I’m starting to change my tune on websites a little.

The 3 years I’ve been running BlackFreelance, I’ve always seen websites as something freelancers grow into after we’re comfortable with a profile on Upwork, LinkedIn, or a portfolio hosting site.

You know what though? That’s not enough.

I’m starting to see not only that websites are important from day 1, but that because yours will always be a work in progress, you should consider starting immediately so it can grow into the business-building site you want.

If you don’t have a site yet or yours isn’t where you want it, I already know what you’re thinking. You’re coming up with a “reason” (a.k.a. “excuse”) not to take action toward your best freelancer site.

This month, we’re going to go through some common excuses and why you should let those go yesterday. (Quick side note, if you already have a site and are putting off upgrading to a better, more effective one, this month is for you too.)

First up?

I don’t think I need a website.

OK…so this is just a lie. You need a site. (I've heard of maybe a handful of freelancers who get by without a site, but they all got started building connections back in the 80s and 90s).

If you’ve made it this far into BlackFreelance you want a freelance business that improves your life. To get that, you need one that people take seriously. Without a website, you’re basically cutting the chances that people will take you seriously down to a shot in the dark.

You’re giving people another excuse not to trust you.

Another excuse to walk away and not pay you a dime.

Another reason to give you a “no” and take their business elsewhere.

Let that excuse go and accept that a website is part of the foundation of your business. It’s something you have to be willing to invest time, effort, and yes, even a little bit of cash into. It’s something that occasionally, you’re going to have to rethink, or maybe even rework completely to make sure it’s working for you and not just gathering dust sitting on the Internet.

This week, let go of the lie that you don’t need a great site, stop trying to run your freelance business like it's 1982, and step into the new reality of your freelance career.

Megan

Here are the Academy resources that you’ll want to check out this month…

My Website Isn’t Working for Me