Fresh Start Freelance Wk 2: Track Client Journeys
Release Date: 09/11/2025
The Freelancer's Tea Break
Should you invest in a freelancer directory? In this episode of the Freelancers Tea Break, host Emma Cossey breaks down the pros and cons of joining directories as a freelancer from boosting your SEO and local visibility to knowing when your money is better spent elsewhere. In this episode, you'll learn: Why directories can be especially valuable when you're new to freelancing Which directories have been worth the investment (and which haven't) What to look for in a good directory listing How to figure out if your ideal clients are actually searching directories Key questions to ask before...
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In this episode of the Freelancer's Teabreak, Emma Cossey chats with Katherine Pearse (nee Hall), fractional CFO, systemic coach, and movement facilitator, about what it actually means to go fractional. Katherine breaks down how a fractional CFO differs from a consultant, interim, or part-time hire, and why that distinction matters. She shares the journey that led her from full-time finance leadership through a major merger to building a multi-dimensional business that blends numbers, intuition, and embodied practice. They also explore the growing trend of fractional working, the rise of the...
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Feeling overwhelmed by rising subscription costs? In this rewind episode of the Freelancers Tea Break, host Emma Cossey shares practical, actionable tips to help freelancers and small business owners cut down on their software expenses without sacrificing the tools that keep their businesses running. In this episode, you'll learn: How to audit your subscriptions and assess their return on investment Why some of your existing tools may already do the job of others How to haggle with software providers for better deals Where to find voucher codes and cashback opportunities How affiliate...
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In this episode of The Freelancers Tea Break, host Emma Cossey shares her essential quarter two to-do list for freelancers. In this episode, you'll learn: What Making Tax Digital means for freelancers and how to prepare for it How to set up your bookkeeping systems and stay on top of your finances for the new tax year Why now is the perfect time to reflect on your quarter one goals How to set meaningful quarter two goals that go beyond just the numbers Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 1:35 Making Tax Digital — What You Need to Know 3:14 Organising Your Receipts & Folders 4:12 Building...
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In this episode, I share my essential desk items that actually matter for freelancers, no aesthetic fluff, just practical tools that boost productivity: Water bottle: Stay hydrated throughout your workday Second screen: Reduce overwhelm and boost productivity with dual monitors Desk snacks: Keep trail mix, protein bars, or grapes handy to avoid blood sugar crashes Stream Deck: Game-changing productivity tool for creating shortcuts (even has a free mobile app to try first!) 💡 My Pro Tips: Prep your lunch the night before to ensure you actually stop and eat You don't need fancy expensive...
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Can AI really replace human coaches and freelancers? In this episode, I break down why coaching, and many freelance services, require the irreplaceable human touch. Key Points Covered: Why coaches facilitate rather than prescribe solutions The importance of body language, tone, and non-verbal cues How lived experience trumps algorithmic responses The ethics and values alignment you can't get from AI Why accountability works better with humans How this applies to other freelance services (graphic design, social media management, photography) AI is a tool for information, not transformation....
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How easy is it for potential clients to find you online? In this episode, I'm challenging you to audit your discoverability across multiple platforms and search tools. What we cover: SEO basics and why showing up in search results matters How AI tools are becoming a new discovery channel for freelancers Leveraging YouTube (both long-form and Shorts) to build connections The power of podcast SEO for attracting ideal clients Social media SEO strategies for TikTok, Instagram, Threads, and LinkedIn Action steps: Test your search terms on multiple search engines Check your website analytics for...
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The freelance landscape has changed significantly in the last two years, making client acquisition tougher than ever. In this episode of The Freelancers Tea Break, Emma Cossey shares why shifting from reactive to proactive strategies is essential for finding clients in today's market. In this episode, you'll learn: Why referrals alone aren't enough anymore The difference between looking for clients vs. finding clients Where to find quality freelance opportunities (and where to avoid) How to be more visible and tell people what you actually do Practical networking strategies that don't feel...
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This week on The Freelancer’s Tea Break, I dive into the debate between freelancing and the term 'fractional'. Is it just a fancy rebrand for part-time work, or does it represent a distinct role, especially in the B2B space? I explore the nuances and implications of these terms, their impact on positioning and pricing, and whether this trend is reshaping how we view flexible work roles. Share your thoughts and join the discussion! Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to The Freelancers Tea Break 00:17 Freelancing vs Fractional: An Emerging Trend 01:44 Understanding Fractional Work...
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In this episode of The Freelancers Tea Break, we dive into the controversial topic of whether the term 'freelance' is still appropriate and valuable. We explore the various reasons why the term may have lost some of its value, including the gig economy and terminology shifts in B2B vs. B2C contexts. We also discuss the challenges and perceptions surrounding freelancing, plus the importance of recognizing freelancing as a legitimate career path. Join the conversation and share your thoughts on what term best describes your self-employed journey. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Episode...
info_outlineIn this episode of The Freelancers TeaBreak, Emma Cossey dives into why tracking where your clients actually come from is the secret to smarter marketing and better results. From simple spreadsheets to CRMs like Dubsado and Notion—and even handy tools like Chatra—Emma shares practical ways to track your client sources. You’ll also learn how to use that data to boost your discovery call conversions, tap into referrals, and make the most of past clients. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been freelancing for years, you’ll pick up easy, actionable tips to grow your business and work more strategically.
Discovery Call £9 Training: https://freelancelifestyle.podia.com/discoverycalls
The Scary Email Template: https://freelancelifestyle.podia.com/10-templates-for-10
Dubsado Afffiliate Link: http://dubsado.com/?c=freelancelifestyle 20% off your first year
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
00:33 The Impact of AI on Freelancing
00:58 Clarifying Your Services
01:08 Tracking Client Sources
03:13 Optimising Discovery Calls
04:49 Alternative Contact Methods
06:21 Leveraging Your Network
07:33 Weekly Challenge and Conclusion
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