It’s Fine, I’m a Freelancer will reveal the good and not-so-good bits about freelancing. Hosted by pro writer, Lizzie Davey, it aims to take you behind the scenes to learn more about landing clients, increasing revenue, and what it takes to build a sustainable freelance business.
I used to think freelancing was just a different way of working... flexible hours, no commute, that kind of thing. What I didn't expect was how much it would show me about myself. Without a manager setting my structure, a paycheque quietly arriving, or an org chart enforcing my boundaries, I found out pretty fast what I actually do with unstructured time, how I really feel about money, and how far I'll let a client push before I say no.
In this episode, I talk about why networking confidence isn't a personality trait some people are just born with. It's a skill, built through reps, the same as anything else. I get into why freelancers specifically miss out on the practice that jobs force on everyone else, why the fear is rarely about the other person's judgment and mostly about our own, and a few small, doable ways to actually build the habit without pretending to be someone you're not.
In this episode, I share exactly how my last five client enquiries actually found me. Over the past six weeks, I've had enquiries come in through a mix of channels, and some of them surprised even me. I walk you through each one in detail, sharing the channel they came through, what they wanted, and how you can do the same. This episode is a great reminder that enquiries really can come from anywhere!
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…
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…
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:…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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%…
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…
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…
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:…
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.
About It’s Fine, I’m a Freelancer
It’s Fine, I’m a Freelancer will reveal the good and not-so-good bits about freelancing. Hosted by pro writer, Lizzie Davey, it aims to take you behind the scenes to learn more about landing clients, increasing revenue, and what it takes to build a sustainable freelance business.
It’s Fine, I’m a Freelancer is a English business podcast from Lizzie Davey. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.
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