Is growing your freelance writing business something you’re hoping for in 2025?
No matter where you’re at in your freelance business—just starting out or ready to take things to the next level—the path is exciting, challenging, and uncertain!
If you follow the freelancing discussions on LinkedIn (or any social media platform really), then you’ll come away with the perspective that 2023 and 2024 were difficult years. Maybe even more difficult than the recession in 2008-2009.
And I get it. I mean, we had a flood of new freelancers ramp up competitiveness thanks to mass layoffs in tech, marketing, and publishing (to name a few sectors). And AI? Who even knows what the job market and jobs will look like it its wake.
Here are 8 practical strategies for staying focused on building a strong foundation to achieve sustainable success.
As a freelancer, I think we need to be prepared for an ever-changing path. This isn’t a “set it and forget it” type of career path…I mean, how could it be? At its core our goal as writers is to deliver great content but to succeed as a freelancer you need agility, a strategic mind, an eye on the big picture, and the flexibility.
Not easy, but for the right personality type (generalist multi-passionate anyone?) it can be extremely fulfilling. And if you can stick out the tough years and continue offering value to your clients…then you’ll have cracked the code to growing your freelance business in any economy.
Create a clear vision and plan
What’s the saying? A goal without a plan is just a wish? I think that’s the way it goes.
I truly believe the best way to grow your freelance business is by setting S.M.A.R.T. goals—sorry to be so corporate on you, but it just works!
Goals help you dial in on what really matters to you, and helps you decide what to pay attention to in the vast sea of shiny objects.
What are your goals? Where do you want your career to take you? Get clear on where you’re going, draft the map to get there (in pencil, of course), and make a plan on how to follow it.
I recommend breaking down your big goal (or goals) into short-term and long-term milestones. For instance, a smaller goals could include pitching three new clients or articles in the next month. A longer-term milestone could include raising your rates over the next year. These steps keep your vision actionable and allow you to track your progress towards your BIG goal.
Develop strong professional skills
Running a thriving freelance business requires more than writing and editing skills, you need to develop other important skills such as effective communication, attention to detail, reliability, proactive problem solving, and more.
You’ve heard it before: respond to messages in a timely way, clarify expectations in writing, deliver work on time. As simple as it sounds, the busier you get the more difficult these basics become. Develop systems to help you stay on top of these important professional skills and you’ll stand out from the crowd and become your clients’ go-to freelancer.
Focus on finances and budgeting
I know, you got into writing because you’re not a “numbers person.” Well, I hate to break it to you but understanding your finances and creating and sticking to a budget are going to be pretty important if you’re looking at growing your freelance business.
It can be difficult to know what to charge, or even what you need. Start by documenting at all your expenses and financial commitments, this will give you a starting place for the minimum you need to earn in order to cover your bills. Next, set your financial targets based on what you’d like to earn, and you’ll see the gap between where you are and where you’re going. Then, create a plan for how you’ll get there.
Make it a habit to track your financial performance regularly (monthly, at minimum). Monitor income, expenses, and profits to get a clear picture of where your money is going. There are many helpful tools (accounting software or apps designed for freelancers), which can help simplify this process and keep you on top of your finances.
Stay on top of your taxes
Do you take your business seriously? If so, then pay your taxes! They’re certainly not an exciting part of being a freelancer, but ignoring them or avoiding them is a recipe for trouble. Tax compliance and responsible tax planning allows you to grow your business while also optimizing your cash flow.
Even if you’re not sure what you’re doing, you can keep thorough records of everything you earn and everything you spend just in case you need it at tax time. Organize your receipts, keep copies of your invoices, and stay on top of your business write-offs so you’re not buried in paperwork at tax time.
By the way, taxes can be more complex than this depending on the industry you work in. For example, if you’re in the logistics industry, you’re required to file fuel taxes under the International Fuel Tax Agreement (ifta). This means you have to track your kilometers/miles, fuel purchases, and usage across regions.
If taxes feel overwhelming or you don’t trust yourself to file properly, consider hiring a professional accountant or using tax software tailored for freelancers. While it’s an added expense, it’s worth the peace of mind and accuracy.
Build and maintain relationships
People buy from people. Strong connections with your clients makes it easy for them to continue working with you, or to refer you to others.
Good relationships begin by fostering trust and open communication. Take time to understand their needs and goals—you’re not just an order taker, you’re a strategic partner. How can you help them succeed? Deliver high-quality work consistently and be proactive about resolving issues. Show them that you’re invested in their success, not just a payday.
And don’t forget to nurture relationships with past clients. A simple check-in email can remind them of your value and potentially lead to new projects.
Use technology effectively
Having a paper sticky-note system is fine if that’s how you work best (I’m there with you), but leveraging technology where appropriate is going to allow you to grow and scale your business. When used wisely, the right tools can make your work faster, easier, and more efficient.
Writing tools can help polish your drafts, while project management apps keep your deadlines organized. Accounting software simplifies invoicing and expense tracking. Even graphic design tools can help you create eye-catching pitch decks or marketing materials.
Stay updated on advancements in your industry. Is there new software that top freelancers are using? Test it out to see if it adds value to your business. Just be mindful of adopting too much tech at once. The goal is to simplify, not complicate, your workflow.
Adapt and evolve
The freelance writing market is constantly changing. New platforms emerge, client needs shift, and industry trends evolve. Being able to adapt is essential if you want to stay competitive.
Pay attention to market trends and what’s happening in your niche. Are clients asking for more multimedia content? Are AI tools reshaping how writing happens? Is there a way you can add more value by layering on another service? Keep your ear to the ground and be willing to pivot your strategy and offers as needed.
Stay committed to the long game
Hard times help refine you and show you what you’re made of. While many people may be learning that freelancing isn’t for them and are choosing to return to the job market, others are doubling down on themselves and staying focused on their long-term goals.
Success in freelancing is nuanced, and your “why” has to be bigger than how much you earn or where you have bylines. Your why will help you stay strong in the face of adversity and market volatility. Your why will allow you to experience failure, disappointment, and setbacks without giving up. Staying committed to the reason you got into freelancing will help you stay strong and keep going.
Consistency matters, so keep showing up even when it’s tough. Over time, these small, sustained efforts will pay off.
When challenges do arise, treat them as lessons. Each obstacle offers an opportunity to grow, improve, and come back stronger.
