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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.
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:
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
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:
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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