How do you transition from being a stay-at-home parent to a freelance business owner? Today our guest is Lisa Doiron, a stay-at-home mom who built a web design business from scratch after years of taking time off to raise her family.  As a long-time student at Freelance University, she has valuable insights to share about developing skills and leaning on a community for support. Join us as we talk about valuable lessons learned during the freelance journey and effective strategies for...

With all the innovation we’re seeing these days, how do you stay on top of technology and even offer freelance services in that area? Today our guest is Paula Holsberry, who has journeyed from being a school teacher to a freelance Asana specialist with her business, Tessera Virtual Business Solutions. Join us as we discuss some important principles and strategies about niching down and turning a software into an income stream. We’ll also share Paula’s best strategies for developing your...

Managing your finances is crucial to running and managing a successful freelance business, whether it’s full time or a side hustle. But many of us struggle if bookkeeping is not our strength. Today our guest is Ashley Cline, a digital marketing consultant and freelancing expert with more than 15 years experience in the digital marketing space. Join us as she shares effective tips, tools, and strategies that will help you manage and sustain your business finances long term, even if you...

How do you manage the tension between your personal and professional life when you work from home? Today our guest is Hilary Sutton, a fractional CMO, writer, speaker, and host of the Hustle & Grace Podcast, where she serves as the chief explorer in helping people cultivate a flourishing career in life. Join us as we discuss both the challenges and freedoms of working from home. We’ll share important tips, strategies, and tools that will help you optimize your productivity and find your...

Today we’re thrilled to present a student spotlight with Emma Marriott-Predmore, a military spouse who’s been a virtual assistant since 1999 and now works as a freelance affiliate manager. She’s built a thriving VA agency and referral networks that benefit military spouses and dependents who work remotely and relocate often. Join us as she shares her story and provides many valuable takeaways that will have a profound impact on your business!   Podcast Outline: [0:00] Introduction to...

How do you design a great website for your freelance business? Today our guest is Brian Hall, a conversion optimization consultant. He’s helped big brands like Udemy, L’Oreal, and Ghirardelli increase their website revenue and now helps small business owners and freelancers improve their website strategy. Join us as we discuss the single most important element of a successful freelance website and recommended platforms to choose from. We’ll also share some effective alternatives to help you...

How do you bring your previous skills and experience into the exciting new world of freelancing? Today our guest is Janine Kelbach, the CEO of Write RN and host of the Savvy Scribe Podcast. She is a long-time nurse, educator, author, and freelance health content writer who knows a lot about transitioning to freelancing after having a long-term career.   Join us as we discuss the top soft skills that can be transferred to freelancing and the top niches that are in demand in 2023. We...

Are you interested in building an agency or multi-VA firm? Today our guest is Kristy Yoder, the founder and CEO of Smart VAs and host of the Master Delegator Podcast. She leads a team of more than 70 VAs and knows a lot about transitioning from a solopreneur virtual assistant to a CEO. Join us as we discuss the strategies and mindset you’ll need to have so you can overcome challenges and make a successful transition to CEO!   Podcast Outline: [0:00] Introduction to Kristy Yoder and the...

Canva is arguably one of the most popular design tools in the world right now. But how do you use it to offer a value-added service to your clients? Today our guest is Rhiannon Rosas, a graphic designer and social media manager who helps service providers stand out online with attractive content that’s cohesive to their brand. Join us as we discuss key graphic design opportunities and important steps for freelancers who want to get started in the Canva niche.   Podcast Outline: [0:00]...

To kick off a new year and celebrate the 100th episode of the Freelance Podclass, we’ve created a brand new guide called “The Top 100 Freelance Jobs for 2023.” In this episode, we’ll share important aspects of the top 100 jobs and go through many of the categories that will be in demand this year. This guide is the result of intensive research and surveys that uncovered the most in-demand opportunities heading into 2023. It’s our hope that this 100th episode will inspire you to take action by...

As you reflect on the past year and look toward the future, what does 2023 hold for you and your business? Even if you’ve had a difficult year or faced challenging economic times, you can face the new year with a positive perspective. In this episode, we share a 7-step formula on how you can plan for success in 2023 using the acronym FREEDOM – the hallmark of why we exist at Freelance University. Join us as we help you plan for a successful year in 2023!   Podcast Outline: [0:00]...

How do you create proposals that turn into ideal clients? Today our guest is Eman Zabi, the founder of Scribesmith, a copywriting agency, and Terrain, an online learning business. She warns of mistakes you can make with proposals and suggests valuable tips for building a personal connection with potential clients. Join us as we discuss the best ways to ensure you deliver a winning proposal that has both relevance and excellence!   Podcast Outline: [0:00] Introduction to Eman Zabi and the...

How do you run effective promotions and discount offers in your freelance business? And should you even offer them? Today we’ll unpack six types of promotions and discounts, with examples of how you could apply them in real-life scenarios. Join us as we discuss the benefits of running discounts not just on Black Friday or Cyber Monday but at other strategic times in your business.   Podcast Outline: [0:00] Introduction to the topic of running effective promotions and discount offers in...

In this episode, we’re diving into the wonderful world of freelance writing! It’s one of the longest running freelance trades and is still popular today. But how do you discover your ideal freelance writing niche when there are so many things you can do? Today we’re joined by Melanie Padgett Powers, a freelance writer and editor who is the owner of MelEdits. She shares a simple three-step process that includes strategies you can use to figure out the what, who, and where of your ideal niche...

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) services are vital for any business that’s looking to level up their game in Google and get more visibility. But how do you begin offering those services as a freelancer or virtual assistant? Today our guest is Danielle Gagnon, an SEO specialist and lover of all things content creation. Join us as she describes the types of services you can offer, along with key steps you need to follow to launch those services. This is the first time we've ever talked about...

In the social media age we’re living in, you can lose your reputation in the blink of an eye. And that’s a problem, because your reputation is everything in the freelance industry. But never fear — today we’re talking about 10 different ways you can establish your reputation as a freelancer or virtual assistant. Join us as we discuss practical strategies you can implement right now to impress both current and potential clients!   Podcast Outline: [0:00] Introduction to the topic of...

Are you interested in offering freelance social media management services? Today our guest is Latasha James, an online educator and content creator who has encouraged thousands of people to start and scale online businesses. Join us as we discuss how to build a thriving freelance business as a social media manager. Whether you’re currently offering these services or considering adding them to your business, you’ll be encouraged to hear the reasons why this niche continues to be in high...

What are the qualities of an exceptional subcontractor? Today our guest is Sue Harrawood, founder of Peace of Mind Virtual Assistance. She’s been working in the VA industry for almost 20 years and knows a thing or two about subcontracting. Join us as we discuss the qualities of exceptional subcontractors and how you can prepare to be one. Whether you’re interested in hiring subcontractors or becoming one yourself, you’ll benefit from these valuable strategies and insights!    Podcast...

How do you build a recession-proof freelance business, able to withstand whatever circumstances you find yourself in? Today we’ll unpack seven strategies to help you prepare for a potential recession and even thrive in the midst of it. Join us as we look to the future with hope, discussing the resilience of the freelance and virtual assistant industries!   Podcast Outline: [0:00] Introduction to the topic of building a recession-proof freelance business - Craig shares a story that...

How do you successfully transition from being a corporate employee to a freelancer? Today we’re joined by marketing authority Lindsay White, who left her corporate job in 2019 and created a profitable freelance marketing agency. Join us as we discuss strategies to leverage your transferable skills and enjoy the flexibility and autonomy offered by the remote work lifestyle!   Podcast Outline: [0:00] Introduction to Lindsay White and the topic of successfully transitioning from a corporate...

Finding your freelance path is of utmost importance to the development and growth of your freelance or VA business. It allows you to tap into the work you want to do, with clients you want to work with. Today we’ll unpack a four-step process to finding your freelance or VA path (or any new career path). These strategies will help clarify which niche you’d like to focus on so you can truly enjoy and develop passion for your work!   Podcast Outline: [0:00] Introduction to the topic of...

Today we’re talking about the wonderful world of digital ads! Join us as Colby Flood, the founder of Brighter Click, shares lessons he’s learned while launching and scaling an education-first Facebook Ad agency. We’ll discuss important strategies to help you build credibility, communicate well, and carve out a specialty as a Facebook Ad Manager or Facebook Ad Freelancer.   Podcast Outline: [0:00] Introduction to Colby Flood and the topic of building a specialty as a Facebook Ad Manager or...

How would you like to learn a strategy that can grow your freelance or VA business in more ways than anything else you might have done? Today we’ll share a 3-Step Framework for creating winning lead magnets (free offers) that build your email list of prospective ideal clients. It’s the same sort of process we’ve used to build our own base of students at Freelance University. Join us as we discuss this crucial strategy — it’s had the greatest impact on our business over the last 14 years and...

How do you make an incredible impression on clients so they want to hire you for more projects, put you on retainer, and maybe even give you a blank check because you’re so valuable to them? Today we’ll discuss an invaluable topic that will revolutionize your client relationships. Join us as we share a laundry list of the 10 Best Ways to Wow Your Clients. It’ll help you make a great first impression and continue to build trust for years to come!   Podcast Outline: [0:00] Introduction to...