The Marketing Freelancer: Unicorns Unite

With this shifting economy, businesses aren’t just hiring task-doers—they’re hunting for problem solvers who understand strategy, systems, and results. Today I’m diving into the crossover skills that keep freelance service providers booked, referred, and recession-proof.

We’re seeing many businesses cutting costs, hiring fewer employees, and leaning hard on contractors who can do more with less. The ones who can think strategically,...

Freelancers get stuck between wanting to look professional and protecting their pricing power. Welcome back to another Ask Emily Anything episode — my mini-series where I tackle your real freelancer questions. Today’s question came in a DM from Adam, who’s in corporate strategic communications, and he asked a good one: “When quoting a price for a potential client, do you prefer giving one total figure or itemized pricing?”

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Using AI in client work can save you time, spark ideas, and help you finally get ahead on that never-ending to-do list. But the wrong approach can blur boundaries, create awkward conversations, or even chip away at your clients’ trust.

In this Ask Emily Anything episode, listener Danielle brings up a timely question: “As AI tools become part of everyday marketing work, what ethical considerations should we keep in mind, and when sho...

A client you admire tells you you’re not worth your rate… Ouch, right? That kind of feedback can rock your confidence and make you question everything, especially when you’re trying to grow your freelance business. But here’s the truth: no one else gets to decide your worth.

In this Ask Emily Anything episode, I’m answering a powerful listener question from Nai, an operations assistant, who asked: “How do you keep momentum and show ...

Are you still thinking like a “grateful doer” instead of the boss of your business? If you’ve ever felt stuck in the freelancer-to-CEO mindset shift, this episode is for you. In this Ask Emily Anything episode, listener Candice asks a question so many of us freelancers secretly struggle with: How do you actually make the transition in your brain from service provider to boss? 

It’s not just about raising your rates or slapping ...

I’ve got some tough love for you today: it’s 2025, and you can’t afford to not have a website. Clients are vetting freelancers harder than ever, and your site is the first thing that tells them whether you’re worth the investment. The goal isn’t just to throw one together; it’s to have a website that books clients.

That’s why I invited Brand & Web Designer, Alyssa Downey, to join me in this episode. We’re walking you through the...

You can’t keep charging by the hour if you want to grow your service provider business. It’s time to package up your skills into high-ticket offers that show off your expertise and the transformation you bring to the table. I know raising your rates can feel scary, and sometimes it’s hard to even put into words the real value of what you do. I want you to step into those bigger offers with confidence, stop playing small, and get pa...

What if your dream clients could find you instead of you chasing them down?

When you use SEO for your service provider website to get found on Google, you build a client pipeline that works for you 24/7 (no algorithms required). You don’t have to dance on TikTok, post and pray on Instagram, or wait for referrals. This episode will show you a smarter, long-term way to book clients.

I’ve got SEO strategist Laura Jawad on the show to sp...

Do test projects make you roll your eyes? Feel like you’re constantly jumping through hoops for low pay? You’re not alone and you’re not wrong for feeling that way. There’s a smarter way to approach these situations that actually opens doors, builds credibility, and leads to better-paying client relationships.

In this episode, I’m talking with Lacey Cribb about how to approach freelance job applications, test projects, and contracto...

Ever sent a proposal… and heard crickets? Yeah, that ghosting game is real and frustrating. If you're losing momentum between the call and the contract, this episode walks you through the exact changes that turn proposals into "yeses."

I brought in copywriter, launch strategist, and my real-life friend Brittany McBean to talk all things premium proposals. She’s breaking down what actually works when you’re trying to land high-ticket...

If you’ve ever found yourself undercharging, overdelivering, and questioning your worth as a freelancer… THIS is the episode that will recalibrate your mindset and empower you to own your value like the Unicorn you truly are.

I’m joined by my friend Caryn Gillen, a seasoned business coach for coaches who want to grow to $5K+ months without burnout or following someone else’s blueprint. With 15 years in the coaching space and 30+ yea...

Is your digital marketing brain buzzing with course ideas, but you’re not sure where to start?

If you’ve got skills to share and want a low-maintenance, high-visibility way to monetize them, this episode is for you. We’re diving into the world of course marketplaces—specifically how to sell courses on Udemy—with my guest and fellow unicorn Elizabeth Hambleton.

Elizabeth is the Founder & CEO of Bonjour Branding, where she helps co...

Freelancer Visibility Series #6

If you've ever felt frozen at the idea of putting yourself out there, you're not alone. Sweaty palms, second-guessing every word in the email, wondering “Who am I to pitch myself?” But visibility doesn’t come from waiting in the wings. It starts with one pitch. One message. One connection. In this episode, I’m showing you exactly how to pitch yourself as a freelance marketing service provider—without ...

Freelancer Visibility Series #5

Think your brand messaging is "fine"? Think again. If your content still sounds like a generic VA or a watered-down version of your mentor, you’re missing out on paid opportunities, real alignment, and meaningful client connection. The missing piece? Your true brand voice. It's time to bring your personality front and center.

In this Visibility Series episode, I’m joined by Jen Liddy—Brand Voice & ...

Freelancer Visibility Series #4

One of the most overlooked tools in your marketing toolbox: your origin story. Not just the “I started freelancing during naptime” version, but the powerful, personality-packed version that builds trust, separates you from the rest of the VA crowd, and makes you the obvious YES for your dream clients.

In this Visibility Series episode, I’m chatting with Megan Yelaney, a business strategist and podcaste...

Freelancer Visibility Series #3

This episode is for every freelance marketing unicorn out there who’s doing the work but not fully stepping into the spotlight. If you’ve ever thought “I don’t feel expert enough to be on a podcast,” this conversation will flip that script and show you exactly how to leverage podcast guesting to bring in real revenue.

My guest Beth Nydick is dropping truth bombs left and right about visibility, confide...

Freelancer Visibility Series #2

If you want your dream clients to come to you instead of you chasing them, it's time to get serious about public speaking. And no, you don't need to be Tony Robbins or have a viral TikTok, you just need to show up and share your expertise the smart way.

In this episode, we're diving into the power of public speaking with Laurie-Ann Murabito: a reformed shy girl turned award-winning speaker, speaking co...

Freelancer Visibility Series #1

Are you tired of being the industry’s best-kept secret? You’ve got talent, you’ve got skills, but you’re stuck in VA-land doing low-paying admin work. Meanwhile others with half your ability are getting booked out (and charging way more). You don't need another tool or tactic, you need visibility and authority.

This week, I sat down with my friend and fellow visibility nerd Rob Marsh, a seasoned direct...

I crashed the Social Media Marketing World conference…

Okay not literally, but I did snag a ticket and showed up as a fly-on-the-wall digital marketer, ready to soak it all in. In this episode, I’m giving you a no fluff, behind-the-scenes recap of Social Media Marketing World and sharing exactly what freelancers and marketing VAs need to know.

Think conferences are just fluff and swag bags? Think again. I’m breaking down how in-perso...