From Idea to Income: 9 Free + Affordable Tools Every New Freelancer Needs

From Idea to Income: 9 Free + Affordable Tools Every New Freelancer Needs

Publication Date
May 9, 2025
Summary

I’ve created (or curated) a collection of free and low-cost resources that actually help.

Tags
how to get freelance clientsfreelancingworking ON your businessfreelanceonboardingbusiness setupmoney mindsetratesbranding
Author

The MeltzerSeltzer Team

When you're just starting out—or trying to grow without burning out—finding the right tools for your freelance business can feel overwhelming. There’s so much noise out there, and let’s be real: not everyone’s advice works when you’re juggling a day job, bills, or caregiving responsibilities.

I believe freelance success should be accessible to everyone. That’s why I’ve created (or curated) a collection of free and low-cost resources that actually help. Whether you're launching your first offer, trying to get clients, or finally building your website, you’ll find something here to support your next move—without breaking the bank.

🧰 9 Free + Affordable Resources for Freelancers

1. Get Started Freelancing (Free)

A free live bootcamp for new freelancers with:

  • 6 live workshops
  • 8 workbooks
  • 4 Ask Me Anything calls

GET STARTED FREELANCING →

2. Get Clients Guidebook (Free)

Everything you need to start booking clients through LinkedIn:

  • A profile optimization checklist
  • Templates for connection requests, DMs, and posts
  • A weekly LinkedIn routine (30–60 min)

GET CLIENTS GUIDEBOOK →

3. LinkedIn Profile Critiques ($25)

Not sure how to optimize your profile to attract dream clients? This async review includes:

  • A video critique
  • A custom checklist
  • 20+ templates for DMs, profile copy, posts & more
  • 5 of my best LinkedIn workshops

PROFILE CRITIQUES →

4. The Guidebook Podcast (Free)

Real stories and honest conversations with freelancers and entrepreneurs building the lives and businesses they want. We talk about the hard parts—and the tools that help along the way.

THE GUIDEBOOK PODCAST →

5. 1-Page Portfolio Website Template ($25)

Launch your site in 90 minutes or less using Canva or Notion templates. You’ll get:

  • 1 Canva + 1 Notion template
  • A step-by-step tutorial
  • 4 real examples
  • A mini brand voice guide
  • Prompts for writing every section

1-PAGE WEBSITE TEMPLATE →

6. Done-For-You Website Builds ($500+)

If you’ve been putting your site off because of perfectionism, tech overwhelm, or time constraints—this is for you.

I’ll build you a beautiful, client-attracting site in just 4 weeks (including writing your case studies!). A la carte pricing so you only pay for what you need.

DFY WEBSITES →

7. Notion Templates (Free)

My favorite tool for organizing everything in my business. Grab my templates so you don’t have to start from scratch.

Included:

  • Ideal Clients Tracker
  • Freelancer Dashboard (free through Nov)
  • Business Audit Template
  • Brain Dump Template
  • Vision Blueprint
  • Spending Tracker

NOTION TEMPLATES →

8. Done-For-You LinkedIn Outreach ($350+)

Hate selling yourself? Busy with caregiving? Just want someone to do it for you? I’ll handle all your LinkedIn outreach so you can focus on closing deals and delivering great work.

What you provide: your Ideal Client List (or I’ll help build one).

What I handle: outreach, connection requests, follow-ups.

Timeline: 3–6 months to stabilize your biz.

DFY GET CLIENTS ON LINKEDIN →

9. Business Setup Checklist (Free)

Before you get clients, you need your backend in place. This checklist walks you through:

  • Business banking + tax setup
  • Contract + onboarding tools
  • What to prioritize first
  • Budget-friendly tools for your launch

BUSINESS SETUP CHECKLIST →

🙋‍♀️ FAQ: Freelance Resources & Tools

Q: Do I need all of these to start freelancing?

A: Definitely not. Start with the free ones, especially the Get Started Freelancing bootcamp and the Get Clients Guidebook. Add on only what fits your current stage and budget.

Q: What’s the difference between the Get Clients Guidebook and the DFY LinkedIn service?

A: The guidebook helps you do it yourself—templates, checklists, and a posting routine. The DFY service means I handle the outreach for you so you can focus on delivering and closing.

Q: I don’t use Notion. Can I still use your templates?

A: Yep! Many templates also have Google Sheets or Canva versions—or I can show you how to adapt them to your favorite tool.

Q: What if I’m not sure which resource is right for me?

A: Just reach out! I’m happy to point you toward what makes the most sense for your stage, goals, and budget.

Looking for something else?

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