Andy Strote

#FreelanceFriends sorry I didn’t make yesterday’s chat. Old school client meeting, F2F, in a little corporate meeting room, 17th floor… like the old days.

Reviewing graphics, stats, copy…

Followed by fancy lunch (Ritz Carlton!)
which ended with a Scotch because my client likes fancy Scotches. 🥃

Freelancers, should you have a niche? Yes, full stop.

But there are many ways to define a niche. By industry sector or technology, for example.

The #1 reason to have a niche? So people can easily describe what you do and refer you.

Your niche is what people say about you. So?

As it turns out, most of my regrets are related to shows I didn’t see. Buy the damn ticket!

Here’s why you want to start your own agency… big conglomerates are failing. Revenue down, clients unhappy.

This is your opportunity. Clients love working directly with the people who do the work.

There’s never been a better time to launch your own agency.

Got laid off from your copywriter, designer or programmer job? Maybe it’s time to launch your freelance business.

Here’s everything you need about getting and keep clients and managing your business.

Get 20% OFF now on How to Become a Successful Creative Freelancer on Amazon.

Freelancers: here's another reason to bill by the project. Let’s say you have a project that could be $5,000. It could also be $6,000.

The client has no idea whether it should cost $5,000 or $6,000.

More flexibility for you. No talk of hours or rates. Cost for the deliverable.

Freelancers, should you have a niche? Yes, full stop.

But there are many ways to define a niche. By industry sector or technology, for example.

The #1 reason to have a niche? So people can easily describe what you do and refer you.

Your niche is what people say about you. So?

Tip for new freelancers: to launch and grow your freelance business, learn from successful freelancers who offer real-world advice.

Top of the list: Lizzie Davey. Find her website, sign up for her newsletter. Practical, useful ideas every week.

Thank me later.

Want to transition from full-time to freelance?

Here’s one way…

Get a full-time 1/2 day job. Get someone to pay you for 3 hrs a day.

Use the rest of the day to build your freelance biz.

Where to get the 1/2 day job? How about your current employer?

Learn how, right here…

Freelancers: Is it time to re-focus your business to attract long-term clients?

They're easier to work with, there's no competition for projects, and you become an expert in their business.

Everything you need to know right here…

Freelancers: Should you have contracts with clients?

Yes.

Will a contract ensure you get paid?

No.

So why have them?

Many reasons:
To start off right. You both agree to the terms.
To agree on definitions. What's "a round of changes"?
To set the tone for the relationship.

A2 I get briefs that I know were AI generated. I don’t mind. They’re usually pretty good.

But then I write whatever I think works for the client. Do snippets of the AI-generated briefs end up in the copy? Yeah sometimes. I’m ok with that. #FreelanceFriends

Hi Jennifer. Welcome. Would be interested to know whether AI has had an impact on your work, and whether you see you work reflected in AI queries. #FreelanceFriends

#FreelanceFriends Andy in Toronto, still writing for a few clients but mostly retired, am happy to say I don’t have any AI issues with clients.

I get AI generated briefs, but my delivery is all me. Seems to be working. 🤷‍♂️

Thinking of starting an agency? I started two—both times with a partner.

Have your criteria ready if you're looking for a partner.

Also, advertise. Let people know. Don't count on people you already know, or friends of friends.

It's a big world. Lots of talent out there.

Freelancers, here are the clients you DON'T WANT:

One-off project (don't usually market)
No written brief (I'll just tell you)
No defined budget ($0)
No experience marketing (know it when I see it)
No research (too much work)
Needs it done quickly (of course)

What else?

Freelancers, there are four ways to bill:

1. Time (hour, day, week)
2. Fixed price per project
3. Value price
4. Retainer

Which do you use?

One method, or a combination?

Did you start one way and move to another?

Let’s talk money 🚀⏳💰🙏

Freelancers: How confident are you in your pricing?

Could you charge more if you were more confident? (Spoiler: yes you could)

Learn how to build confidence and increase your billings....👇

Creatives, are you thinking of going freelance or starting your own agency?

It will take you six months to plan and get ready for launch. If you start now, that means late summer, going into fall.

The perfect time to announce your new business. Start now. This will help…

Thinking of starting your own agency? Got some clients? Money in the bank? A partner or team? What’s holding you back?

A little bit of fear? Get over it.

There has never been a better time. We’re in an age of change and chaos.

It’s the best time to announce yourself. Do it!

Freelancers, how do you go from solo freelancer to launching an agency?

1. Have solid clients who will follow you
2. Have money in the bank. You’ll need it
3. Find a great partner. It’s easier with two

That what worked for me. Two of us, both with clients, equal owners. Do it!

#FreelanceFriends Also, remember that when people look for you, they’re likely looking for your business.

Everyone except your mom…

Thanks. 😘

#FreelanceFriends Yeah, sad days in Canada.

Generally @cbc.ca is ok other than politically they cover right-wing lies as news, no questions, no pushback.

#FreelanceFriends Sorry I missed the boat. Busy morning. I’ll catch up.

Freelancers, to be successful, you want to get “professional clients”. What are professional clients?

They have dedicated budgets for your work. The money is corporate, not personal.

They have the authority to make decisions and allocate budgets.

They respond quickly.

Freelancers, what is the most important requirement for building a successful freelance business? Just this:

That you get professional clients who give you lots of repeat business. That should be your primary goal.

Far easier and more lucrative than chasing one-off clients.

Freelancers, reliability is EVERYTHING! Asking for extensions, blowing deadlines, missing important steps… you become too hard to work with. Not worth the trouble.

Reliability sounds boring compared to red-hot talent. But don’t fool yourself. Reliability is table stakes.

Freelancers, what’s more important than your talent, sparkling personality, and responsiveness? Just one thing…

Reliability. Delivering on or before deadline. You may think asking for a one-day extension is no big deal. Until you learn your client needed it that day. Oops!

From an investment advisor: Adobe shares are off 38% over the past 12 months.

The thinking is that AI might make Photoshop less attractive – why hire a graphic designer when you can just enter prompts?

Wondering why the cost of your Adobe software package keeps going up?