Here’s How I Can Help:

• Ask Me Anything! Your questions and feedback help shape future newsletter content. (I’ve already answered a few subscribers’ questions in past issues.) You can reach me at [email protected]. 

• Follow me on LinkedIn. I share more freelance tips/insights most weekdays.

• Share Your Success Story. I would LOVE to hear how you’ve implemented any of the ideas in Expert•ish Freelancer and found success. I might even include your win in a future newsletter. You can reach me at [email protected]. 

• Turn to Expert•ish Freelancer’s Tools & Resources page highlighting valuable resources to help you successfully run your freelance business. You’ll find recommendations for apps, tools, training, services, websites, blogs, podcasts, books, videos, and more! If you’ve got a resource you love, let me know about it.

Thanks for allowing me into your inbox!

I look forward to sharing my freelance journey with you, and I look forward to hearing about yours. I’m just here as your guide. Take what works for you, and tweak it to your needs. Rinse. Repeat.

I’ll be back in two Fridays with another edition of Expert•ish Freelancer.

In the meantime….

Be kind. Do good. Give thanks. 😊

With gratitude,
Lisa

FYI: In yoga, the instructor often closes the session by saying “namaste” as a way of acknowledging and honoring the light, spirit, or goodness within each person in the class. 🧘‍♀️ It’s often used as a closing to convey unity (we’re all interconnected), gratitude (thank you for this shared experience), respect (I respect you and your journey), and peace (may you find peace within yourself). Essentially, it's a way to acknowledge the shared experience and to leave with a sense of peace and connection. 😊