Welcome to the 33rd edition of Expert•ish Freelancer, a newsletter that helps you grow your freelance business with confidence. Get tips, tools, and insights every other Friday to help you save time, make money, and work smarter based on my 35⁺ years as a freelance writer.

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Hi, Friend!

I unexpectedly had to go to New Jersey to attend the funeral of my brother-in-law, who bravely fought pancreatic cancer for the last two years. (RIP, Mark. 😢) The bright spot was visiting with family and friends whom I haven’t seen in a long time.

Fortunately, as a freelance business owner, I was able to do this with minimal issues. I didn’t have to ask anyone for permission to take time off. I didn’t need to limit my “bereavement leave” to 1-2 days because of a corporate policy.

I just proactively emailed a few clients regarding some current projects I was working on, and I was good to go. I brought my computer with me so I could get some things done (like this newsletter) while I’m traveling and have some downtime.

Freelancing is all about freedom and flexibility.

Today’s newsletter highlights how to make the most of a slow summer.

🔍 Key Takeaways: 

✅ Summer slowdown is normal.
✅ Use downtime strategically.
✅ Invest in yourself.

Today’s issue is brought to you by 1440 Media. Sponsors help keep the newsletter free, so please click on their link to check out their offer! ⬇️ 

Looking for the last newsletter? Find it here: EF #32: 🎯 How to Pitch Dream Clients.

10 Ways to Beat the Summer Slump

Summer can be a weird time for freelancers. Clients vanish into vacation mode, your inbox transforms into a ghost town, and you start wondering if you've accidentally become invisible. (Hello? Anyone out there?)

But before you spiral into full-blown imposter syndrome or start doom-scrolling LinkedIn to see how everyone else is “crushing it,” take a breath. The summer slowdown is real—and it's not a reflection of your worth as a freelancer.

Here's the truth: Summer is just a season, literally and figuratively. And my recent LinkedIn poll reflects this annual trend.

10 Ways to Beat the Summer Slump

After 35+ summers in this business, I can tell you it always picks up again. Below, I’ve highlighted 10 strategies that will help you get through a slow season.

1. Reframe the slowdown It's not you, it's the calendar. That quiet inbox isn't a referendum on your talent—it's just summer. Half the world is sipping 🍹cocktails on a beach somewhere. If your business is otherwise healthy and you've budgeted for leaner months, reframe this time as a gift. You finally have space to work on your business, not just in it.
   

2. Start that dream project. What's sitting on your “someday” list? That novel outline? The podcast idea? The bedroom makeover that's been haunting you since 2019? Now's your chance. Sometimes the best thing for your business brain 🧠 is to give it a completely different challenge. You might be surprised how a personal project can spark fresh ideas for your work.

3. Update your portfolio. Time for a portfolio audit. Swap out those ancient samples for your latest 🌟 hits. If you're like me, your (ancient and new) clips are scattered everywhere—website, LinkedIn, Contently, etc. Showcase your best, most recent work and retire most of your “classics.”

4. Refresh your website. Be honest—when did you last update your site? If the answer involves counting years (🙋‍♀️), it's time for a refresh.

   Curate your samples (see #3), add testimonials for social proof, update your headshot (yes, that 10-year-old one), and make sure your services are crystal clear. Your website should work as hard as you do.

5. Check your rates. When did you last raise them? If you're thinking “raise them?” you're definitely overdue. The best way to attract bigger, better clients is to slowly increase your rates 💰over time. New clients get new rates. Existing clients get annual bumps. Your skills have grown—your rates should too.

6. Dream big. Make a list of dream clients and bucket-list publications. Then do your homework. Study their websites, read their content, identify gaps you could fill. Check out their teams to see who you should connect with. For publications, analyze their style, topics, and formats. What's their editorial calendar 📆 look like? Who handles what sections? Research beats random pitching every time.

7. Reconnect and re-engage. Summer is perfect for nurturing your network. Reach out to former clients just to say 👋 (no hard sell), comment meaningfully on colleagues' posts, or send a friendly check-in to that editor you haven't heard from lately. Relationships are built on trust, not transactions. A simple “thinking of you” can spark unexpected opportunities.

8. Find your tribe. If you don't have a freelance community yet, summer's the time to find one. Look for places where you can ask for advice, share resources, celebrate 🎉 wins, and commiserate over the inevitable weirdness of freelance life. I’m in a few Facebook groups for freelance writers, but I also recently joined Treasa Edmond’s Boss Responses community. (It’s free, plus there’s a pro version if you want to upgrade.) The right community can be a game-changer for both your business and your sanity.

9. Invest in yourself. When did you last take a course, read a business book, or watch a TED Talk 🎤 that made you think differently? Use this downtime to sharpen existing skills or explore new ones. If you've been considering coaching, now might be the perfect time to invest in your professional development.

10. Rest and recharge. Unless you desperately need work to pay bills (and I get that this is reality for many), take some actual time off. Plan a getaway, take an afternoon off, go for a swim, or 📞 a friend. You don't have to earn your downtime or ask permission. That's the beauty of being your own boss!

So if summer feels slow, don't panic. Use this time to recharge, reconnect, and invest in yourself. The work will pick up again—it always does.

👉 What's your go-to strategy for beating the summer slump? Hit reply and let me know—I read every response, and your question might inspire the next newsletter!

Cue the Happy Tears

therainmakerfamily

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• 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 always reach me at [email protected]. 

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• 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 Beach

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. 😊