Student Spotlight: Building a Web Design Business from Scratch with Lisa Doiron
The Freelance Podclass
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 finding clients! Podcast Outline: [0:00] Introduction to Lisa Doiron - Lisa shares how she got...
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Student Spotlight: School Teacher to Asana Specialist with Paula Holsberry
The Freelance Podclass
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 expert status and finding clients! Podcast Outline: [0:00] Introduction to Paula Holsberry and...
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The Financial Management Class with Ashley Cline
The Freelance Podclass
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 experience cycles of feast and famine! Podcast Outline: [0:00] Introduction to Ashley Cline and the...
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The Work from Home Productivity Class with Hilary Sutton
The Freelance Podclass
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 own unique rhythm! Podcast Outline: [0:00] Introduction to Hilary Sutton and the topic of...
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Student Spotlight: Military Spouse to Freelance Affiliate Manager with Emma Marriott-Predmore
The Freelance Podclass
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 Emma Marriott-Predmore and the topic of working as a virtual assistant - Emma shares her journey and...
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The Website Set Up Class with Brian Hall
The Freelance Podclass
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 keep it simple and still reach your target audience! Podcast Outline: [0:00] Introduction...
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The Transferable Skills Class with Janine Kelbach
The Freelance Podclass
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 guarantee this class will have a positive impact on many of you and encourage you to get started with your...
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The VA to CEO Class with Kristy Yoder
The Freelance Podclass
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 topic of transforming a solopreneur business into an agency or a multi-VA firm - Kristy describes her...
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The Canva Design Class with Rhiannon Rosas
The Freelance Podclass
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] Introduction to Rhiannon Rosas and the topic of using Canva to offer a value-added service to your...
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The Top 100 Freelance Jobs Class
The Freelance Podclass
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 moving in a new direction, tapping into a new niche, and pursuing new opportunities! ...
info_outlineHow 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 keep it simple and still reach your target audience!
Podcast Outline:
[0:00] Introduction to Brian Hall and the topic of setting up a great website for your freelance business or your clients - Brian explains how he started freelancing/consulting and where he’s at today.
[4:32] How Brian’s transition to freelancing finally worked - Brian shares three important things that contributed to his success.
[6:39] Craig describes his experience starting a business while implementing similar strategies - the importance of joining a mastermind group and lowering your cost of living to give yourself a longer runway.
[8:28] Should freelancers have a website today - Brian shares his thoughts about whether or not you need one and how it can help you.
[10:25] How your choice to have a website depends on what focus you want to have - Craig explains how creating a branded website doesn’t have to be complex these days.
[11:12] The most important elements of a successful freelancer website - Brian describes the one important element that’s worth 80-90% of your attention.
Three Basic Types of Offers (Calls to Action) for You to Choose and Optimize
[12:18] #1 A scheduling embed or calendar link - so people can book time to talk to you so you can sell them your services.
[12:30] #2 A “contact me” form - so people can send you a message.
[12:46] #3 A lead magnet or newsletter - so people can read or download something of yours.
[13:24] How a website differs from a resume - Craig explains how a website needs to focus on an offer and the headline. Brian describes how the headline wraps up with the offer to attract your audience.
[15:35] Personal branding - Brian explains whether an “About Page” is necessary and important. Craig shares an example of how some people include anecdotes on their LinkedIn profile to showcase their personality.
[18:49] One of the best reasons to have a website - Brian explains how it gives you the opportunity to be yourself, express yourself, and share things about yourself.
[19:39] The need for a balance between being fun and offering value - how you need to decide how to serve your audience best on social media.
[21:05] How it’s good to experiment with social media platforms and trends - the importance of noting the outcome and putting your effort into the offer on your website.
[23:00] The recommended website platforms for freelancers to consider - Brian suggests questions to ask yourself to help determine what type of platform you need.
[23:28] Platforms for a one-page website - Brian lists the elements you need and a common platform that would work.
[24:23] Platforms to help you focus on lead magnets and an email list - Brian suggests tools that support marketing automation and lead magnet download by letting you create a landing page.
[25:00] The importance of considering different options and starting with the thing that’s closest to your offer - Brian explains how there’s no single recommendation for a multi-page website platform.
[26:20] The value of WordPress - Craig explains how getting to know WordPress better gives you the option of offering WordPress services to clients.
[27:11] The importance of following your joy - Brian shares his insights on WordPress and the additional elements you need to think about. He also proposes another way to choose a platform.
[28:42] The importance of keeping it simple - how you can start with a simpler platform and then transition to a more complex website later on. Craig and Brian discuss how building a website helps but can also become a distraction from building your business and networking.
[30:42] How the energy you spend thinking about your offer is not wasted if you later redesign your website or migrate to a different platform
[32:27] How “ugly converts” don’t matter - Brian and Craig advise against worrying that your website design will cost you business.
[33:51] When does design matter - Brian explains how the design can get in the way of people finding your offer on the website.
[34:20] How to access Brian’s recommended resources and offers
[36:05] How to level up your skills and access free resources at Freelance University
Resources and tools discussed in this episode:
The Building Your Authority Class
The Marketing with Content Class with Julia McCoy
The Winning Discovery Call course
Learn more about Brian Hall:
Links to Brian’s recommended resources
Freelance Website Blueprint course
Resources and Tools: