For most freelancers, the concept of taking an extended break—be it for maternity leave, personal health, or a sabbatical—has been shrouded in trepidation. We love the idea of a long break...
What do you do when a client or prospect has a piece of long-form content they’ve written internally and they want your help finishing it? What do you quote? What’s the right way to frame ...
As I record this episode in March of 2024, we’ve yet to feel the effects of generative AI in our solo businesses. So why are so many writers, copywriters, and solo marketers losing business?...
For many years there has been a myth among journalists that journalism and content marketing can’t coexist. You either have to focus on journalism work or on content marketing, but not on bo...
This episode is very different from what I typically do on this show. It’s a candid conversation between Sarah Greesonbach and me on a number of random topics. Sarah is not only a very ta...
2023 has not been a great year for many writers and solo marketing professionals. And when business is not great, one of the first things we ask ourselves is, Should I change or modify my offe...
Freelancing is both a blessing and a curse. It’s a blessing because you’re in charge. You call the shots — not some overpaid and incompetent boss who has no business managing people. ...
We truly don’t talk enough about money and prosperity in the freelancing community. And that’s too bad, because the more we talk about this issue in positive and productive ways, the greater ...
How do you feel about outsourcing some of your work? Most writers I talk with are either completely against this idea. Or they tell me that they’ve tried it and it didn’t work out. Or that...
One of the most important capabilities you can develop as a self-employed professional is the ability to pivot and adapt as your business grows and your life situation evolves. Not only is lif...
When your business gets really challenging, it’s very common to feel like you need to make a drastic move. Like pivoting to a different target market. Or offering a totally different set of ...
Earning more in less time is not just about getting higher fees for your work. It’s also about being more productive and approaching client projects more efficiently. And a key part of writi...
When we’re in a challenging economy, most of us operate from a place of fear. And fear causes us to either keep our fees the same or to lower them. But I have a different recommendation for you...
https://edgandia.libsyn.com/332-yes-you-should-still-raise-your-fees-even-in-this-economy
The real test of the strength of your own positioning, messaging and marketing is when the economy is challenging. Not when clients are flush with cash and enjoying overinflated marketing budgets...
Last month I had the pleasure and honor to keynote The Content Byte Summit in Sydney, Australia, along with my friend and colleague Jennifer Goforth Gregory. The conference was top-notch. And by ...
How do you know if (or when) you’re pricing yourself beyond what the overall market can bear? That’s the question I address in today’s short podcast episode. I talk about this idea of “wh...
In this episode, I explore this idea further and offer advice for how to be a more effective coach to yourself. And I include examples of what I do in between engagements with my own coach.
In this week’s short podcast episode, I detail 3 ways to raise your fees effectively ... even in a difficult economy. It’s all about thinking of the challenge differently and in a more creati...
In this week’s short podcast episode I share some powerful insights from a world-renowned music producer on how to have more breakthroughs in your business and personal life.
https://edgandia.libsyn.com/326-the-real-nature-of-breakthroughs-in-your-business-and-your-work
In this conversation, Shane details how he and his wife have built and grown a very reliable income stream in the span of a couple of years. He talks openly about all the mistakes they made and h...
Ed Gandia, co-author of the bestselling book, The Wealthy Freelancer, reveals how to propel your writing business to the six-figure level (or the part-time equivalent). In this nuts-and-bolts, no-nonsense podcast, you'll discover how to get better clients, earn more in less time, and bring more freedom and joy into your writing business. Ed will walk you through the practical, “doable” systems and strategies he has developed in his own writing business — the same systems he has taught his private coaching clients. He'll also show you what’s working for other business writers by bringing you real case studies from the field. And he'll share all this information in an honest and transparent way, with no hype or fluff. Topics covered include: getting better and higher-paying clients; banishing the feast-or-famine cycle; doing more of the work that excites you; how to raise your fees and rates; boosting your productivity; making your business recession-proof; discovering and leveraging your strengths; finding your niche; pricing content writing projects; pricing copywriting projects; writing white papers; writing case studies; writing web copy; writing articles; and much more.
https://edgandia.libsyn.com/ep325-rob-marsh-on-leveraging-ai-to-grow-your-freelance-business
In this week’s episode, I discuss this all-too-common scenario. And I share some ideas for how to turn things around... starting with your mindset.
This week’s episode is the next installment in this series on AI. We focus on the impact of this technology is having (and will have) on the business of content marketing and copywriting.
Have you given thought to what weekly and daily rhythm works best for YOU? That’s what we’re discussing in this week’s podcast episode. I’ll share how I structure my week and how you cand...
In this week’s podcast episode, I discuss the four different scenarios you might be in right now, and what each of them asks of you. I then lay out three high-level strategies for shoring up yo...
Working on the business is about anything related to improving the business. It includes everything from thinking about the vision and direction of your business to brainstorming, strategizing, p...
In this week’s podcast episode, we’re going to get tactical. My guest is my good friend and colleague Jennifer Gregory. Many of you know her as a very successful and accomplished freelance wr...
A coaching client recently asked me what she needed to do to start going after and landing well-known clients. In today's podcast episode, I’ll share the advice and guidance I gave her.
In today’s episode, I talk with someone who’s doing this right now. Her name is Jaclyn Schiff, and she’s the founder of PodReacher — a content agency that’s exclusively focused on helpi...
Joining me in today’s podcast episode is my colleague Jonathan Stark, a sought-after coach, and consultant in the software development space.
In this conversation, we dive right into the ChatGPT controversy. Sarah brings in analysis and opinions from a wide range of industry experts on the issue.
In this short podcast episode, I share what the club owner told Steven. Why it was a pivotal moment for him. And how you and I can use this bit of wisdom to reframe our own “failures.”
Here’s a much healthier and authentic way to approach the selling process as a writer or copywriter. You’ll discover how to approach prospect conversations much more effectively and with grea...
My family and I have been buying from White Oak Pastures for a number of years. We’ve been very impressed with how they run their farm and their business. They’re true innovators who are maki...
In this latest episode of the podcast, you’ll hear from my friend and colleague Patti DeNucci, an expert in the field of making stronger connections and leading more enjoyable conversations ......
What the Appalachian Trail can teach us about overthinking our businesses.
In this latest episode of the podcast, you’ll learn a painless way of (finally!) developing that marketing habit ... and how you can finally put an end to the damaging feast-or-famine cycle. We...
How to overcome your resistance to implementing new business strategies.
In this latest episode of the podcast, we discuss the opportunity of growing and selling a writing business or a content website ... what that looks like ... and what it could mean for you.
Why finding the right weekly workflow is essential to your productivity—and happiness.
In today’s podcast, I’m going to be talking about the importance of pushing yourself in your business. Not because of some desire for greater income or some other external reward. But because...
Why copywriters and content marketers stay stuck in their routines—and what they lose when they don’t question them.
Eight areas of your business that you should evaluate once you’re consistently booked solid.
Three sets of questions that can help you consistently get through your to-do list.
How copywriters can grow and thrive in this competitive and uncertain market, with Kira Hug and Rob Marsh.
Use this criteria to make an objective, strategic decision about which clients to keep and which to let go.
Two clues to help you decide whether an opportunity is worth pursuing—or not.
The dangers of blindly following what others are doing—using investing as an illustrative example.
Dave Snyder of CopyPress explains how he succeeded in a market filled with content agencies.
Watch out for these two cognitive biases. They can trick us into doing the wrong thing in our business.
Why we undervalue our client work, and how we can better support each other as we pursue higher fees.
Ed Gandia, co-author of the bestselling book, The Wealthy Freelancer, reveals how to propel your writing business to the six-figure level (or the part-time equivalent). In this nuts-and-bolts, no-nonsense podcast, you'll discover how to get better clients, earn more in less time, and bring more freedom and joy into your writing business. Ed will walk you through the practical, “doable” systems and strategies he has developed in his own writing business — the same systems he has taught his private coaching clients. He'll also show you what’s working for other business writers by bringing you real case studies from the field. And he'll share all this information in an honest and transparent way, with no hype or fluff. Topics covered include: getting better and higher-paying clients; banishing the feast-or-famine cycle; doing more of the work that excites you; how to raise your fees and rates; boosting your productivity; making your business recession-proof; discovering and leveraging your strengths; finding your niche; pricing content writing projects; pricing copywriting projects; writing white papers; writing case studies; writing web copy; writing articles; and much more.
Five different ways to create recurring revenue—and what you need to do today to make more of it.
The problems with perfectionism—and what we should aim for instead.
Adam Kimmel describes how he build his six-figure content writing business on the side while working full-time as an engineer.
In today’s podcast episode, business journalist Elaine Pofeldt to offer her ideas and advice for successfully creating a microbusiness—that is, a business with no more than 20 employees (incl...
Ed Gandia, co-author of the bestselling book, The Wealthy Freelancer, reveals how to propel your writing business to the six-figure level (or the part-time equivalent). In this nuts-and-bolts, no-nonsense podcast, you'll discover how to get better clients, earn more in less time, and bring more freedom and joy into your writing business. Ed will walk you through the practical, “doable” systems and strategies he has developed in his own writing business — the same systems he has taught his private coaching clients. He'll also show you what’s working for other business writers by bringing you real case studies from the field. And he'll share all this information in an honest and transparent way, with no hype or fluff. Topics covered include: getting better and higher-paying clients; banishing the feast-or-famine cycle; doing more of the work that excites you; how to raise your fees and rates; boosting your productivity; making your business recession-proof; discovering and leveraging your strengths; finding your niche; pricing content writing projects; pricing copywriting projects; writing white papers; writing case studies; writing web copy; writing articles; and much more.
Discover the two-part question I ask during every discovery call to qualify prospects—and land those that are a good fit.
Chrissie Zavicar describes how you can use LinkedIn newsletters and other new features to gain exposure and generate targeted leads.
Discover the value of not-yet-ready prospects, and why they’re an important—yet often overlooked—part of any successful business.
Learn why Stoneyfield decided to partner with Walmart—and what it can teach us about our own business decisions.
My thoughts on courage, fear, risk and perfectionism—and why everyone needs to get comfortable being uncomfortable.
Learn why you need to stop lowering your fees to get in the door with clients—and how you should approach them instead.
What you should (and shouldn’t) do when your business hits bottom.
Our businesses are as susceptible to single points of failure as any engineering project—unless we take steps to find and mitigate them.
Michele Linn talks about how she got into original research, what the work entails, how she finds clients, and how much these projects command in fees.
Respond thoughtfully—instead of reacting emotionally—to negative client feedback by following these five steps.
What a passage from media mogul Peter Barton’s book can teach us about how we perceive our unobtained goals.
Three pieces of advice that will help you finally solve your most complex and stubborn business problems.
Teresa Huff, a grant-writing coach, and nonprofit strategist, explains how you can add grant writing to your list of services.
Enjoy a free-flowing conversation about you can live a life of abundance with a teacher, coach, and wonderful human being, Peleg Top.
A powerful quote from habit expert James Clear reminds us why saying yes can be a problem—and why saying no can have a big upside.
Freelance writer and mom to six children, Linsey Knerl, describes how she’s hiring her kids in her freelance business.
In today’s podcast episode, I explain why your hesitation to go after bigger clients probably isn’t about a lack of qualifications—and has to do with giving yourself permission.
Discover what the movie Moneyball can teach you about how to succeed as a freelance writer, copywriter, or marketing consultant.
In today’s short podcast episode, I’ll explain why you can’t escape the fundamentals—and where you should put your efforts instead.
In today’s podcast episode, you’ll hear how and why Austin transformed his business to make it more profitable by going deeper with his clients.
In today’s podcast episode, I walk you through my process for brainstorming solutions to big, complex problems.
In this podcast episode, I’ll describe when it does—and doesn’t—make sense to post your fees on your website.
In today’s podcast episode, my guest Will Henshall, CEO, and founder of Focus@Will, explains what we can do to get and stay focused.
In today’s podcast episode, I share how you can open yourself up to transformative ideas, practice detachment, and take inspired action.
In today’s podcast episode, I detail three important ways to set expectations and boundaries with your new clients.
Stefan Georgi, one of the top direct response copywriters in the world, shares his story of landing better clients, raising his fees, and multiplying his options.
In today’s podcast episode, I talk about why—and how— to dig deeper before responding to common requests and questions from clients and prospects.
Ask yourself these three big questions to change the way you think about the problem of how to scale your business.
In today’s podcast episode, I talk about the importance of trusting your gut.
In today’s podcast episode, I brainstorm ideas to syndicate one of your current services.
In this podcast episode, Gordon Graham (That White Paper Guy) and I discuss the six main reasons why white paper projects fail.
In today’s podcast episode, I explain the difference between a custom and productized service using a surprising metaphor.
In today’s podcast episode, writer Kaleigh Moore gives four concrete reasons why she commands strong fees for her blog posts
Barbara Huson, financial therapist and wealth coach, joins us for today’s podcast episode.
In today’s podcast episode, I make the case for not nickel and diming your clients—and I describe where you should put your energy instead.
In today’s podcast episode, I boil down the thousands of ways you can grow your income into five core factors.
The lessons I’ve learned through my complex relationship with money—lessons you can draw from to improve your own financial health.
In this podcast episode, I delve into how we should think about the year ahead—and whether we can still set goals when the future looks so uncertain.
In this short podcast episode, I relay Josh Groban’s story—and explain what it can teach us about the role preparation plays in “lucky breaks.”
In today’s podcast episode, Karen gives simple tips and ideas we can all implement to reduce stress and anxiety and have more effective video calls.
In today’s short podcast episode, I talk about the dangers of making business decisions based on what your writing colleagues say about the market.
In this podcast episode, legendary marketer Brian Kurtz describes the seven critical success factors used by direct marketing legends — and how those principles still apply today.
In today’s short podcast episode, I talk about the power of exclusivity—and how you can leverage it to attain higher fees and book your schedule as a writer or content marketer.
In this podcast episode, learn how to lead sales conversations with confidence — and land more projects — by following Nikki Rausch’s five-step selling process.
In today’s short podcast episode, I explore why you’re better off improving what you’ve already built than building something entirely new.
In today’s short podcast episode, I give a different way of making decisions that will help you come up with better, smarter solutions—with a lot less drama.
In today’s short podcast episode, I share how to overcome shyness and fear by taking smart, calculated risks.
In today’s short podcast episode, I explain how to approach projects where the scope of work or solution isn’t immediately evident.
Discover how you can harness the power of video storytelling to differentiate yourself from competitors, with guest filmmaker, Jude Charles.
In today’s short podcast episode, I review four critical success factors you MUST have in place for email prospecting.
In this short podcast episode, a comparison between music producers and content marketers or writers and the lessons it holds for how we perceive the value of our work.
In this short podcast episode, I reveal the dangers of letting preconceived notions about what’s “reasonable” set the parameters for pricing client projects.
In this short podcast episode, I explain how shifting your mindset from working for yourself to working for your clients can get you what want.
In this podcast episode, I walk through an exercise that can help you recognize your value and approach prospects and clients with greater confidence.
In this episode, I share two ways to get prospects to respond to your final follow up attempt by creating a pattern interrupt.
In this podcast episode, I outline my new approach to project pricing — and how a simple mindset shift can make all the difference in the growth of your income and business.
In today’s podcast episode, Danielle Hughes gives you the tools you need to create content that sounds like YOU and stands out in a world of sameness.
In this podcast episode, I tell the story of the 17th-century Dutch painter, Sir Peter Lely to see what it can teach us a lot about outsourcing — and where we bring the greatest value.
In today’s podcast episode, my guest and I reveal a simple, 12-month financial action plan you can use to get your financial house in order.
In this short podcast episode, I relate the story of our washing machine repairs — and what it can teach us about pricing our services and understanding our value.
In today’s podcast episode, my guest Romi Neustadt describes how you can have it all by setting priorities and figuring out where to put your focus.
In today’s podcast episode, I’m joined by Mike McDerment, co-founder and CEO of FreshBooks, who has a message about pricing that we all need to here.
In this podcast episode, I reveal what you can to stop prospects from “ghosting” you.
In this podcast episode, I describe three levers you can pull to become an indispensable resource to your clients and foster long-term, mutually beneficial relationships.
In today’s short podcast episode, I share two imperatives that you can use to guide your thinking about finding and acquiring clients.
In today’s podcast episode, PR powerhouse Kelly Glover reveals how writers can use podcasting to get more clients and build their brand.
In this podcast episode, we have a father who explains why he wrote a letter to his son in the midst of the pandemic.
In this podcast episode, freelance writer Kaleigh Moore reveals how she minimizes stress while keeping work fun and rewarding.
In this short podcast episode, I encourage freelance writers to take a chance and rewrite their own rulebook.
In this podcast episode, Cole Shafer describes how he landed clients such as Google, FreshBooks, and other brand name companies — and how he did it in less than three years.
In this short podcast episode, I talk about why it’s important to emotionally detach from the outcome of your project proposals. And what can happen when you don’t.
In today’s podcast episode, my guest Laura Khalil discusses how women in tech can succeed with the help of courageous leadership.
In this short podcast episode, I use the restaurant industry to illustrate that even when commoditization has taken hold of a market, you can still separate yourself from the pack.
In this podcast episode, I bring in two experts from the Professional Independent Consultants of America to shed light on California’s AB5 law.
In this short podcast episode, I relate how Tony Robbins expresses the value he brings to his clients and how we can apply the same technique to our own businesses.
In this podcast episode, Pamela Wilson of Big Brand System explains how to create your own content faster, more consistently and with less stress.
How to Work at Home with Kids During the Coronavirus Lockdown ... Without Completely Losing Your Sanity
In this podcast episode, Jessica Abel addresses how to create the freedom you need to work on non-urgent endeavors and overcome procrastination and self-doubt.
In this short podcast episode, I reveal an easy way to get more prospects to say “yes” to your proposals — and how to follow up when they don’t.
In this podcast episode, you’ll learn why public speaking is such a valuable skill to have and why you do NOT need to be extroverted to do it well.
In this podcast episode, I examine a different way of framing the services you offer to clients — and what you can learn from how a fast-growing nationwide wellness franchise.
In this podcast episode, Diane Gardner, a certified tax coach, shares how to maximize your tax deductions, make your tax planning easier, and minimize your tax liability.
I’ve rarely seen equity arrangements or payment by the percentage of profits work out for the writer. Here’s what you can do instead.
In this podcast episode, my guest is bestselling author Joanna Penn. Our conversation will expand your thinking about passive income streams and spark ideas about assets that could pay you divide...
In this short podcast episode, I discuss what you need to consider when deciding whether to let go of a client — and the best way to do it.
In this episode, Sarah Greensonbach explains what original research is, what clients can do with it, and how you can pitch it as a service.
In this podcast episode, I discuss a cash management strategy I’ve been using that’s completely revolutionized my finances — and the way I feel about my business.
In this episode, I'm delving into this topic of survivor bias — and how we can use the study of failures and struggles to avoid it and gain deeper insights.
Complaining at length about low rates is fruitless (and dangerous). In this episode, I explain why low rates aren’t the problem you think they are. And how you should start thinking about them ...
In today’s episode, Daphne Gray-Grant explains why you need a crummy first draft, how to use mind mapping for inspiration and tips to stop editing as you write.
In this episode, personal trainer Steve Beck describes how to get started with a simple exercise program if you’re currently at “zero,” and how to build on your current fitness routine if y...
In this podcast episode, I explore a variety of ideas and approaches to drive higher quality leads to your website.
When a qualified prospect asks to meet you in person, respond with “yes, and…” to get the most out of your time.
In this interview, Chris Orzechowski explains why he decided to write a book, how he settled on a topic, and how he got it done quickly. He also shares the massive results he’s enjoyed from the...
In this mini-podcast episode, I explain how a recent scare in my business proved the importance of clearly communicating your value to prospects when presenting your pricing.
Many writers will hire another writer when they’re ready to scale their business. But often, a better first step is to hire a virtual assistant.
In our culture, we sometimes think that if we’re not scaling our business, we’re failing in our business. I dispel that myth in this episode.
Clients and prospects will sometimes toss you a problem to solve. But that doesn’t automatically mean you have to deal with it. Sometimes you should toss the problem back to them.
In this episode, guest Ross Simmonds explains what Fortune 500 clients look for in a writer, how you can generate a steady stream of high-quality corporate leads, and how you can command higher f...
If you want to work more productively — and feel less overwhelmed — you have to make real changes to your business. In this podcast episode, I’m looking at actions you can take to work mor...
Hilary Jastram was forced into entrepreneurship when she became chronically ill a few years ago. In today’s podcast episode, she explains how she’s built a successful business and used her il...
To overcome procrastination, you have to admit that you do it and find ways of dealing with it. In today’s podcast episode, you’ll learn why procrastination is a serious problem and what you ...
Hannah Bower is a content marketer with a background in PR. In this conversation, you’ll learn what freelance PR work entails, how it’s changed and why Hannah decided to get out of it.
Running a freelance business becomes exponentially more challenging when you don’t have the support of your friends and family. In this episode, I share 10 practical tips that will help you if ...
Podcast guest Alex Nerney explains why adding a blog to your freelance writing business is a great way to supplement your writing income and add more predictability to your business.
Following up with prospects is the activity writers dread the most — topped only by prospecting. It feels odd and unnatural. We worry that we’re bothering people or being disres...
For the past two years, Liz Farr has been writing bylined articles for trade publications and content platforms to generate inbound leads and land great new clients — while also getting paid.
It’s hard to find businesses that don’t use some form of content marketing. That’s a big shift from even five years ago. But as its popularity has grown, the fees for content marketing proj...
Most of us leave a ton of money on the table when quoting client work. This is no small thing! Commanding 20-40% more per project could have a huge impact on your business and your life. Think of...
Many introverted writers resist marketing their services and avoid doing what they need to do to grow their businesses. Does that mean you’re doomed to fail as a self-employed writer if you’r...
Content marketing has officially gone mainstream. It’s a “must do” for most businesses in today’s trust economy. While this increased demand has created huge opportunities for writers, it...
Have you ever had a prospect ask for an in-person coffee meeting shortly after connecting? You’ve barely gotten past “hello” and they already want to put something in your calendar! This ra...
Today’s podcast guest provides a classic illustration of the benefits of going deeper with existing clients. Her name is Lindy Alexander. Lindy started freelancing full time in 2017. By the ...
Do you ever get so busy that you forget to invest in yourself? It’s one of the pitfalls of being self-employed. There’s only so much time every week., right? Then again, if you don’t take t...
I’m just going to come right out and say it. Search engine optimization (SEO) has a horrible reputation. For years, SEO companies scammed clients with big promises of boosting their search engi...
Casey Hibbard is one of the best case study writers in North America. She’s literally written hundreds of case studies for dozens of companies. Many of them big names you’d recognize. On the ...
Most commercial writers see themselves as just that: a commercial writer. They describe themselves as writers. And they pitch themselves as writers. Nothing wrong with that! But that’s not ...
I firmly believe that habits are the key to successful execution. Execution is where the rubber meets the road when it comes to making positive changes in our lives. And habits are THE most impor...
When you’re in a leadership position, the people you lead sometimes put you on a pedestal. They think you have everything figured out. That you have no flaws. No struggles. I’m in a leadershi...
This is an exciting time to be alive. The opportunity to make a great living as a self-employed professional has never been better. Changing economic trends, shifting attitudes toward self-employ...
I’ve found that maintaining a high level of productivity is one of the top challenges we face as self-employed professionals. Chris Bailey is an expert who will share a different take on the to...
November 2017, I dedicated a podcast episode to the topic of alternative healthcare insurance options. A year later, in this episode, I circle back to the topic. I asked my listeners to share the...
One of the things I focus on with my coaching clients is improving their productivity. Because if you can’t get your work done efficiently, you’re going to struggle. You won’t meet your ful...
As a freelance professional, your habits and systems will directly determine your level of success and happiness. But how do you develop and sustain the right habits? Are there tricks and strat...
I had a friend who was married to a lawyer. She joked that when she was having trouble falling asleep, she’d ask her husband to talk about copyright law. Apparently, it worked way better (and f...
You can earn a very handsome income working on “transactional” assignments for clients. But for some writers, this model starts to get old. And they often wonder if there’s a better way of ...
In this episode, I’m covering a topic that’s extremely relevant and practical for a big part of my audience: How introverts can turn more prospects into clients. My guest is . Matthew is an i...
Should you give your clients a gift? If so, when is the best time to do this? And what should you give them? Holidays? At the end of your first project? Some other time? This episode is a great c...
I love to look for patterns. And recently I’ve been looking for patterns as I’ve talked with coaching clients and peers who’ve reached the six-figure income level. Through those conversatio...
LinkedIn has quickly become one of the most effective marketing tools for writers and copywriters. But one of the downsides of this social platform is that it can feel overwhelming. How should yo...
Having a well-defined target audience is a critical first step to freelance success. But it doesn’t end there. Because once you’ve identified your audience you now need to find some prospects...
Interesting fact... The biggest reason writers become (and stay) self-employed is freedom and flexibility — not money. Unfortunately, way too many freelance writers are worse off today than the...
When it comes to pricing, the most common question I get is, “How much should I charge for _________?” But no one has ever asked me, “What should my floor rate be?” In other words, the ba...
Many writers I know struggle with analysis paralysis and over-thinking. I see it at all levels of experience and with all types of decisions. It often causes a great deal of stress and anxiety, w...
Ever thought about writing a book? Maybe a thought leadership book, a lead generator for your writing business ... or even a novel? If so, this week’s podcast episode will be right up your alle...
I just published a podcast episode I think you’ll really enjoy. My guest is copywriter Jared Kessler. Jared just went freelance two years ago. But he’s been able to grow his business like c...
Say you can handle about 25 hours of work per week. But your best client suddenly needs your help with a major product launch. And two new clients just hired you to work on some big projects. Oh,...
One of the most confusing and frustrating aspects of launching your freelance writing or copywriting business is looking for clients. Clients don’t just show up at your door. You have to find t...
I’ve been a big proponent of using a lead magnet in your writing business as part of a comprehensive marketing strategy. It’s no panacea. It’s not going to replace your prospecting efforts....
As your business grows, it’s important that you begin attracting prospects and building your authority. There’s nothing like having prospects knocking on your door! Especially when the prospe...
I’m often asked about freelance writing opportunities in the public sector . I know the opportunities exist. But until I talked with this week’s guest, I didn’t know what these opportunitie...
I recently had Joanna Wiebe on the show to talk about . And today we’re continuing that conversation with my colleague Nick Usborne. Nick has written copy for some of the world’s biggest bran...
You’ve heard it before: People do business with people they know, LIKE and trust. But what exactly does it mean to be likeable? Is it a personality thing? Do you have to act or look a certain w...
As I talk with fellow copywriters about what’s happening in the business, one theme keeps coming up: How increasingly difficult it’s becoming to write persuasive copy. That’s long been an i...
Many of us spend time at the end of the year setting goals for the months and year ahead. But have you ever sat down to figure out what you value most in your business and personal life? And more...
Given the choice between prospecting for clients or having prequalified prospects come to YOU, I’ll take the latter any day. Prospecting is an essential part of marketing your writing business....
I remember the blank stares I got in 2006 when I told friends and relatives that I quit my day job to go freelance. Back then, very few people understood what freelancing was ... or that anyone c...
Today we’re talking health insurance for freelancers. More specifically, we’re exploring two unconventional options to traditional health insurance. This is an extremely hot topic given our c...
I think every freelancer should work on building a secondary income stream. Doing so diversifies your income and takes some of the pressure off your client work. It can also help fund some really...
Freaking out about your niche and how to pick the right industry or topic? Or even basically how to position yourself for success? While I have a very specific process for making the best possibl...
Without an attraction marketing strategy in place, you’re missing out on a proven way to generate quality prospects—one that can work for you 24/7 and help position you as the obvious choice.
Denise Kiernan transitioned from journalism and commercial writing into writing books for a living. Denise is the New York Times bestselling author of , as well as a number of other books. In thi...
Prospecting for clients is not on the list of things most of us love to do. We want to do it. We know we should do it. But we just don’t do it as consistently as we should. Sound familiar? If s...
Freelancing continues to grow like crazy. More and more professionals are choosing to leave traditional employment for a more flexible work arrangement. And platforms like Upwork have enabled mil...
All of us are born with a great sense of wonder, courage and boldness. As toddlers, we have tremendous curiosity. And we’re not afraid to explore and to express our creative spirit. But somew...
Over the past few years LinkedIn has become an incredibly powerful lead-generating and prospecting tool for freelancers. We’ve talked about it before on the show. And for Steve Maurer, LinkedIn...
Ever go weeks prospecting for clients without something to show for it? You “knock” on what seems like a ton of doors. But no one seems to be interested. And when you finally get a response, ...
Millennials tend to get a bad rap. The stereotype is that of a spoiled, unemployed and highly educated 25-year-old living in mom and dad’s basement... playing video games, spending inordinate a...
My guest this week is Jeanne Noorman. Jeanne faced a number of challenges when she decided to start her freelance writing business after being a stay-at-home mom since 1985. She had little in the...
If you’re starting out as a freelance writer or copywriter, you’re going to love this podcast interview. My guest is Hannah Glenn, a Los Angeles–based freelance writer. Hannah went through ...
I’ve been fascinated by why some people do consistently well and why others seem to struggle. And why so many fail despite the fact that they’re smarter than average... have more financial re...
Writing sales pages, landing pages, long-form content or detailed articles is not easy. Getting started can be a drag. Writer’s block is often a problem. And even when you get going, it’s dif...
There’s no denying that smart creative professionals are finding unique ways to drum up quality leads and build trust with good prospects online. My guest this week is a perfect example of this...
In this week’s episode we’re going to talk about crappy clients — or “clients from hell,” as my guest calls them. ;-) My guest is Bryce Bladon. Bryce is an award-winning writer, creativ...
Engaging with freelancer professionals (across different industries) brings many benefits to freelance writers. Designer and freelancer Emily Leach explains in the HIBW podcast.
Many authors, speakers and coaches are great at what they do. They often teach life-changing strategies and ideas. But most of them can’t write copy to save their lives. Worse yet, they don’t...
Have you ever tracked your prospect inquiries over a period of time? You’d be surprised how many insights you can get out of this simple exercise! In this interview, my good friend Dianna Huff ...
If you’re planning your marketing efforts for the year, you don’t want to miss this episode. I’ve brought back my friend and colleague Ilise Benun to talk about how you can market your busi...
If you struggle with productivity, this episode is for you. First of all, you’re not alone. Productivity is a big challenge for creative professionals. Working from home means that you’re exp...
This is my favorite time of year. Not just because of the holiday cheer, festive mood and time spent together as a family. But also because of the opportunity to look back at the year. This is a ...
We all have one. A nagging inner critic that won’t go away. The one who keeps telling us we can’t. Or we shouldn’t. Or we’re not good enough. Or we don’t know enough (or have enough exp...
According to a recent comment on our Facebook page, it’s impossible to earn a great living as a writer. Unless, of course, you get lucky and publish a bestselling novel. I don’t bother arguin...
There’s a pattern I’ve seen in virtually every freelance success story. It goes like this: As you begin to move steadily in the direction of your goals, all kinds of serendipitous events begi...
Need more clients? It helps to get exposure to your business via publications your audience consumes. In today’s episode you’ll hear from Marcie Hill, a freelancer writer, blogger and author....
In this episode, we’re going to focus on an industry and a market opportunity you may not have previously considered: copywriting for eCommerce companies. Full disclosure: My guest has a compan...
Most of us view freelancing as a way to make a living. It’s a way to pay the bills by doing work we enjoy — and doing it on our own schedule and on our own terms. And that’s pretty much whe...
If you have a day job, what would you do if you got downsized? Would you look for another job? Or would you use the opportunity to launch your freelance business? That’s exactly what happened t...
This is the most common question I get from new freelance writers and copywriters: “Where do I start, Ed?” In today’s podcast episode, I give you my detailed answer to that question. I reve...
I’m always looking for different and clever ideas to land clients, earn more for the work we do and enjoy more time off. So when I heard from Mojca Mars about the Twitter strategy she used to b...
I don’t enjoy having difficult conversations with clients. I bet you don’t either! But just because it’s not a fun pastime doesn’t mean we should always avoid these conversations. Very of...
Most copywriters understand the power of storytelling and humor in copy. But how do you use these elements appropriately? My guest this week explains how to do this right. His name is Kevin Roger...
I always assumed that food and travel writing didn’t pay well. It just seemed crowded with writers. And as media companies started to fold, this category felt like a starving artist’s (no pun...
For a long time, it seemed like WordPress was the only way to go. It certainly wasn’t the only option for freelancers who needed a website. But it seemed as if it was the only practical option....
North Carolina–based freelance writer Jennifer Gregory has had quite a ride over the past 18 months. She took her business to the six-figure level in 2015. But then shortly after, she lost some...
If you’ve listened to , or of this podcast you already know that I consider myself to be a spiritual person. I believe there’s a big spiritual component to succeeding in any endeavor. It’s ...
When I launched the High-Income Business Writing podcast in April 2013, I was stepping into the unknown. I was excited. And I was nervous. I was excited because I’d successfully launched other ...
The most serious problem facing U.S. taxpayers is the complexity of the Internal Revenue Code. That’s not just my opinion. It’s an actual statement from the IRS! According to the same IRS rep...
I’m all for efficiency. And I’m all for tools and systems that help us become more efficient. The problem is that it’s too easy to get caught up in the efficiency game and lose sight of the...
One of the biggest fears/concerns of new freelance writers: “Who’s going to hire me?” That fear is based on the following assumption: that you need to impress “IBM.” But that’s an inc...
Self-employment is both a blessing and a curse. It's a blessing because we get to chart our own course. We get to pursue projects and clients that are interesting to us. And we can adjust our wor...
James Chartrand is the owner of Men With Pens, a web design and copywriting company. She's also the creator of "Damn Fine Words," one of the best and most popular writing courses in the business....
Are Elance, Upwork and other online job boards a good place to land freelance work? Yes and no. It really depends on a number of important factors. And it's certainly not for everyone. But there'...
This week's episode is shorter than usual. It's also different. I take you on a random journey of what I'm doing, what I've been up to, what I'm currently enjoying ... and a few things I'm planni...
This is part two of a two-part series on money and freelancing. In part one Dianna Huff talked about how to when you have a variable income. Today's episode is a bit different. We get into the mi...
As freelancers we don't have the luxury of a fixed paycheck. Even when you're booking work like crazy, your cash flow is going to be irregular. Sometimes unpredictable. This is an issue tha...
You've heard the advice before... Position yourself an authority in your field ... and business will start coming your way. I think many of us understand this idea conceptually. But it can be har...
There's a growing interest among freelancers in the idea of "value pricing." The concept of pricing your work based on the value it will generate for the client is interesting. But it still feels...
Do you sometimes feel like a bit of a fraud? Are you sometimes surprised that clients pay you to do your work? Do you feel unworthy compared to many of your colleagues? Like you will be found out...
In this episode I interview Cesar Abeid, author of the newly published . Cesar and I focus our discussion not on client projects, but rather on all those internal projects we all keep meaning to ...
I love to read. In fact, I have more books I want to read than I have time to read them. Sound familiar? Yes, I've tried some speed-reading courses. They helped, but I've yet to reach a level whe...
If you're in the U.S., this is an important interview. It's about your health insurance options as a self-employed professional: The ins and outs Where to shop What to look for How to make the be...
In today's episode, you'll hear from my friend and colleague Michael Katz. Michael is an authority on launching, publishing and leveraging a newsletter to grow your service-based business.
"How do I successfully transition out of a day job and into full-time freelancing?" That's one of the most common questions I get asked by aspiring freelance writers and copywriters. And in tod...
Trying something a little different this week. I'm doing a Q&A show with questions you submitted through a recent survey. I'd love to get your feedback on this format. If you like it, I'll d...
Over the past three years, I've worked with hundreds of new freelance writers and copywriters. I enjoy mentoring and coaching these new and ambitious freelance professionals, helping them build...
If you've been freelancing for a few years, chances are you've had trouble getting paid at some point. The client was slow to pay. Or they lost your invoice. Or they held your payment for some ...
The process of picking a niche can be extremely stressful. But I've found that most of that stress and frustration is the result of bad advice. In fact, most of what I read and hear on the topi...
Do you use a creative brief when working with clients? Have you thought about using one but not sure what to include? Do you even need one? You'll get direct answers to these important ques...
Email is dying. Not really. But that's what some social media pundits are claiming. Fact is, it really doesn't matter how much texting, tweeting and "Facebooking" people are doing these days ...
Growing your income as a freelancer doesn't need to be that difficult. In fact, there's a very simple way to do that. I've used it for years to multiply my income. And I've taught it to many of...
As a freelancer, there are few things more frustrating than a prospect who suddenly disappears for no apparent reason. He reached out to get some information, indicated a high level of interest, ...
Many of us have been brought up to believe that talent and hard work are the keys to success in business. But as competition stiffens and clients find it harder to distinguish freelancers from ...
There's plenty of advice about what you should do when starting and growing a freelance writing business. But not too many people are openly talking about things you should avoid at this critical...
One of the things that I've tried to be very mindful of is painting a very realistic picture of what it's like to launch and grow a freelance writing and copywriting business today. In fact, I ta...
Just last week I received a call from a friend who owns a small marketing agency. She had recently lost three solid opportunities—deals she should have won. She couldn't figure out what went wr...
Over the past seven years, I've had hundreds of conversations with new and aspiring freelancers who are 55+. Perhaps the most common concern I hear from this group is, "I'm afraid that my age wil...
Today's show is about two topics that didn't warrant their own episodes: Why you must be careful when emulating the "rock stars" in our business Why you should NOT diversify too much in terms of ...
Yes, I really believe freelancing or contingency work is the way of the future. But if you're fresh out of school and have no contacts and no relevant experience, how can you possibly get started...
Today we're talking about SEO copywriting. And to get the full scoop on what's happening with SEO these days, I've brought in one of the world's top authorities on the subject: Heather Lloyd M...
Fully 90% of my income these days comes from teaching, training and coaching freelancers to earn more in less time, doing work they love for better clients. But what does that say about me, when ...
It's hard NOT to be somewhat spiritual when you're self-employed. That's because so much of what we do as a freelancers is based on faith — faith that things will work out ... that another good...
Article writing is one of the most fun and lucrative ways to make a living as a freelance writer. The variety of work is significant. For instance, ytou can write blog posts for a client. Or you ...
This week we're going to talk about yet another little-known opportunity for writers and copywriters—scripting and producing what are typically called "explainer videos" for clients. Explainer ...
It's not every day that I come across an idea in the freelancing world that gets me super excited. But when I recently sat down with freelance ghostwriter Derek Lewis, I found myself taking a ton...
Michelle Hiskey doesn't have a traditional freelance writing business. For one, she has a full-time job. So she works her freelance work on the side. Also, her clients are NOT the traditional bus...
One of the biggest reasons freelancers love being on their own is the flexibility it affords.When you're your own boss, you set the schedule. You pick whom you work with and what projects you tak...
If you enjoy learning new and clever strategies for landing more work from better clients, you definitely need to check out this episode. Freelance writer Amy Dunn Moscoso has been using a unique...
Think podcasting is for celebrities, authors and speakers?Think again!Podcasting is rapidly becoming one of the most effective and popular mediums for self-employed pros to attract high-quality l...
I recently had the opportunity to interview legendary copywriter Bob Bly.We talked for almost an hour. What a fascinating guy!Among other things, I asked him:What his typical day looks likeWhere ...
Do you have a healthcare background or an active interest in the medical industry? And do you have a knack for explaining complex topics in simple language?If so, you'll love today's episode. My ...
Successful freelance business writers often get to a point where they have to make a difficult decision: Should they keep operating as a one-person shop? Or should they scale and build something ...
The biggest reason I became self-employed was to have more control. I wanted to have more control over the kind of work I did, when I did it and how I went about it. And I especially wanted to...
Getting some of your articles published in an industry newsletter, blog or publication has a number of benefits. For one, it helps position you as a thought leader—as an expert in your industry...
If you want to generate a high income as a freelance writer, you won't get there by doing lots of $500 projects for small clients. Sure, you can work long hours and bring in some big numbers. But...
The premise of this show is that earning more in less time should be one of your key drivers. That kind of approach to your business (when done in a spirit of balance) enables you to have more ti...
When it comes to prospecting and selling, most of us want the easy way out. The gimmick that will put our prospecting on autopilot. But at the end of the day, if the trick, gimmick or technique i...
What are the biggest pros and cons of working with agencies? What types of writers (and personalities) are best suited for working with agencies? What do agencies look for when hiring a freelance...
What makes some freelance business writers more successful than others? And why are some of them continually successful while others struggle in the feast-or-famine cycle for years? In this episo...
If you've ever been laid off or downsized, you already know what a crappy experience that can be. Especially when it's unexpected and it catches you off guard. But for Don Sadler, getting laid of...
Creating a smart prospecting strategy is very much like assembling a solid, diversified investment portfolio. And just like the world of investments has countless options, there are many prospect...
In this week's show, I'll share 3 smart ways to boost your freelance income by outsourcing tasks that others can do better, faster and more cheaply. It may not make sense to do them all at once. ...
Today's show covers a topic many of you have asked me about... Contracts. Should you use a contract when working with a client? What should it include? And should you write it up yourself, or is ...
I occasionally hear from writers who are on the verge of giving up their freelance dream. They've tried for months (or even years!) to make a go of it. But they haven't been able to achieve the l...
Wouldn't it be great to have most of your business come to YOU? Referrals and word of mouth sure beat having to chase every opportunity on your own. Unfortunately, they don't just happen — yo...
The notes that follow are a very basic, unedited summary of the show. There’s a lot more detail in the audio version. You can listen to the show using the audio player below. Or you can subscri...
Working for yourself often means that you're working BY yourself. If you're tired of long commutes, office politics and cubicle hell, that may be a blessing. At least at first. But for many freel...
Freelancing is booming. And the competition has never been fiercer. But while tens of thousands of independent professionals fight over $5 gigs, many others are thriving. The reasons for their su...
One of the many things I love about being an entrepreneur (yes, even if you're a solo business owner you ARE an entrepreneur!!) is the magic that often happens along the journey. I love how chall...
I'm NOT a fan of websites like Elance or oDesk. But occasionally I'll meet a writer who has launched a successful freelance business using these services. Nathan Collier is a perfect example. Nat...
I come across a lot of writers who love the idea of developing passive income streams. Problem is, they just don't know where to start! It's not surprising. The world of Internet marketing is fil...
If you're going after small businesses, entrepreneurs or solo business owners (such as consultants), there's a very lucrative opportunity many writers don't even know exists: Writing "lead mag...
Happy New Year! In this episode I discuss seven simple and proven strategies to put more money in your pocket and to make your writing business more enjoyable in 2014. Here's to having your best ...
NOTE: This is part 2 of a two-part episode on the spiritual aspects of freelance success. If you haven't yet listened to part 1, make sure to do that first. The notes that follow are a very ba...
See if this sounds familiar... You try your hardest to launch your business. Or to get to a certain income level. Or to land that high-profile client you've been chasing for months. But no mat...
I'm not a fan of going after small local businesses for writing work. Most of them don't understand the value of great copy and content. Or if they do, they can't afford professional-level fees. ...
I wouldn't be where I am today if it weren't for the coaches and mentors I've worked with over the years. These individuals have enabled me to accelerate my progress, avoid costly mistakes and gr...
SEO is one of those topics that I have a love/hate relationship with. It can be fun to optimize a website for the search engines. But the constantly changing rules drive me nuts! What worked yest...
Impatience has been a recurring theme in my life. Once I decide to pursue a big goal, I can't WAIT to make it a reality. This goal-centered mindset has served me well. But it has also caused me t...
Why do so many writers avoid networking as a marketing strategy? Some will tell you that they just can't find the time. Others claim that there are no good networking opportunities where they liv...
It's easy to talk about achieving a healthy work/life balance. But it's much harder to put it into practice. And that's true no matter where you are in your freelance journey. In this week's epis...
Peter Bowerman -- the author of The Well-Fed Writer and other "Well-Fed" books -- is one of the most influential mentors in the world of commercial writing. One of the many things Peter does very...
One of the biggest, untapped prospecting opportunities is our own personal and professional networks. But many of us are reluctant to do it. Why? Most common reasons are because you: 1. ...
Do you have professional liability insurance? Do you even need it? I mean ... do freelance writers really get sued? In this episode of The High-Income Business Writing Podcast I interview Jared K...
I firmly believe that establishing yourself as a content writer is the surest way to freelance writing success. It's the most realistic opportunity in the world of writing. Especially if you go a...
Lack of self-confidence is one of the biggest silent killers of freelance writing careers. As an independent professional, you have to believe in what you’re doing and what you’re going after...
Most freelance writers I talk to never want to go back to a regular job. But many of them do miss the steady paycheck. (Usually that's the only thing they miss!) Which begs the question: How can ...
If you've followed me for a while, you already know that I'm NOT a fan of quoting hourly rates. At least not when you're a freelance writer. There are many disadvantages to the hourly rate model,...
Many freelance writers get to a point where they want to scale their business in some way. Or they want to diversify their income stream by launching a new side venture or project. Mike Stelzner ...
It's great to have a formal prospecting system in place. But sometimes the best opportunities come to us through unconventional means. In this episode of The High-Income Business Writing podca...
Over the past few years, LinkedIn has evolved into one of the most important social media platforms. The site boasts more than 225 million users as of this recording. Even though much of the conv...
One of the biggest factors that holds back new and aspiring freelance writers is the idea that they have to find their niche before they launch. This "niche quest" tends to do more damage than go...
Blog posts, articles, white papers, case studies, marketing collateral. These are some of the most common pieces business writers come across. The bread-and-butter projects that pay the bills. Bu...
If you've ever bought a product online, at a store or through a catalog (OK … if you've ever bough anything!), chances are you read the product's descriptive copy before making your final bu...
Did you know that entrepreneurs are willing to pay writers $3,000 - $6,000 (and even more!) to write a business plan for them? There are many reasons why. But one of the most important is that mo...
One of the fastest ways to propel your writing business to the six-figure level is to become a MUCH more efficient writer. And in this week's show, you'll learn 8 simple steps to boosting your wr...
Networking. The very thought of it makes many writers break into a cold sweat! But who said networking events and opportunities have to be so nerve-racking? In this episode I interview Ilise Benu...
You have a full-time day job. >:( It's not something you love, but it pays the bills. Unfortunately, it also leaves very little time for launching and growing a freelance side business. So, how...
According to the comprehensive , the biggest challenge facing freelancers is landing clients: 37% named that as their top challenge. Other surveys we've conducted at International Freelancers Aca...
For many writers, the idea of having to negotiate with a client makes them break out in a cold sweat. But negotiating is a critical skill. It can help you land more work at better fees. And it ca...
Today I'm continuing my story of how I went from corporate sales professional to freelance writer — and to a combination of freelance writer and coach/trainer. This is a departure from the type...
Today, I'm taking a departure from the types of shows I've been doing since I launched this podcast. Instead of doing an interview, I'm going to share my story with you. The story of how I stumbl...
Have you ever wondered how freelancers are using LinkedIn to find and land clients? Is LinkedIn truly a valuable prospecting tool? Does it live up the hype? Are there practical ways of using it t...
Have you every written a short article for a magazine, newspaper or trade journal? Not the most profitable work these days, is it? If you're looking for a better way to leverage your storytelling...
In part two of this two-part episode (check out part one here), I interview one of the most knowledgeable and experienced white paper writers in the business: Gordon Graham. Gordon is the auth...
In this episode of The High-Income Business Writing Podcast I interview one of the most knowledgeable and experienced white paper writers in the business: Gordon Graham. Gordon is the author of t...
Pricing is a tricky thing. If you price your work to high, you'll lose the prospect. But if you price too low, you'll look like an amateur. How do you get it right? In this session of The High-In...