How did you first get into freelancing, and what motivated you to choose this path?
I’ve been freelance since 2017. Before making the switch, I’d worked in SEO for 8 years and prior to that I’d been a web developer for over 10 years. When I first got into SEO it was very much a low quality numbers game in terms of links and content which was easily gamed, but over time it became more technical with an emphasis on website optimsiation.
During this time I developed an audit process that consistently delivered organic SEO results coupled with an upturn in website performance.
I began to see that having experience in both SEO and web developments was a real USP, not many people covered both areas, and if you do, your skills are in high demand.
I hit 40 and had two choices, to go down the career path of management and leadership which I didn’t enjoy, or, focus on what I do enjoy and spend my days auditing, configuring and optimising websites.
So I choose the latter and have never looked back.
How do you find and secure new clients?
Pretty much all my work since day one has been word of mouth and referal. I have done some paid ads recently which yielded some new clients. I find if you can do one good job for a client, they will know someone else who needs something doing, or, have more for you to do.
What tools or resources have been indispensable in your freelancing career?
I use Harvest to track time and budgets across all projects. I find it invaluable to be able to see how much time is spent on a project and if they are within budget.
How do you maintain a work-life balance, especially when working from home?
I have a dog which I walk daily. I make sure I do exercise during the day as a break rather than at the start of end of the day as was the case in a 9 to 5 job. But I really enjoy doing what I do, so I don’t mind doing it of an evening or at the weekend. Life always comes first though, work second.
How do you handle competition in the freelance market?
I generally don’t believe I have any competition. I think there is enough work to go round for everyone.
What advice would you give to someone who’s considering freelancing as a career?
Just do it. If you’ve been thinking about if for some time and the thoughts won’t go away, then itch that scratch. And if it doesn’t work out, so be it. But there’s only one way to find out.
