x5 Reasons Why Incorporating Storytelling Into Your Copy Is Good Business

x5 Reasons Why Incorporating Storytelling Into Your Copy Is Good Business

As a business we know what we do well and what we can offer our prospective customers but the difference when it comes to writing your business copy in an online world is why they should care.

Planning any business content is meticulously knowing your audience but it’s also in presenting it in such a way that they can feel their place within it and are left wanting more.

That’s why storytelling in your copy is good business because;

1) Storytelling allows your ideal audience to understand you

Stories have the capacity to educate, inform and even entertain and according to data from the National Geographic, storytelling has been recorded as far back in history as 30,000 years ago.

Back then stories were more in picture form and have somewhat evolved to now be discovered in many different mediums such as; audio, films, written content and graphics etc.

In business it’s a way to convey your message so that your audience can relate, digest and understand who you are.

person holding world globe facing mountain
Photo by Porapak Apichodilok on Pexels.com

2) Storytelling builds a connection between you and your ideal audience member

Now with more that 4.66 billion active mobile internet users worldwide which encompasses around 59% of the global population following data from statista.com there’s plenty of reason to find a strategic and thought provoking way to reach your target audience.

There’s a sea of content out there so differentiating your business and targeting the right audience is crucial. Quite simply storytelling and good copy builds trust and it builds rapport.

Therefore, allowing you to build a connection and to work on growing that trust within your content and between you and your audience.

crop woman typing on laptop
Photo by Anna Shvets on Pexels.com

3) Storytelling engages your audience

It’s a bit like you’re doing a dance routine with a series of steps that your audience can choose to get up and dance to (engage) or that they refuse to join in with and continue to wait for the next one.

What you write is how you’ll be perceived and how you’ll be remembered.

You’re aiming to send a series of memorable messages that encourages your ideal audience to become more than an onlooker simply sitting on the sidelines watching your dance moves. Your content needs to be pulling them onto the floor and asking them to interact.

Your story alone won’t be enough to engage them. You’ll need to play a few theoretical songs before they’ll want to join in. Maybe you’ll ask them a question as a call to action in each content piece you do, maybe you’ll be offering a free downloadable PDF in exchange for their email address, maybe you’ll invite them into your online community group, maybe you’ll take them on a journey with your content and offer them tips and tricks on how their life can be improved by having your business within it.

However you choose to grow engagement remember it’s a long-term strategy that’ll build successful and lasting relationships.

man wearing gray dress shirt and blue jeans
Photo by fauxels on Pexels.com

4) Storytelling is a process

Storytelling is a process. So, map it out within your content. Show your audience how they can achieve B if they do A and so forth. Don’t throw it all into content point A, maybe you’ll have A.1, A.2, A.3 etc to get to point B.

Drip feed digestible amounts of information that fits within your narrative for your audience to follow, which helps to cement your message but also that doesn’t overwhelm or confuse.

Every story has a good narrative, so think about how you’ll introduce it, how you’ll place your audience as the hero of your story and show that you understand their pain points and that you can guide them into making their life better by slowly introducing yourself as the market leader and go to authority within your field.

Plan your content in advance. If you’re writing blogs maybe you’ll have one extensive pillar piece that will act as evergreen content on your website. Consistently link to this piece with other relevant blogs but always with your ideal audience in mind.

If you’re writing your social media content, you can use everyday relatable stories that your customers and prospects may face to build a message. Always add a call to action that speaks to them but that also speaks back to your business and goals.

Once you have a strategic process in place you can maintain the structure and then rinse and repeat with evergreen and new content by changing up the written dialogue.

focused diverse colleagues analyzing project together in office
Photo by Gabby K on Pexels.com

5) The impact of storytelling in your business copy?

The impact of good storytelling in your business copy isn’t just how you’re seen by your target audience but also how you can steadily grow your audience, attract new audience members, convert audience members into paying clients and in finding your own unique online voice in a busy online world.

Our impact and stamp on the online world beyond profitable gain is in taking responsibility for what we share but also in creating new ideas and inspirations that can guide and motivate others in seeking positive change.

Storytelling doesn’t just enable you to highlight your target audience and to show them why you should matter to them, it shines a light on your human side. It says there’s a person behind your profile, behind your business page, beyond your website which connects you to your ideal audience and it gives them a reason to engage.

Putting storytelling at the forefront of your business message streamlines processes and productivity but it also offers you a platform with which to reach out and make a difference.

You can view more blogs here. Why not get in touch to find out how I can help you and your business discover your online voice with bespoke copywriting services and consultancy. You can email me at: ambersmith@simplyamberlou.com

X101 Lockdown lessons learned (not in business)

The X101 things that I have learned over the last few months since the world has changed are more than what I’ve seen and experienced or even written about in business…

I thought it was time to put my thoughts into words and to see what comes out. So, I’ve compiled together this listicle that’s easy to read, skim and flow through –– hopefully some of these might resonate with you too…

1. Money may make the world go around but people truly hold your heart…

2. Those relationships that you hold dear will raise you up when you’re down..

3.  Children really are the best medicine everyday…

4. Your inner strength is your greatest mental strength…

5. Life doesn’t have to be as busy as we make it, you can step off the ‘busyness’ wheel and know it’ll still be okay…

6. Nature is a natural mood booster that expects nothing and gives everything…

7. Writing can be your saviour with the clarity and focus that your mind craves…

8. Digital boundaries enable you to enjoy life that happens around you and when it’s happening…

9. Normal is by our own definition…

10. Doomscrolling can become the saboteur to your day…

11. Taking time out for your own wellbeing and mental health so you can stay present for others is not selfish…

12. Creating healthy daily habits to boost our mood can only be seen as a good thing…

13. Boundaries full stop in life and business give you the support and comfort of knowing where you’re at. Simple repetitive daily tasks such as making the bed and getting out of your pyjamas do count as well as forming your working day around exercise and regular breaks….

14. Knowing yourself and what drives you makes knowing what you need and want from others far easier…

15. Book in calls with your favourite people if you can’t see them. Together you can lift one another’s spirits and talk it out…

16. This may well be a time that we wouldn’t have chosen but that doesn’t mean we can’t seek the positives where we find them….

17. Smiling and laughter is always allowed and much like with children, it can be the best medicine on a dark day….

18. Not every call needs to be a video call. Especially if you’ve reached the fatigue phase…

19. Always be kind. You can’t always see what pain and suffering others are experiencing…

20. We all want to feel heard. Listen intently without the need to form your own response…

21. Be brave and courageous. Sometimes that may mean taking a moment or some timeout…

22. Never feel guilty about wanting and needing some ‘you’ time. Your sanity is just as important as anyone else’s…

23. You are always enough even when you don’t feel it…

24. If your mind is foggy build lists to help focus what you want to achieve….

25. Listen to your gut. It knows what’s right and what decision needs to be made when and where…

26. Don’t overdo the caffeine. If you’re feeling anxious it can exacerbate it.

27. When you eat well you feel well. Wholefoods, healthy drinks, cutting out refined sugars and making your own sauces –– not only feeds the soul but it nourishes your body…

28. Know your neighbours. Community and belonging really is grounding and lifts you all up…

29. Exercise is a powerful deterrent or solution to those down days or feelings…

30. Fight the urge to have all the answers and ask for help when you need it…

31. Know that now isn’t forever and that tomorrow will be different whenever it comes…

32. Check on those around you even if it’s a small message to ask if they are okay…

33. Whatever you feel in that moment will eventually pass…

34. Reading is pure escapism. Fact or fiction….

35. You can observe time but you can’t gain more of it. Be intentional…

36. Always have gratitude….

37. Let’s rally together even through our differences. Our boats may well look different but we are all in the same storm. Showing compassion and understanding is never a weakness…

38. Your perceived weaknesses can be turned into your strengths and if they can’t it doesn’t make you a failure –– it makes you human…

39. Don’t get bogged down in your own head. You could get lost in there…

40. Decide your own pace of life…

41. Procrastination will weight you down if you don’t take a form of action….

42. Your emotions can paralyse you into inaction if they are not understood and given time to resolve themselves…

43. Whatever you think is your limit there are always reserves. Don’t forget to fill the tank.

44. Be unapologetically you. As Oscar Wilde was famously quoted to have said, “Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken.”

45. Spend less time or no time with the people that don’t make you feel good about yourself…

46. When you can’t see the wood for the tree’s –– get some fresh air…

47. Your hopes and dreams always have a value…

48. Your values in life and business are like a compass that leads the way…

49. We all make mistakes. Don’t let them stop you moving on…

50. Not everyone may get what you do, but as long as you do and you can see where you’re going then that is enough…

51. Sometimes you do just have to be strict with yourself in order to achieve the things you want to do and the goals you want to reach…

52. Life isn’t always fair…

53. Acceptance allows you to acknowledge how you are feeling and to move beyond it…

54. The simple things in life quite often are the best things in life…

55. Not everyone will get my humour…

56. In fact not everyone will get me and I’m okay with that. (Mostly. Although the people-pleaser part of me wrestles with that.)…

57. Life can be hard but can also bring us the best lessons if we’re prepared and willing to see them…

58. There never will be a crystal ball. Work with where you are and where you’re going…

59. TEDx talks are a fountain of knowledge and a great learning resource…

60. Not every course has to have a monetary value for you to gain learning from it. Some of the best lessons come from our daily experiences, reads and even those free courses…

61. Controlling news sources and daily consumption is necessary for our sanity and wellbeing…

63. It’s okay to have an off day and to lean on others for support. Asking for help isn’t a weakness…

64. Our mental health is fragile and needs to be looked after with proper self-care…

65. There’s life outside of our screens…

66. Leaning into a feeling or situation enables you to go with the flow and move with it rather than to try to always control it when it can’t always be controlled…

67. There may not always be a solution but more of a way to navigate a challenge…

68. A smile really can boost the room…

69. The world may well not be perfect but with baby steps we can make small changes that can positively impact us all.

70. Find what grounds you and hold onto it or them dearly. For me it’s my family that keep my feet quite firmly where they need to be…

71. I place huge value on the people in my life and treasure our time together…

72. Having your perceived freedoms restricted or taken away for a period of time due to lockdown really does give you the opportunity for gratitude…

73. Our brains much like our muscles (although it is a globular organ) need exercising –– just like our bodies do…

74. Restricted activities give you the time and space to think…

75. You can save quite a few pennies when you’re not going anywhere to spend it…

76. When time feels like it passes slowly you see the beauty of what lies around you…

77. There’s so much joy in the ordinary that you see it as the extraordinary…

78. Feed your body well and you feed your soul…

79. Your priorities are rapidly thrown to the forefront when the world is sent into a spin…

80. Your own quiet zone whether that be meditation or simply space to think is a vital place to be protected (without guilt)…

81. Finding a way to work and live in the same zone is in allowing yourself to find a natural adjustment that works for you…

82. House plants definitely raise your mood and lift the room. Some of mine even have names –Derek being one. (As labelled by one of my children.)…

83. Boundaries. We all need them…

84. Conflict and resolution is a part of life and a demonstration to our children on how to handle even the trickiest times…

85. Music attaches itself to the memories you commit to your mind…

86. Every piece of us is every bit as important as the other…

87. What you miss about the activities you can’t do becomes a movie in your head and a greater desire to be able to do it when you can…

88. A friendly voice is soothing to the ears…

89. Ours hearts and our minds don’t always marry up and discover the same solution.

90. Technology has been a positive connection amplifier pulling and keeping people together.

91. Only we get to choose what unites and divides us.

92. We can only impact what we feel is right and other people have to live by their own decisions.

93. A virtual hug may not be a real hug but it’s still like wearing a warm and fuzzy jumper.

94. Reach out to those that are lonely. Make them feel a little less alone and let them know they are cared for too…

95. You don’t have to have all of the answers and that’s okay…

96. When it all feels like it’s too much break it down into digestible and manageable bites, so you can take it moment by moment, day by day and month by month…

97. Have those crazy and mad moments but hold onto the good memories too so they can carry you through those grey days…

98. Having support around you through challenging times means you can lift up one another…

99. Your wealth will always be your health. Which includes your mental health. Everything stems from having that…

100. Life has a funny way of thrusting things into perspective for you…

101. Hope. We’ll always have it.

And breathe. That’s it for now. Well, for me anyway.  I’ve discovered as I’m sure you have too that life is irrevocably intertwined with what happens inside and outside of our working lives — how we feel in one part of our lives directly impacts the other. Taking time to reflect and pause on what you’ve learnt about yourself during this time can be a huge undertaking of help in knowing how to positively move forward.

Even as a business writer I felt compelled to put something together to mark this time. Something for me to look back on and to remember how I felt because once we move beyond this, (and we will), I don’t want to forget the precious thoughts and people that held me together.

It’s impossible to stop at a particular amount of lessons learned from this period of time but 101 had a nice ring to it. Have a think about what would be on your list –– you’d be surprised how good this is for the soul and mental wellbeing…

Simply Amber Lou Copywriting can help you with all of your business content needs. You can reach me by email Ambersmith@simplyamberlou.com and on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter at Amber L Smith.

(Article taken originally and expanded from X10 to X101 learnings from my LinkedIn post in September 2020. Pinned to my online LinkedIn profile for anyone wanting a super quick read.)

Also featured on Thrive Global

Make them turn their heads and write as you talk and talk to your audience, because that’s how you truly speak to and engage your reader…

Uh huh… yep you heard it, write as you talk has fast become my LinkedIn hashtag now because I believe that when you write as you speak you’re talking in a more real, relatable and understood tone. Of course, not forgetting to consider the audience you’re speaking to.

Creating written content that sounds as if you’re talking in person allows for your audience to almost hear your voice. Perhaps they even do. They feel as if they’re hearing the real you and can reach you even if they can’t see you.

Because, being real with your audience is a barrier broken if they feel that they can connect with you. Understanding your audience is a gateway for you to harness and for you to truly get to know their pain points and to show how you can solve it.

But it’s also because writing as you talk is in being human. Which sounds more than logical really. It’s writing with personality and not being afraid to show a little more you through what you can do for your audience.

What makes you stand out above the rest? It’s a no-brainer….you do….

You’re trying to beat the scroll, but let’s be real…

In an ever evolving and fast paced technological world there is a lot of demand vying for our attention. It can seem as if we scroll and type comments more than we speak these days. It then becomes harder for customers to see what’s real and what isn’t.

To put it into some sort of context, according to a report from RescueTime reported in the Guardian, the top 20% of phone users spend on average 4.5 hours daily on their phones.

We can all likely agree that it’s quite a bit of phone time and undoubtedly a fair amount is spent on social platforms. Trying to attract the attention of your audience has become a tricky beast as the sea of content has grown in tidal wave proportions.

But it doesn’t mean that you can’t gain attention. And it certainly doesn’t mean you shouldn’t create content that aims to gain attention. In fact you positively should.

So, show them. Your audience that is. Show them who you’re, show them you can talk to them and write with them in mind. Listen to how your audience talks and engages, and use this language when you write your copy and content.

You can find your audience online in many social places, forums, chat rooms and even get into their thinking patterns through surveys and questionnaires.

Show them that your voice is the one they can talk to and interact with. Be the expert that can knowledgeably offer the answer they crave, to the problems they face.

Being that voice is in getting into the headspace of your reader and in understanding who they are and how you can create content for them.

Clear your throat and let’s shout it from the roof tops…

In every piece of content you produce from your website copy through to your social media copy, it should all align to your voice. You want your voice to be in sync with your overall message and ethos but to be crystal clear about who you’re as a brand and business; you want it to radiate through all that you do and to become instantly recognisable to your audience.

The more your audience sees you the more they hear you. Be the voice they remember and the one they go to when they need to resolve their problem.

You’re your special sauce: let’s show your personality…

Don’t be afraid to show you. Show the person behind the brand and business. Let people see what it means to you, what you stand for and what your aim as a company is. But also reverse it and let them see how that should matter to them.

Building up a profile of your audience helps to finely tune your content and your voice.

Can you answer questions about your reader? For example;

  • What do they like and dislike?
  • What do they do?
  • Why would they choose you over your competitor?
  • What makes you different?
  • How do you solve their pain better than someone else?

Our fingerprint isn’t the only thing that is unique to us, our personality is too. Let it shine and beam a bold light on all of the content that you build for your audience…

Don’t pack in words to make yourself sound more intelligent: just write for them…..

And by them I do mean your audience. Seeking their language through online comments, surveys, reviews etc. is a great way to observe the language that your ideal audience uses and to weave that into your own content.

Write as you talk, but always write with your reader in mind. Your reader is your target audience. See the person but also hear their voice when you create your content.

After all it’s their head that you’re wanting to get into and talk to…

Be the voice of absolute and put yourself in their shoes….

Sometimes odd things happen when we write. Yes we can add in words that we wouldn’t use in person or that our audience would even understand. Imagine yourself as your audience and imagine how they would think, talk and feel.

If they don’t use words such as, ‘obsequious,’ then don’t use it. Yet again if they do, then feed the language that most relates to them. Let them see themselves in your content. Let it be a mirror image of their thoughts and how they see themselves in your brand and business.

What do they want to hear? What do they want to read? How would a conversation go if you were chatting to them?

Just imagine it as if you’re having a real-life conversation and even read your content out loud to hear its flow. Anything that doesn’t fit you can easily then tweak and adjust.

Be social: in fact, be everywhere they are…

If you’re not online, make sure you’re online. Start with one platform and build your audience and community base from there. Being social is a great way to find and build your voice but also to see the voice of your customer too.

Be seen by your audience and create the approachable voice of authority in your field…

They are the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow: never underestimate your communities…

Building communities online can seem time consuming. They don’t have to be. But they’re worth their weight in gold. Not only are they a great support, but they can be your best advocate too.

You can build your voice, show your expertise and all of your interactions are helping your target audience find you and see who you’re.

An avid believer of conversational copy and getting inside the story that is happening inside the head of your audience; is guru and all round rock star Joanna Wiebe…

If you need more social proof that conversational copy is advantageous as it is logical, then check out Joanna Wiebe who offers some great insights on how to write with the voice of your customer in mind and shows how you can find real ways in which to do that. You can check out her Tuesday Tutorials and see her thoughts here.

Don’t forget the more you know, the more you see..

The more you can know about your ideal customer, the more you can see your content through their eyes. And the more they can see themselves through yours.

Write as you talk: as all good and lasting relationships start with a conversation…

Write as you talk and talk to your audience because that is truly, madly and absolutely the way to get the attention your content deserves and in keeping eyes on it.

You can easily revive your content to be the sun, the moon and stars by editing in fresh phrasing and bringing to life your copy by keeping front of mind–– to be conversational.

After all, all good and lasting relationships start with a conversation…

#WriteAsYouTalk

If you can’t bear to think about writing for your business and brand anymore or want advice on how to start –– let’s chat.

You can email me at: ambersmith@simplyamberlou.com, follow me on LinkedIn: Amber L Smith, Twitter: @simplyamberlou and Instagram: @simplyamberloucopywriting

Your thoughts and stories are the true inspiration to my posts. Share your ideas and opinions with me in the comments…

Blogging tips for business

Blogging can seem like a long, time-consuming task and whilst I can’t say that it’ll take you 5 minutes, it doesn’t have to be arduous and it most certainly doesn’t have to take over or take you away (for long) from other pressing business tasks.

Many businesses ask: Why do I need a business blog? And the answer is simple –– it builds authority, rapport and allows you to showcase your expertise whilst also offering depth to your audience and Google, so it can rank and see what your website is all about.

These tips are quick and easy to implement. Take a look at how you can readily digest and put these ideas into your own blogs…

What to write: business blog topics

The hardest part for many people when they sit down to write is knowing what they want to write about. Start by creating a spider diagram of ideas –– you know your business best so begin by thinking about;

1) What do customers frequently ask you?

2) What pain points do they have?

3 What would be their current daily struggles?

4) How can you bridge the gap?

5) How can you make things easier for them?

6) How can you relate to them?

7) What stories would engage your audience?

Refining your idea is the start of your blog strategy and makes the step of jumping in and writing easier as you have a point of focus.

Think about the words that you use

Even if you start with a story that’s about you, your business and your brand, make sure that you pull it round to be about your audience. People want to see themselves on the page. They need to see that you’re representing them and that they can draw something from what you’ve written.

In your structure, think about swapping I for we, you and you’re. Let me give you a brief example to demonstrate the concept;

When I took the bus, I was late for work but it’s not my fault and they’ll just have to cope until I get there –– this isn’t my doing.

Versus

I was running late for work and I do hate to be late because it impacts the way others see you and the portrayal of yourself within the work environment, plus, you always feel like you begin on the back foot with the walk of shame as you enter the office door and awkward eye stares greet you from your colleagues…

You see, it makes it relatable when your reader can see that you’ve pulled them in and included them in the emotion of the story. I wouldn’t want to be the person with those eyes on them at this point in the story. (By the way, I’m never late, this is fictitious).

Research and real life

Use a mixture of what feels right and what suits the blog that you’re writing. If it would benefit from the weight of research, data and a quote behind it, then include it. However, if it doesn’t work, don’t force it..

For example I might add, ‘writing is easy. All you have to do is cross out the wrong words.’ Mark Twain.

Now, quotes are great but when you’re offering help to someone who is struggling to find the right words let alone cross them out –– dependent on your frame of mind this may not prove useful or motivational, however, it may be thought provoking and food for thought for some.

Bare this in mind: Perception may well be subjective but you want to draw in your reader and not alienate them.

Write with flow

This really just means to keep it conversational and natural. You don’t have to talk like a university professor it you aren’t one and you don’t have to take the voice of an authority that isn’t relevant to you.

Try thinking of your written work as a conversation between two people. Visualise who you’re writing to and the kinds of things you would say to them. You don’t have to use big words unless that’s you and relevant to your audience. But you do want them to feel a part of your tribe and included –– so write with this in mind.

Connect your paragraphs and sentences by thinking how you end and start the next. Does it flow into one another? Have you made sense or gone off at a tangent?

NB: By writing with flow you can still keep it professional. What you’re doing is setting the tone, making it relatable and easy to digest.

Keep it simple

Don’t overcomplicate your business blogs. Keep it simple. Think of the outcome you want to achieve and who you’re writing to. This opens up the conversation and creates a piece that is easy to understand.

Think of the words you use, how you put them together and use one word over several if your reader can grasp the point faster.

Edit in your brilliance

This is why we have drafts. You can dump all of the information down and then filter it out and tweak in your editing process. This is why it’s easier to define it as editing in your brilliance. That way you’re not thinking that you’ve created a rubbish piece. No. It’s refining your piece to build something that you will publish and be proud to share with your readers.

Perfection is of course mythical and you shouldn’t expect your initial draft to be everything you want it to be. You can fine tune this in and turn your draft from caterpillar to butterfly.

My recommendation would be the allow time to edit in for spelling and grammar and then flow. It sounds mad I know but it takes fresh eyes and a different focus to spot the edits then flow.

Call to action

Never forget this. Every piece of content should have one, especially your business blogs. Again, this doesn’t need to be complicated. It could be as simple as;

Come and follow me at…..

Or

Ending the blog with a question before you leave a short paragraph of company blurb.

How often should I blog for business?

There’s no magic answer here. This is dependent on your strategy and the aim of your blogs, where you’re at on your journey and what your audience needs. You also want to consider what you can give to the process –– is it you writing or are you hiring a freelancer or maybe you have a team that can do this for you?

The other thing to think about is how you repurpose the content for social media and newsletters for your subscribers. Having a few key evergreen blogs on your website around areas that relate to you, your business and your audience will help to stamp your authority and build rapport with your reader (and also search engines.)

Think quality, visibility and how you want to be seen.

You can even consider having a pillar piece (essentially a longer form guide) that then links back to several other blogs that you write. The importance with your blogs is to ensure they remain current, even if you need to make a few tweaks to keep them up-to-date from time to time.

Can you incorporate these tips into your business blogs?

See how you can make your process easier to work through and the time you can save yourself when you have a strategy with which to approach your blogs.

Whether you’re looking for blogging tips for small business, medium or even big business then the principles of inclusion remain the same even if your approach and strategy may differ slightly.

Want more? Check out my easy to follow, short and digestible business blog with impact course that breaks it all down and shows you how. You can learn by video just how to create real blogs that wow and draw in your ideal audience.

Plus, this course now comes with my content tips and tricks guide full of my know how and tactics that I have complied (see what you get here) –– so that you can get to grips with the copy you need in your business. This also includes a x30 days of social post generator ideas page and my “must have” blogging tips..

Have a specific question? Feel free to reach out. I respond to all of my emails personally and love to connect with real people. You can mail me at: ambersmith@simplyamberlou.com and browse the website here.

NB: Please note that this link takes you directly to Amazon and that I may earn commission on any qualifying products. This does not impact the service or item you receive.

Meaty Mighty Truth: 5 Freelancing Feelings to Challenge and Overcome…

The word freedom rings inside your head. You’re letting go of the seemingly run of the mill stuff and the 9-5 grind, and you’re freely running with glee and with your arms joyously flying about up in the air. Well maybe not that last bit, but you’re likely pretty excited and have every right to be.

Starting out on your freelancing journey whatever your niche is a momentous and at the very same time somewhat daunting prospect.

You’re full of feelings and not 100% fixed on what to do with them. You’re full of thoughts of what’s your first move and where do I start.

I get it. I’ve been there. Quite often I’m still there. Here’s my penny’s worth of advice on the challenges you’re going to encounter; how to keep your feelings in check, plus with workable tips on how to overcome and manage them.

1) The Niggles: Freelance Feelings of Doubt….

I’m sure this isn’t subject to just freelance life. I think many of us experience this when working within organisations too. It’s hard when you’re working on your own; have time on your hands and that’s when those feelings of self-doubt slowly edge their way in.

It’s well documented and talked about that these feelings are none other than imposter syndrome. Oh yes, it has a name. You’ve likely already heard of it. And if you haven’t experienced it, then consider yourself very lucky.

Remember to stay true to yourself and whilst it’s important to validate your feelings, what you don’t want to do is to let them take over. You’re awesome, can do awesome things and that is why people want to hire you.

It may sound crazy but there are times when I have to keep myself in check with a mantra like; ‘fire in your belly,’ or, ‘you’re awesome, you’re brilliant and you’ve got this.’

You have got to support you and be kind to yourself. You started this journey because you had something to offer. You still do. Keep plugging on and moving forwards. Leave feelings of doubt behind. Give them 5 minutes of worry time and move on.

2) Don’t Feed the Freelance Drought: Use the Time Wisely…

There’s a very good chance that you won’t necessarily be back to back with work. At least not to start with, and even the best will have periods when they are not working.

Obviously, there is the practical business side to account for, but you also need to prepare emotionally for this. This is when self-doubt as stated above can creep in and also when you can hit a low.

Looking at the non-paid things that you don’t always have time for is a great filler, as is strategising and thinking about you and your business.

I write, and so writing blogs for myself or other publications to market and keep my skills fresh is a great way to keep the mind occupied and a super outlet to balance your feelings.

It doesn’t have to all be work based. Let’s face it, if you were in the office, you’d have a couple of breaks and definitely take lunch. Why not choose things to look forward to, to break up any expanse of time.

Take a walk; see a film, meet a friend, finish reading that book, read your favourite newspaper, dance around to your best tunes or maybe visit the gym.

If you are working from home, this would mostly apply to you. Taking a planned break is good for you. Gain a little perspective. Find some clarity. You don’t have to feel guilty.

You may even find that some of your best ideas come when you’re at your most relaxed.

3) We all Need Someone to Lean on: So, Build Your Freelance Family and Combat Loneliness with Community…

Staying socialised is really important. Some people thrive on their own company. Others need the company of others.

I’ve learnt to not mind my own company but my heart does sing when I get to chat with other people.

Company doesn’t have to always mean the direct people that surround you; it could mean the community that you strive to create online. Some of my best connections I’ve made online and then also met offline.

Some due to the sheer amount of water that separates us, means we physically can’t. But you can go online and not only market yourself, but build a hub of close trustees that will show up and find you.

Seek them out. Find your tribe and cherish those comments, connections and precious engagements.

4) Don’t Let Your Thoughts Destroy You: Use Your Freelance Mindset to Strive and Try to Always Default to Positive…

It’s easier said than done I know. It’s easy to say when you’re experiencing the highs of freelance life. But not quite so easy when our brains naturally default to see the bad, and you’ve hit a low. But with a little effort in your mindset, through perhaps meditation and training yourself to pick the good; you can find the sun even through those cloudy days.

You have to believe and realise that even if today is a bad day for you for work or in how you feel, tomorrow is a new day. That doesn’t mean that tomorrow is actually tomorrow. But it does mean that your tomorrow will come and it will get better. So, hang on in there.

By working as a default to positive and by not allowing your mind to fixate too deeply and for too long on the negative, you’ll hold yourself in good stead to push through those tough times.

5) Our Journey is a Journey and Our Path isn’t Always Smooth: See Freelance Growth in Learning…

Let’s face it, it’s a path that actually never does stop. And it shouldn’t. Because no-one was born knowing and there are many ways to learn.

But it’s also empowering as well as building upon your skills. You don’t need to always be embarking on the most expensive option. You can seek many a free course, or even pay a nominal amount to learn a whole lot; and you can and should view what you read and absorb as boosting your skillset too.

If you start a course, make sure you finish it and proudly put your certifications everywhere you can. Blow your own trumpet, because you’ve earned it.

You are your business but you’re also your own investment. Being kind to you extends here too. If you’ve read something interesting, share it with your community on and offline. Write a post, write a blog and put your slant and opinion on that theme.

Don’t use your perceived lack of skills in any area as an excuse not to push yourself. What you don’t know, you’ll learn. What you’ll learn you’ll use.

Embrace the Highs and Hug the lows: See the Joy in Every Part of Your Journey…

A freelancer’s journey is full of highs and lows. But relish in the highs and seek learning in the lows. Build a strong community around you in your life both offline and online that will support you and are happy to chat when you need it.

Talking is so important to keeping balance and to stop you literally going insane with thoughts whirring around in your head. It helps you to get another’s perspective but quite often can be a lightbulb moment and also a moment of clarity.

Push yourself beyond what is naturally comfortable, otherwise you may find yourself going around in circles, or not moving at all. But know that you hold the key and simply quite often all you need to be, is yourself. Because you sell you and your skills are the backup to you.

It may not always be the dream you imagined but enjoy the journey; buckle up for the ride and sail beyond what you ever thought was possible.

Where Are You on Your journey?

From one freelancer to another: Keep going. You’re doing just fine…

 You can link up with me via LinkedIn: Amber L Smith, Twitter @simplyamberlou Instagram: @Simplyamberloucopywriting and email: ambersmith@simplyamberlou.com

For more stories, articles and copywriting services please check out my website at: Simplyamberlou.wordpress.com

Originally published on Thrive Global…