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This is the exact roadmap I’d follow to rebuild consistent income through freelancing – with simple steps, free tools, and a low-lift approach designed to get results without burning out
The MeltzerSeltzer Team
Laid off and not sure what to do next?
First of all – take a breath. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or totally unprepared, you’re not alone. I’ve coached hundreds of freelancers through this moment (and been through it myself in 2020), and while it might feel like the rug's been pulled out from under you, it can be the beginning of something much better.
If I were starting over today after getting laid off, this is the exact roadmap I’d follow to rebuild consistent income – with simple steps, free tools, and a low-lift approach designed to get results without burning out.
⏭️ Laid Off? Here’s What to Do Next: A Step-by-Step Freelance Roadmap
1. Pick a Niche (Even If It’s Temporary)
You don’t need to find your forever-niche right away. You just need a focus—something to help you identify the types of clients and projects you want to go after.
A niche makes your outreach easier, faster, and more effective.
2. Choose 1–3 Services to Offer
Don’t overcomplicate this. Choose services that:
- You enjoy
- You’re at least decent at
- Businesses are already paying for
This makes it easier to create a focused portfolio, write your website copy, and talk about your offer confidently.
3. Build a Portfolio with 3+ Pieces Per Service
Create 3 sample projects per service to showcase your skills. These should:
- Reflect the kind of work you want to get paid for
- Speak to your ideal client’s goals or pain points
- Not include real client names/logos unless you have permission
4. Set Up Your Business (Without Overwhelm)
Don’t let the legal and financial stuff slow you down. Focus on the essentials:
- EIN or business registration (depending on your state)
- Business bank account
- Bookkeeping system
- Contract template
5. Optimize Your Online Presence
No need for perfection—just make sure your digital footprint looks legit. Focus on:
- A clear, client-facing LinkedIn profile (Need help? I offer $25 profile critiques)
- A simple 1-page site (Notion or Canva is perfect)
- A professional email signature
- 10–20 LinkedIn posts you can schedule or post over your first month
6. Build a List of 200+ Potential Clients
This part can feel intimidating, but it’s where things start to click. Be specific. Think:
- Niche industry
- Company size
- Marketing team structure
- Current hiring or funding status
7. Start Your “Getting Clients” Routine
The key to freelance income is consistency—not just luck.
Your weekly routine should include:
- Sending LinkedIn connection requests
- Writing intro messages + follow-ups
- Posting value-driven content
- Booking coffee chats or discovery calls
🙋♀️ FAQ: Freelancing After a Layoff
Q: How quickly can I replace my income after getting laid off?
A: It depends on your outreach consistency, niche, and network. Most freelancers I coach land their first client within 30–90 days.
Q: What if I don’t have any past clients or portfolio pieces?
A: Start with samples (they’re called “spec pieces” in the freelance world). You don’t need past clients to create a compelling portfolio – just focus on demonstrating your skill with strategic, niche-specific samples that are perfect for your ideal client. I teach this in my free Portfolio Workshop.
Q: Do I need a website before I start pitching clients?
A: Nope! A strong LinkedIn profile or a 1-page Notion site is more than enough to get started.
Q: I’m not sure I can do this on my own. Where can I get support?
A: Check out my free bootcamp, resource library, and community. I also offer 1:1 coaching, a service that gets clients for you, and an affordable website service. Not sure which is right for you? I’m always happy to point you toward the right workshop, template, or guide for where you’re at – just shoot me an email!
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