This week’s topic is going to be pretty straightforward, and that’s because we’re talking about running a business.

I talk about freelancing around here with the assumption that you’re going to be relying on the Internet for quite a bit of your business and that means? You need a website.

Not that it’ll be nice one day or it’s something only “real” freelancers have.

You !firstname_fix}are going to be paying for webhosting and website one day because it’s a foundational part of your business. That’s why…

I can’t afford a website…

…isn’t a viable excuse.

In relation to some of the other business expenses freelancers have (business insurance, advertising, education) the cost of hosting and starting a website is pretty small.

In relation to how much business you lose because you’re working from a Gmail domain, don’t have your own home base, and passed up a chance to establish trust with clients that help build your career? It’s a drop in the bucket.

Now don’t get me wrong. If you can’t afford it right now, you can’t afford it, but be honest with yourself.  Can you not afford $5-$15 a month in domain hosting at least (for a personalized email address) or are you just underestimating the value?

If you legitimately can’t, go hard on that free LinkedIn profile, treat the posts function like your blog, start using updates, and just keep it in the back of your mind that this is a something you’re going to do.

If it’s not and you’re just being cheap with your own business, start listening to Kronda on her advice on hosting options to get started.  

Megan

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

My Website Isn’t Working for Me