I used to think being a self-employed blogger meant slow mornings, creative freedom, and working in my pyjamas. While some of these are true, no one warned me about how often I'd feel overwhelmed, doubt my decisions, or question whether I made the right decision.
I wasn't alone. A recent report by IPSE shows that side hustles in the UK increased by 20% in just one year, with blogging and content creation at the top. More people are turning their passions into income, but many, like me, find that passion alone doesn't pay the bills.
Over time (and after many mistakes), I've learned what works, wastes time, and what I wish I'd done differently. Whether you're just starting out or have been at it for a while, these seven practical lessons might save you time, money, and stress.
Smart Habits That Make Freelance Blogging Easier
Here are the seven smart habits that make freelance blogging easier:
- Establishing Consistent Working Hours
Being self-employed allows you to set your schedule. But, without a clear structure, work can easily take over your complete day. Establishing regular working hours helps separate your work life from your personal life. This approach boosts your productivity and ensures you make time for family and leisure. Using tools like digital planners or time-tracking apps can help keep you organised.
- Mastering Basic Accounting Skills
Managing your finances is key to running a successful blog. Monitoring your income, controlling your expenses, and planning for taxes is essential. Understanding HMRC rules and deadlines can help you avoid costly mistakes. Using accounting software or getting help from a financial advisor can make this easier, allowing you to focus more on creating content.
According to a report from the Startups, 78% of self-employed people in the UK utilise cloud-based accounting tools to manage their finances and follow tax laws. Bloggers can also benefit from these tools, making daily financial tasks easier and more accurate.
- Prioritising Retirement Planning
One thing I never thought I'd have to figure out alone? Retirement planning. In a "normal" job, there's usually a pension scheme and someone in HR to nudge you into it. As a blogger, it's all on me. If you're wondering where to start, this guide on how to start a retirement plan for the self-employed is a really helpful place to begin wrapping your head around it.
- Diversifying Income Streams
Relying on just one source of income, like sponsored posts or ad revenue, can be risky. It is important to have multiple ways to earn money to achieve financial stability and create new opportunities. You can try affiliate marketing, create digital products, offer consulting services, or host webinars. This approach enhances your ability to earn and fortifies your business in the face of market fluctuations.
- Automating Routine Tasks
Automation can significantly change how we manage repetitive tasks. Automating social media updates, email marketing, and billing can save a lot of time. Valuable tools such as Buffer, Mailchimp, and QuickBooks can make these processes easier. When you automate these tasks, you can spend more time creating quality content and engaging with your audience.
- Implementing a Strategic Content Plan
Instead of creating content on the fly, a strategic content plan ensures consistency and relevance. A content calendar helps you schedule your posts according to seasonal trends, product launches, or marketing campaigns. By looking at what your audience enjoys and how they respond, you can shape your content strategy to improve its effectiveness and engagement.
- Building a Support Network
Working alone can sometimes feel lonely. A recent report from Freelancing Support found that 71.9% of freelancers in the UK sometimes feel isolated, and 33% often feel lonely. This is three times higher than the national average. It shows that loneliness is a common problem for many self-employed people, not just temporary.
Connecting with fellow bloggers, mentors, or industry colleagues can offer motivation, guidance, and collaboration opportunities. Joining online groups, attending workshops, or even participating in networking events can help you stay connected and motivated. A strong support network is key for personal growth and business success.
Conclusion
Becoming a self-employed blogger involves more than just writing posts and having flexible hours. It's about building something that lasts, step by step.
My lessons were not always easy, but each one helped me become more confident, balanced, and productive. If you are starting, let these insights allow you to avoid some of my mistakes.
Remember, success does not come from doing everything at once. It comes from doing the right things consistently. Start there and keep going.
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