It’s Fine, I’m a Freelancer

In this episode, I'm doing something a little different... I asked Claude to interview me about my six-figure freelance writing business, and then I answered those questions myself. Consider it a behind-the-scenes look at what consistently hitting six figures as a freelance writer actually involves. I cover everything from what my client roster looks like and how I keep clients coming back month after month, to how I find work (spoiler: it's changed dramatically over 13 years), and the one thing I wish I'd done differently from the very beginning. Whether you're just starting out or trying to level up, I hope this gives you a realistic, honest picture of what's working for me and what it really takes to build something sustainable.

In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on something I haven’t done in years: I launched a brand new service. Aaaaand... It kind of happened by accident. After 12 years in business, adding something new feels very different to when you’re just starting out. There’s more reputation, more pressure, more imposter syndrome. I found myself thinking, Who am I to offer this? What if I mess it up? But what unfolded was a completely organic pivot inside an existing client relationship. In this episode, I walk you through: How this new service evolved from a single blog post The exact 3-pillar structure I created to turn an idea into a real offer How I handled pricing something I’d never sold before Why I offered a transparent “trial month” (and what happened after) The mindset shift that helped me move through imposter syndrome Why you don’t have to do a dramatic reinvention to evolve your business

In this episode, I’m digging into one of the most frustrating questions freelancers face: is it you, or is it the market? And the honest answer is… it’s usually a mix of both, just not in the way most people talk about. I break down the real (often invisible) reasons some freelancers stay fully booked while others struggle, even when they’re talented, experienced, and doing “all the right things.” We’ll talk about positioning, reputation, relationships, visibility, mindset, and the role privilege and timing play. I also share practical shifts you can make if you’re feeling stuck right now: how to clarify what you offer, build trust before clients are ready to buy, stay visible without burning out, and move from passive “post and pray” marketing to something that actually works.

In this episode, I’m easing back into the podcast with a very honest January debrief. I’m sharing how I actually felt wrapping up 2025, why last year felt so turbulent for freelancers across the board, and how things are starting to shift as I head into 2026. We’ll talk about: Why 2025 felt so uncertain for freelancers (and why it wasn’t just you) Taking proper time off, and why delaying client work can sometimes be the best move What’s been happening in my business since coming back in January Existing clients increasing their workloads again (and what that signals) How I approach January planning without locking myself into rigid, year-long goals I’m also sharing how I use January as a kind of “testing ground” for the year ahead. I pay attention to what’s coming in, how I’m feeling, and let that guide my next moves instead of over-planning too far in advance.

In this episode, I’m breaking down the ridiculously simple nurturing system that helped me stop chasing hundreds of leads and start building real relationships that actually turn into clients. I used to believe I needed this huge outreach machine that involved endless DMs, massive spreadsheets, and a “pipeline” I could never keep up with.  Now, I focus on intentionally nurturing just 5–10 people a month, even when I’m not actively looking for work. I’ll walk you through exactly how I do it, why it works, and why most freelancers don’t need more leads, they just need the right people to feel familiar with them. 

In this Freelance Debrief, I’m pulling back the curtain on the messy, unsexy backend of my business, from switching accountants to finally reviewing my expenses, and why every freelancer needs to do a regular business audit. I’m also talking honestly about one of the toughest parts of freelancing: clients going silent. At the start of November, four clients promised briefs… and only two delivered, which completely threw off my schedule and revenue planning. I share how I’m navigating that, why the usual “just get paid upfront” advice doesn’t always fix the problem, and what freelancers can do instead. Plus: diversifying my offers, why freelancers are craving personalised 1:1 help more than ever, mentoring sessions selling out fast, and the surprising new client enquiries that came in, including one from a huge international brand. 

In this episode, I’m breaking down the one framework that completely transformed the way I generate freelance leads... the idea that every opportunity arrives on one of two timelines. For years, I lived in panic mode, refreshing my inbox and wondering why my lead flow felt so unpredictable. It wasn’t until I understood the difference between my short-term pipeline (the quick wins) and my long-term pipeline (the assets that compound over time) that everything finally clicked into place. In this episode, I share: ✨ The real reason some freelancers stay consistently booked ✨ The controversial truth about what’s actually holding most people back ✨ How to balance short-term momentum with long-term authority ✨ The simple rhythm I use to keep both pipelines working without burning out ✨ Practical examples you can start using today, even if your pipeline feels empty If you’ve ever felt like you’re either hustling too hard or waiting too long for leads to appear, this episode will give you a grounded, philosophical, and honestly refreshing way to think about your business.

In this Freelancer Debrief episode, I’m breaking down exactly what’s been happening behind the scenes in my business over the past couple of weeks. I walk you through the brands I’m currently working with, the types of content I’m creating, and what’s changing in my client lineup. I also dig into the two client “buckets” I’ve identified in my business. Plus, I share a peek into the warm-pitching system I teach inside Pitch & Prosper and how I’m currently using it myself to expand my network. I talk through my LinkedIn connection strategy, the little experiment I’m running around sending messages with connection requests, and some early wins from students putting the system into action.

In this episode, I break down exactly what I’d do if I were a freelancer struggling with inconsistent income and craving more stability. This topic has come up again and again in my mentoring sessions lately, especially among freelancers who are wildly talented but stuck in a cycle of one-off projects, feast-or-famine income, and constantly starting from scratch. I walk through the real process I’m using right now with one of my mentees, from mapping the last 12–24 months of client work to uncover hidden patterns, to building simple “client buckets” that help you identify where the ongoing work really is. I also share how I would generate a warm list of 50–100 potential prospects, reactivate former clients, and start outreach in a way that feels natural, human, and low-pressure (no awkward sliding into DMs or cold pitching strangers).

In this fortnight’s debrief, I chat about my freelancing retreat in Morocco, how it helped me shake off a creative rut, and why I’m leaning back into the kind of work that actually lights me up. I also share a little behind-the-scenes story about a client and AI (and why I’m still firmly team “human craft”), plus some good news about client renewals and the mentoring sessions I’ve been running. If you’ve been feeling a bit flat with work or questioning what you want your next chapter to look like, this one’s a cosy catch-up with lots of reflection and gentle momentum.

In this episode, I’m breaking down the two phases every freelancer cycles through: seeking work and maintenance mode. I’ll walk you through the lean system I use when I need clients fast, plus what to do once you’re fully booked to keep your network warm. This is the exact rhythm that’s helped me stay consistently booked without constant pitching or panic.

This week on It’s Fine, I’m a Freelancer, I’m kicking off a brand new segment: the Weekly Freelance Debrief. It's a short, behind-the-scenes breakdown of what I’ve been working on, the lessons I’ve learned, and the little highs and lows of freelance life, a bit like my Friday newsletter, but in podcast form. In this first debrief (covering Sept 22–26), I talk about: Starting a new project with an existing client and why first pieces always make me nervous Writing proposals (and how I keep them super simple with three pricing tiers) A dream discovery call with a brand in the creator economy The frustration of clients delaying briefs—and how I handle it Money audits, financial advisor chats, and keeping business expenses in check Mentoring demand in the Freelance Magic community and a new done-for-you service I’m testing I also share a reminder that you never know who’s watching your content, and how one LinkedIn connection turned into an exciting new client opportunity. If you want a real, unfiltered look into my freelance week (and hopefully some tips you can use in your own business), tune in!

In this episode, I’m unpacking the Metro article that shared my income as a freelance writer (yes, the one with the headline about me earning £232,000 a year). Divulging those numbers was both terrifying and empowering, and I’m sharing why I said yes to the interview, how it felt to have my business laid out in a national newspaper, and the waves of comments (supportive, skeptical, and everything in between) that followed. I’ll walk you through the assumptions people made about my success, the realities behind those income figures, and what the conversation revealed about freelancing stereotypes, privilege, AI, and the industries we work in. Most importantly, I’ll share the lessons I’ve learned about transparency, resilience, and why I believe we need to talk more openly about success in freelancing. If you’ve ever read someone else’s income breakdown and thought, that could never be me, this episode is especially for you.

In this episode, I dive into a question that came up after a Reddit thread about me: what do high-earning freelancers do differently?  I share my own journey, from charging £20 per piece on Upwork and working 14-hour days, to now running a six-figure freelance business. The shifts that made the biggest difference weren’t about becoming three times “better” at writing. They were about how I positioned myself (moving from task-taker to strategic partner), how I built and nurtured long-term relationships, and how I consistently showed up online to stay visible. I also talk honestly about timing, privilege, and the cyclical nature of freelancing, because those play a role too. I’ve had quiet inboxes, lost anchor clients, and gone through tough patches, just like everyone else. If you’ve ever wondered why some freelancers seem to be making three times more than you, this episode will remind you that it’s less about raw talent and more about building an ecosystem around your work. 

In this episode, I want to have an honest conversation about something I’ve been noticing in the freelance world: the growing gap between freelancers who are thriving and those who are struggling. I’ll dive into why this divide exists, the psychological impact it can have, and what we can do (both as individuals and as a community) to bridge it.   We’ll explore:   Why freelancing feels harder than ever for some people right now What’s helping certain freelancers thrive even in the same economy The disconnect (and sometimes tension) between these two groups How both sides can approach things with more empathy, honesty, and support

I’m diving into something I’ve been thinking about for months: is niching down still the smartest move for freelancers, or has it become our Achilles heel? With AI evolving fast and creative work becoming increasingly commodified, I'm seeing more freelancers get replaced, undercut, or overlooked. So today, I unpack what I’m calling The Great Skill Reset, a.k.a. a shift that’s changing how clients hire, what they value, and what it means to be a resilient freelancer in 2025. I talk about: Why old-school niching advice doesn’t quite hold up anymore The rise of "contextual intelligence" and consultative creatives How to future-proof your freelance business without becoming a jack-of-all-trades Why outcomes > outputs (and how to reposition yourself accordingly) For 70% off FreshBooks, go to freshbooks.com/pricing-offer

When I first started freelancing, I genuinely thought being great at my craft was enough. But in today’s landscape? That’s just the beginning. In this episode, I’m unpacking what it really takes to thrive as a freelancer in 2025, and why just having skills no longer cuts it. Thanks to AI, increased competition, and the rise of personal brands, we’re expected to be so much more than service providers. We’re marketers, strategists, community builders, and content creators... often all at once. I’ll share how this shift has changed the way we work, what it means for our identities, and how to show up in a way that feels sustainable and real. If you’ve ever felt the pressure to “do more” just to stay relevant, or you’re wondering how to stand out without selling out, this one’s for you. For 70% off FreshBooks, go to freshbooks.com/pricing-offer

In this episode of It's Fine, I'm a Freelancer, I'm diving into client retainers—what they are, how they can stabilise your freelance income, and why they’ve been such a game-changer for my business. I share practical tips for turning one-off projects into long-term relationships, setting boundaries that actually work, and structuring retainers that make sense for both you and your client. If you're tired of the feast-or-famine cycle and want to build a more predictable, sustainable freelance business, this one’s for you. For 70% off FreshBooks, go to freshbooks.com/pricing-offer

In this episode, I'm getting real about something that’s completely changed my freelance career: building a personal brand. I’m not talking about cheesy Instagram grids or shouting into the LinkedIn void, I’m talking about showing up online in a way that feels genuine, that helps you connect with the right clients, and that turns your presence into one of your biggest business assets. I share how I went from £20 gigs on Upwork to £850+ blog posts for top-tier clients, how I built a six-figure business a team, and how you can start shaping your own personal brand (without the cringe). For 70% off FreshBooks, go to freshbooks.com/pricing-offer

In this episode, I dive into how freelancers can start thinking more like a product studio to build a more sustainable, less burnout-y business. I share how I’ve shifted from being a traditional service provider to creating an ecosystem of offers (including productised services and digital products) that support my clients and my creativity. If you’re tired of the feast-or-famine cycle, constantly pitching, or reinventing the wheel with every project, this one’s for you. Go to freshbooks.com/pricing-offer to get 70% off FreshBooks.  

AI: terrifying dystopian nightmare or helpful assistant? In this episode, I dive headfirst into one of the biggest questions freelancers are facing right now—what does the rise of AI mean for our careers? If you've been feeling a bit blah about freelancing in 2025, you're not alone. I share my own experiences with shifting client demand, fewer inquiries, and the existential weirdness that comes with wondering if robots are coming for your job. But instead of doomscrolling, I'm reframing the narrative. You’ll hear: Why AI isn’t the enemy (and why your creativity is safe) How brands are actually thinking about AI Smart ways to use AI to speed up your boring tasks A refreshing reminder that human connection still matters (a lot) Whether you're resisting AI, dabbling with it, or deep in the experimentation phase, this episode is a real-talk, no-fluff pep talk for freelancers navigating this weird, changing landscape. Spoiler: it's not the end of freelancing—but it is time to evolve. Go to freshbooks.com/pricing-offer to get 70% off FreshBooks. 

In this episode, I tackle the crucial but often overlooked topic of working less while maintaining income and job satisfaction. Drawing from my personal journey, I share how I transitioned from working 12-14 hour days on content mill pieces to a more sustainable 20-hour workweek with higher-quality clients. I also share practical strategies like the "Joy Audit" to help freelancers identify fulfilling projects, and offer actionable advice on gradually phasing out draining work while maintaining financial stability. I share daily tips on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok, and weekly advice in my Friday Freelance Tips newsletter.  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizzie-davey-4a85b575/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freelancemagic.co/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@freelancemagic Newsletter: https://freelancemagic.co/fridaytips-newsletter 

Okay, the last couple of years have been wild in the freelancing world. We're contending with budget cuts, AI, and more competition than ever. So how can you make sure you're business is weather-proofed against all of these things? In this episode, I share some tactics you can put in place to make sure your freelance business stands the test of time.  I share daily tips on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok, and weekly advice in my Friday Freelance Tips newsletter.  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizzie-davey-4a85b575/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freelancemagic.co/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@freelancemagic Newsletter: https://freelancemagic.co/fridaytips-newsletter 

Tired of sending cold pitches that get ignored? You’re not alone. In this episode, I unpack why cold pitching is falling flat in today’s freelance market and what’s working instead. I’ll explore the power of warm pitching, how to build genuine relationships with potential clients, and strategies to create a pitching ecosystem that brings work to you.

As a writer who loves the creative process, I've watched AI transform our industry with mixed feelings. In this episode, I tackle the elephant in the room: Are we becoming too dependent on AI for tasks we used to do ourselves? Join me for an honest look at how AI is changing freelance writing, and whether it's making us better professionals or just faster ones. Newsletter: freelancemagic.co/fridaytips-newsletter Instagram + TikTok: freelancemagic.co

Maintaining a full workload and a consistent income is one of the hardest things about freelancing.  In this episode, I share why it's important to work towards a consistent workload and some key strategies you can use to get there. Get your notebook out because this one is full of practical goodies!  X: @lizziedavey LinkedIn: Lizzie Davey Freelancemagic.co 

When I started freelancing 10 years ago, social media was basically brand new and wasn't a part of my promotion strategy. Today, it's almost a necessity for freelancers to be on Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Facebook--but is this causing issues in the freelancing world? I discuss the pros and cons of social media in freelancing and how it's impacted the landscape. 

Things are rough out there. Budget cuts, layoffs, fierce competition--they're all leading people to ask "is now even a good time to be a freelancer?"  In this episode, I breakdown why now is both a good AND bad time to be a freelancer and how you can increase your chances of success if you do decide to take the plunge right now. 

Have you seen those posts on LinkedIn looking for freelance writers, but they're really just full-time jobs in disguise? Yep, me too. Here's my hot take on why finding clients on LinkedIn is such a shi**show at the moment, plus some ways you can actually use the platform to find high-quality clients (that aren't looking for a glorified employee!). You can find me on LinkedIn (Lizzie Davey) and X (@lizziedavey). 

Does it feel like £100k has become the ultimate marker or success in the freelancing world? If you're constantly finding yourself bombarded with the six-figure freelancing narrative, you're not alone. But WHY is it so prolific? And is there any grounds for it to be a true marker or success? I speak to a handful of seasoned freelancers who are earning £100k and a few who aren't to figure out what the whole £100k narrative is all about and their thoughts on putting a monetary figure on success.  Follow me on LinkedIn and Instagram for more juicy freelancing content or sign up for the Friday Freelance Tips newsletter for a weekly dose of freelancing reality. 

Over the past 10 years, my business has been through A LOT--including a global pandemic. In this episode, I talk about the ways I've managed to stay afloat and the tactics I employ to make sure I can weather any freelancing storm that comes my way. Join 4,500+ freelancers getting freelance tips every Friday (and see how much revenue a seasoned pro makes each week!): https://freelancemagic.co/fridaytips-newsletter

Did you ever think you'd have to compete with a robot? No, me neither! In this episode, I discuss how ChatGPT and other conversational AI have rocked the freelancing world and how you can make sure you don't get ditched for a robot. Join 4,500+ freelancers getting freelance tips every Friday (and see how much revenue a seasoned pro makes each week!): https://freelancemagic.co/fridaytips-newsletter

Your website is your online storefront. In this episode, host Lizzie Davey talks about why now is a great time to revamp your website and what tweaks you can make to align more with your target audience.  Join 4,500+ freelancers getting freelance tips every Friday (and see how much revenue a seasoned pro makes each week!): https://freelancemagic.co/fridaytips-newsletter

This year has been.... weird, right? In this episode, host Lizzie Davey discusses why 2023 has been such a rollercoaster for freelancers, what the future looks like, and how you can set yourself up for the best success in 2024.   Join 4,500+ freelancers getting freelance tips every Friday (and see how much revenue a seasoned pro makes each week!), sign up here. 

Times are tough. There, I said it. If everything feels a Bit Weird right now, I've got just the thing for you. Here are some practical ways you can tap into your network and existing contacts RIGHT NOW to find extra work quickly.  Join 4,500+ freelancers getting freelance tips every Friday (and see how much revenue a seasoned pro makes each week!), sign up here (https://freelancemagic.co/fridaytips-newsletter/) 

The cost of everything is going up--so your rates should too! Discover how to tell if your rates are too low and learn some practical ways to increase your prices (that feel MUCH easier than just asking for a pay rise). Join 4,500+ freelancers getting freelance tips every Friday (and see how much revenue a seasoned pro makes each week!), sign up here (https://freelancemagic.co/fridaytips-newsletter/) 

Should you pitch? Should you build a personal brand? Why are people so staunchly in one camp or the other? Here are my unfiltered thoughts on the debate and some practical tips you can use to leverage BOTH of these tactics successfully.  Join 4,500+ freelancers getting freelance tips every Friday (and see how much revenue a seasoned pro makes each week!), sign up here (https://freelancemagic.co/fridaytips-newsletter/) 

Pricing is such a controversial topic in the freelancing world. In this episode, pro writer Lizzie Davey answers real freelancer questions about pricing, rates, and generally showcasing your value as a writer.  Get Lizzie's 2023 price list here: https://freelancemagic.co/pricelist2023/ Join 4,500+ freelancers getting freelance tips every Friday (and see how much revenue a seasoned pro makes each week!), sign up here (https://freelancemagic.co/fridaytips-newsletter/) 

Processes!? Systems?! Aren't we just here to have fun? In this episode, pro freelancer Lizzie Davey shares her take on processes and how to make sure you're using the best systems for your business. It includes a how-to guide to auditing your current processes and key things to consider if you want to create a slick, enjoyable workflow. For more resources on freelancing, follow Lizzie on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn, and make sure you're signed up for the Friday Freelance Tips newsletter. 

Ever wondered what the schedule of a busy freelancer looks like? In this episode, host Lizzie Davey dives into what an average week looks like, how many hours she works, how she manages heavy workloads, and how she figures out her capacity. 

Niche is fluid--it's not fixed! In fact, it can--and should--change. In this episode, pro freelancer Lizzie Davey shares how you can evaluate your niche against the current market landscape to make sure the services you offer are still highly relevant. 

In this episode of It's Fine, I'm a Freelancer, pro writer Lizzie Davey discusses the three key phases every freelancer goes through, including the questions you might be asking at each stage and the actionable things you can do to level up. 

Unless you've been hiding under a rock, you've heard of ChatGPT (and probably the shriek of panic from freelancers who are concerned robots are going to take their jobs). In this episode (the only episode I'll do on ChatGPT--I promise), I answer some of your pressing questions: What does the future of content look like? What are clients saying about ChatGPT? Should I charge less because of ChatGPT? Will I still have a job next month???

I've created a TON of resources for freelancers over the past 10 years. Here's a breakdown of everything already available, plus what I'm going to be working on this year and why. 

It's Fine, I'm a Freelancer aims to highlight the good and not-so-good parts of freelancing hosted by pro writer Lizzie Davey. It will delve behind the scenes and offer real-life stories about getting clients, increasing revenue, and what it really takes to build a business. In this first episode, Lizzie explains her goals with the podcast and what you can expect from future episodes. 

Finding clients: It's the topic on every freelancer's lips. This year, I'm shaking up my client acquisition methods. Learn what platforms I'll be using and HOW I'll be using them to land clients I love.