{ Tips for freelancers during lockdown }

If your work is drying up, and you're wondering how to invest your newly-found free time, read on. The majority of these things are a good idea at any time; but with increasing social distancing measures due to coronavirus, this is a great chance to get things in order.

The overall message would be to amend the bits you've been putting off, because you were too busy actually doing your job. The following are just some of the ways in which you can power-up your business.

'Finish off' your own website:

Ok, so a website is an on-going thing, but your friendly / annoying Web Designer has probably chased you for more text to be added to your website, well now's the time! Freshen up those images, and chase up the testimonials your happy customers have promised you.

Create content / write blogs:

Not to bombard all other isolationists with, but for the future.
You know what it's like, you know you should be updating your website, advertising your business and posting to social media; but you've worked all day and have invoicing to do. Your online presence is suffering because you are too busy working! Having a bank of ready-to-go content will mean you can post these in seconds when you're busy. This will result in you hitting the ground running when things return to normal; just remember to change out of your pyjamas for your first back-to-work meeting.

Find a niche in your business sector:

Which part of your business can you still do (and concentrate on) while distancing?
Video tutorials are a nice way to engage during this time, whilst still social distancing. Are there products you can sell? Set up an eCommerce store: Do you have equipment or branded merch' which can be posted out? A concentrated, targeted campaign can provide extra revenue, as passive income.

See if you can give tips / training videos on your particular skill/s:

It'll grow your audience, keep your current clients interested and entertained. Search Engines, such as Google (who owns YouTube) will reward you in terms of search rankings.

If you feel like giving away tips and tricks devalues your business, flip this on its head: hairdressing is something you can't do online, but encouraging people to share their spouse's isolation haircut disasters is a great light-hearted way of showing how valuable your service was, still is, and always will be.

Speed up your website:

If your website loads faster: Google, your customers, and your potential customers will love you for it. Ask me how this can be done; it doesn't cost the earth.

Get your bookkeeping in order:

As it's year-end for a lot of people, get your 2019-2020 accounts sorted (not necessarily paid), which will free up a lot of time when you're back on it. If / when the goverment offer extra help for the self employed, then you'll be ready with your most up-to-date accounts, should they include the most recent financial year.

Set up the business bank account you've been thinking about for the last 10 years:

This will make invoicing, accounting / self-assessment a doddle going forward. Will save you a fortune in highlighter pens too.

Clear the clutter; tidy your laptop's folders and files:

Make it easier for your future-self to find things. You'll thank your past-self when you're busy, stressed, and can't find that all important screenshot of Password123.

..Which brings me nicely to: Beef up your security:

So your Password123 may have slightly differing numbers, but this won't be a problem for hackers and their increasingly sophisticated software. Due to Covid-19 causing a mixture of economic uncertainty and more people working remotely, it's fair to say hackers will be on the prowl more than ever. Passwords should be changed regularly, and there's no time like the present to do the most boring of jobs.

Create a dedicated workspace:

Rather than your laptop on top of your lap, in front of the TV: try and have an area where you work (and just work) ..and just as important: an area where you don't work (and never work) You'll be twice as productive than just dipping in and out of tasks. Good luck to you if you have children and/or pets :)

Keep on top of your finances:

It may be worth doing a price comparison on your broadband and other flexible out-costs: Use local businesses / independents where possible. They (and their families) are feeling the strain too. Charities need us more than ever.

I'll leave the physical and mental wellbeing stuff to the experts, but it's worth remembering these points become more difficult if you don't take care of yourself.

Stay safe, stay indoors and keep your distance. Feel free to reach out if you need help with any of the above.