Your 6-Month Plan to Go Full-Time as a Freelancer (Month-by-Month Guide)

Your 6-Month Plan to Go Full-Time as a Freelancer (Month-by-Month Guide)

Publication Date
May 16, 2025
Summary

Whether you’re craving more freedom, flexibility, or just want to escape the grind of a traditional 9–5, this roadmap will help you get there.

Tags
freelancingworking ON your businessbusiness managementfreelanceschedulingbusiness setupbranding
Author

The MeltzerSeltzer Team

So you’ve decided to go full-time as a freelancer – but now you’re wondering, “Where the heck do I start?”

If you’ve already started Googling or asking ChatGPT, you know there’s a lot of advice out there. And honestly? It can be overwhelming.

That’s why I’ve broken things down into a clear, doable, month-by-month plan to help you build a freelance business that’s legit and sustainable in the next 6 months if you get started today.

🗓️ Your Month-by-Month Plan to Go Full-Time Freelance

1️⃣ Month One: Know Your Numbers

Start by tracking your spending to figure out how much you actually need to earn to go full-time.

  • Audit your personal expenses (rent, food, subscriptions, etc.)
  • Add ~20% for taxes
  • Start researching health insurance and retirement options

Use this:

🆓 Grab my free spending tracker template

2️⃣ Month Two: Set Up Your Business Plan

Lay the foundation for your business with clarity and strategy.

  • Define your niche (topic, industry, service, or value-based)
  • Choose 1–3 services to offer
  • Set your rates and package your offers
  • Create a simple 1-page portfolio website

Try these:

🆓 Freelancer's roadmap template

🆓 Find your niche workshop/workbook

🆓 Pick your services workbook

🆓 Rates Calculator

🆓 Portfolio workbook

3️⃣ Month Three: Make It Official

Take care of the legal and financial logistics so you’re ready to operate like a real business.

  • Get your EIN
  • Form an LLC (or operate as a sole proprietor)
  • Register your business (if required in your state)
  • Open a business bank account (I use Novo)
  • Set up a Roth IRA + high-yield savings account (I use Wealthfront)
  • Get a customizable contract template

Here’s a checklist + links to what I use:

🆓 Free workshop on legal & financial basics →

📄 Need a contract template? There’s on in the FRL →

4️⃣ Month Four: Prep to Get Clients

Lay the groundwork for client outreach before you officially launch.

  • Identify your ideal client
  • Build a list of 200+ potential companies/orgs
  • Use an Ideal Clients Tracker (I have a Notion template—just ask!)
  • Create a “Getting Clients” routine
  • Pick your official start date + set a weekly outreach schedule (2+ hours/week)

This might help:

🆓 Get Clients Guidebook + Webinar

5️⃣ Month Five: Start Getting Clients

Now that the prep is done, start putting yourself out there.

  • Optimize your LinkedIn (Watch LinkedIn(bound) on my YouTube)
  • Draft 10–20 social posts for your audience
  • Begin weekly outreach (2+ hrs/week)
  • Book coffee chats
  • Attend in-person and online events
  • Join freelance groups like Pop Club, Tech Ladies, Superpath, The Old Girls Club, etc.
  • Get on discovery calls
  • Offer samples or test projects to lock in clients

✨ Tons of resources for this inside Pop Club!

6️⃣ Month Six: Land Your First Client + Start Delivering

You’ve laid the groundwork. Now it’s time to land your first client and start working.

  • Most freelancers I coach get their first client within 21–90 days, depending on outreach consistency
  • Begin work on your first paid project(s)
  • Audit what’s working in your process
  • Start planning your exit from your current job

🙋‍♀️ FAQ: Going Full-Time Freelance

Q: How much money should I save before going full-time?

A: It depends on your personal expenses, but I recommend 2–3 months of savings if possible. That said, you can start lean if you’ve built consistent client outreach into your plan.

Full transparency: I had $1,200 in savings when I went full time in 2020. Why? Because I got laid off from my barista job due to COVID (unexpectedly). And honestly, I’m glad it worked out that way! It lit a fire under my ass to just make it work. I had no choice and that held me accountable. It was scary and stressful at times but it all worked out and now I know I can get through almost anything (I think).

Q: Do I need a website to get started?

A: Nope! A 1-page Notion portfolio or even a strong LinkedIn profile can get you hired. Your messaging and clarity matter more than polish.

Q: What if I don’t know my niche yet?

A: That’s totally normal. June is your month to explore and experiment! Check out my free niche workshop and roadmap template to get clarity.

Q: Can I really find clients with this plan?

A: Yes. Freelancers I coach land their first clients within 1–3 months of consistent outreach. The key is having a system and sticking with it.

I’ve made every mistake in the book so you don’t have to—and I’ve got a ton of free resources to help you get started.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions or reach out for what you need. I’m always here to help 💖

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