I started freelance copywriting on the side of my corporate job in April 2020 (when the world was basically falling apart…) but didn’t quit my job until late November. I formed my LLC on January 18th 2021, so I’m coming up on one full year in full-time business. Boy, have I learned a thing or two about running a creative small business in the last 12 months! I’ve made PLENTY of mistakes, but I’ve also done lots of things well. Here are the top 10 best things I did for my business this year:

1. Outsourcing Pinterest
I outsourced my Pinterest content creation and strategy to a Pinterest manager. She does everything other than create the source content (aka this post!). It was such a load off, and I can rest easy knowing my content is gaining visibility and traffic in the background while I focus on other things.

2. Blogging
This surprises lots of people, but I don’t actually enjoy blogging very much. What can I say? I’m a COPYwriter through and through! Still, I know blogging is huge for SEO, traffic, and lead generation. Plus, it really does add value to the reader’s life. So I started publishing content like this and can already see a slow, steady increase in website traffic. Onward!

3. Brand Photos
I worked with Amber Tice for my first ever brand photos in October! It was a big investment of time, energy, and money (your girl does NOT like getting her makeup done), but they turned out so well and really elevated my online presence. No regrets.

4. Accountant
My husband and I hired an accountant to handle my small business taxes. It’s a huge relief knowing everything is legal and in order each quarter. If you can afford it, I absolutely recommend looking into an accountant or bookkeeper if you don’t enjoy or have the time for it yourself.

5. CRM
I use the CRM Honeybook to keep track of client files, deadlines, invoices, etc. I highly recommend looking into investing in a CRM for your biz if you haven’t already. I even have a discount code for Honeybook here if you want to snag it!

6. Intentional Time Off
I took several weeks off this year for various family things and just general rest. This Christmas I’m taking THREE whole weeks off to reset my creative brain and give my typing hands a break. It can be so easy to feel like you’re never off the clock as your own boss, but I will encourage you to take. that. time. You’ve earned it.

7. Client Timelines and Boundaries
I started sending clear timelines for revisions to each of my clients as part of the project process. Those timelines are also written in their contract, so it’s clear that they are obligated to maintain them if they want me to maintain my end. It may sound a bit stiff, but honestly, it helps both parties so so much. Knowing when to expect what is a total game changer when it comes to smooth client projects and experiences.

8. A Robust Contract
Get yourself a darn good contract, friends! This thing has helped me sidestep so many potential client headaches. Potential conflicts resolve themselves so much easier when you can take the emotion out of the situation and just say “As per our contract…”. I got my contract from The Contract Shop.

9. Quitting lots of things!
I am a quitter. Yep. And I’m PROUD of it! Quitting is simply saying, “This isn’t the BEST thing for me right now. I’m choosing to refocus my energies.” I quit several white label and assistant copywriter positions this year to focus solely on growing my business. I am so grateful for those opportunities, but I’m also grateful I had the courage to quit them when the time came.

10. Hiring a House Cleaner
We hired a woman to come once a month to deep clean our home. Cleaner space = deeper work focus. If I had to choose between keeping her or my husband, it would be a tough choice…;p

What do you think? Was this helpful? Let me know your own answers below in the comments!