The Guidebook

Whether you're just getting started freelancing or you're already a few years in, this Ask Me Anything (AMA) is packed with real talk, actionable tips, and honest answers to your biggest questions.

We talked about:
✅ How to get freelance clients without relying on Upwork
✅ The exact follow-up system Rachel uses on LinkedIn
✅ What to include in your contract to protect your time and income
✅ How to price your services using the baseline/goal/reach model
✅ The pros and cons of cold pitching on LinkedIn vs Instagram
…and so much more.

I'm Rachel Meltzer — business coach for freelancers and founder of Pop Club, a supportive, strategy-filled membership for freelancers at all stages. These office hours are normally exclusive to my paid clients, but I'm offering them free during the Get Started Freelancing Bootcamp. Come hang out, take notes, and get unstuck.

👀 Want more support?

→ Join Pop Club: https://meltzerseltzer.com/pop-club
→ Sign up for the Get Started Freelancing Bootcamp: https://rachelhmeltzer.myflodesk.com/get-started-freelancing
→ Book a 1:1 Coaching Intensive: https://meltzerseltzer.com/1-1-coaching
→ Explore Done-For-You Notion Websites: https://meltzerseltzer.com/shop/website-done-for-you
→ Check out my Free Resource Library: https://meltzerseltzer.com/shop/the-freelance-resource-library-frl

🛠️ Resources mentioned in this video:
→ Rates Calculator: https://meltzerseltzer.com/shop/shop-all/rates-calculator
→ Client Tracker (Notion): https://meltzerseltzer.com/free-notion-templates/ideal-clients-tracker
→ Packages Workbook: https://pop-club.circle.so/c/freelance-resource-library-365155/sections/331772/lessons/1230651
→ Freelance Resource Library: https://meltzerseltzer.com/shop/the-freelance-resource-library-frl
→ Pop Club Membership: https://meltzerseltzer.com/pop-club
→ LinkedIn Profile Critique: https://meltzerseltzer.com/shop/linkedin-profile-critiques

🎥 Replays of past workshops: https://meltzerseltzer.com/get-started-freelancing/get-started-freelancing-lessons

Afton Brazzoni, founder of Scribe National, moved from a scarcity mindset to building a business that feels sustainable, intentional, and fully her own. From launching a content agency to experimenting with coaching, Afton opens up about the fears that almost held her back – and the mindset shifts that helped her move forward.In this episode of The Guidebook Podcast, we cover:- Scaling from freelancer to agency owner- Letting go of perfectionism and control- The emotional side of launching and pivoting- How mindset coaching created clarity and confidence- Finding balance between ambition and enoughnessIf you’ve ever thought one wrong move could ruin everything – this episode is for you.Find Afton Online:→ Website: https://www.scribenational.ca/→ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aftonbrazzoni/→ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aftonaikens/Find Rachel Online:→ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rmeltzer/→ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@rachelhmeltzer→ Newsletter: https://rachelhmeltzer.myflodesk.com/the-fizz

Whether you're just getting started freelancing or you're already a few years in, this Ask Me Anything (AMA) is packed with real talk, actionable tips, and honest answers to your biggest questions.

We talked about:✅ Pricing your services with confidence✅ Staying motivated (even when clients ghost you)✅ What's really changing for freelancers in 2025✅ How to use AI without underpricing yourself✅ Building your freelance website and portfolio…and so much more.

Resources from this workshop:

• Join Pop Club
• Sign up for the Get Started Freelancing Bootcamp
• Book a 1:1 Coaching Intensive
• Explore Done-For-You Notion Websites
• Check out my Free Resource Library
• Replays of past workshops
• Get on the calendar for upcoming FREE events

Connect with Rachel Online:

• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• Newsletter

In my conversation with Claire Hill, I’m exploring how busyness gets mistaken for productivity and how reclaiming your time starts with mindset. 

We’re diving into her Kickstart Formula (https://www.clairehill.uk/kickstart) for prioritizing tasks, setting boundaries, and overcoming procrastination, reinforcing that self-trust and rest are just as important as action.

Take Back Your Time:

→ Prioritize with Purpose – Claire’s Kickstart Formula helps you structure tasks and eliminate distractions.

→ Set Boundaries with Confidence – Break free from people-pleasing and redefine success on your terms.

→ Work with Your Brain, Not Against It – Leverage dopamine and mindset shifts to stay motivated without burnout.

By shifting from busyness to intentionality, we’re creating space for what truly matters. Taking back your time isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing what actually moves you forward.

Find Claire Online:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamclairehill/?originalSubdomain=uk

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamclairehill/

Website: https://www.clairehill.uk/

Find Rachel Online:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rmeltzer/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@rachelhmeltzer

Newsletter: https://rachelhmeltzer.myflodesk.com/the-fizz

Read the show notes: https://meltzerseltzer.com/the-guidebook-podcast/take-back-your-time-with-claire-hill

Lizzie Davey has been a freelance writer for 11 years. She transitioned from a low-paying marketing job to freelancing. Like every new freelancer, she started out navigating chaos but eventually found her niche in e-commerce tech. In this episode, we’re talking about: - the power of networking- LinkedIn engagement- authenticity- building a personal brand- getting clientsThrough adaptability, financial transparency, and prioritizing well-being, we highlight the evolving nature of freelancing and the importance of redefining success over time.Find Lizzie Online:Website: https://freelancemagic.co/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizzie-davey-4a85b575/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freelancemagic.coTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@freelancemagicFind Rachel Online:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rmeltzer/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@rachelhmeltzerNewsletter: https://rachelhmeltzer.myflodesk.com/the-fizz

In case you missed it, I'm kicking off a free live bootcamp: Get Started Freelancing.

If you’re thinking about freelancing but don’t know where to start... 😵‍💫 You’re not alone! I’ve coached over 200 freelancers, and the biggest hurdle is just getting started.That’s why I’m running a free live bootcamp to help you launch your digital marketing freelance biz — step by step. And yep, it's actually free.

The first live workshop kicks off next week, so here’s what you need to know:

⚡️ It's Flexible & Free: Join Anytime!

✅ You can join anytime – don’t stress if you can’t make it live! Every session will have a free replay so you can catch up whenever you’re ready.

- Join for Free Here → https://lnkd.in/e4wwS5q9

- Bookmark the Replays → https://lnkd.in/eCdZYx4M 📓 Grab

Your Free Workbooks – these will help you take notes, brainstorm, and build your freelance business as we go.

- Get the Workbooks → https://lnkd.in/eryA9Jde

📚 What We’ll Cover in the Bootcamp

Each workshop is designed to take you from "Where do I start?" to "I’m running a real freelance business!" 

Here’s the roadmap:

1️⃣ Find Your Niche – Define your niche in a way that works for you

2️⃣ Pick Your Services – A simple framework (and a fun pop quiz!) to choose what you offer

3️⃣ Create Your Portfolio – No experience? No problem. You’ll learn how to showcase your skills

4️⃣ Business Setup – Everything you need to know to set up your business (U.S.-focused)

5️⃣ Set Your Rates – We’ll create a pricing strategy that works for you and your clients

6️⃣ Get Clients – Three different strategies for landing your first (or next!) freelance clients

🗓️ The first session is coming up! RSVP so you don't miss it: https://lnkd.in/eyPGKzud

👋 I'd love to see you in there! But no pressure – it's not for everyone!

🚀 Learn more about the Free Bootcamp → https://meltzerseltzer.com/get-starte...

📩 Join the Email Notifications → https://rachelhmeltzer.myflodesk.com/...

📗 Grab the Free Workbooks → https://meltzerseltzer.com/get-starte...

🎧 Listen to the Podcast → https://meltzerseltzer.com/the-guideb...

📰 Subscribe to the Newsletter → https://rachelhmeltzer.myflodesk.com/...

🔗 Connect on LinkedIn →   / rmeltzer  

Marketing yourself feels weird? Let’s fix that.In this solo episode, I’m breaking down the mindset shifts that make getting clients *way* easier. Spoiler: it’s not about “selling yourself.” Instead, we’re talking about: 📗 the numbers game📗 how to build real relationships📗 why persistence pays off (yes, even when people ignore you).I’ll also share my shoe store analogy (a.k.a. how to approach potential clients with patience, empathy, and a strategy that actually works). If marketing has felt frustrating or overwhelming, this episode is for you.RESOURCES: 🆓 The Get Clients Guidebook: https://rachelhmeltzer.myflodesk.com/getclientsguidebook🗓️ How to Get Freelance Clients Workshop (free): https://lu.ma/7o2dqu6o🤝 Get Clients on LinkedIn (done for you): https://meltzerseltzer.com/shop/get-clients-on-linkedin-done-for-youFind Rachel Online:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rmeltzer/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@rachelhmeltzerNewsletter: https://rachelhmeltzer.myflodesk.com/the-fizz

Jessie Andrew of Inkpot Creative is our guest this week!

Jessie is one half of Inkpot Creative’s full-time team. They’re a branding and web design studio for photographers who’ve really nailed down their offerings to enable streamlined scheduling, clear packages and pricing, hiring two part time employees, and selling even during slow seasons.

We touched on 4 main topics:

My sister Erin joins me to share her journey from freelancing in the yachting world to becoming a commercial seaplane pilot.

We compare how her experiences freelancing in hospitality were different from mine in digital marketing.

She opens up about managing emotions and mindset during career transitions and offers practical tips for breaking into yachting or aviation: network like a pro, build versatile skills, and always know your worth.

Takeaways:

Find Erin Online:

Find Rachel Online:

This episode, we’re chatting with Steven Schneider, co-founder and CEO of Trio SEO.

He shares his journey from being a college student to running a successful SEO agency.

We talk about:

Find Steven Online:

🌟 Free Bonus for Listeners:

3 free articles when you sign up for a monthly TrioSEO package and mention this podcast, a $1200 value.

Learn more about TrioSEO: https://trioseo.com/social/

Find Rachel Online: