The MeltzerSeltzer Team
Feeling a little scattered in your freelance business? You’re not alone.
Whether you’re overwhelmed with client work or unsure what to focus on next, taking time to pause and audit your business can bring clarity—and serious momentum.
In this post, I’ll walk you through a simple 4-step process to evaluate your current situation, update your rates, refocus your goals, and create a plan to move forward. Bonus: you’ll get access to my free Freelancer’s Dashboard and Rates Calculator to make it easier.
✅ Step 1: Evaluate Your Current Biz
Start by getting a clear picture of where you are right now. Use a tool like the Freelancer’s Dashboard or your own client management setup to gather the following:
- Client hours/month (use your highest estimate if hours vary)
- Monthly income from each client (use the lowest estimate if it fluctuates)
- Your hourly rate for each client
- How you feel about working with each client (energized, frustrated, neutral?)
This step helps you assess both the financial and emotional ROI of your current work—so you can make smarter decisions moving forward.
✅ Step 2: Reassess Your Rates
Freelance pricing isn’t “set it and forget it.” As your skills grow and your lifestyle evolves, your rates should too.
Head to the Rates Calculator—I’m giving it away for free just for business audits! Update your personal and business expenses, then calculate your new rates based on how many hours you want to work each month.
💡 Don’t forget to adjust your rates based on your experience, niche, and the value you bring to each project.
✅ Step 3: Picture Your New Biz
Next, take a moment to reimagine what being “fully booked” means to you.
Ask yourself:
- How many hours do I want to work per month?
- What’s my ideal monthly income?
- How many clients or projects do I want to juggle at once?
Then, visualize your perfect schedule. Consider how to balance:
- Client work
- Self-care
- Admin and growth time
Write it down or map it out using your favorite planner, calendar, or the Freelancer’s Dashboard.
✅ Step 4: Plan & Implement
Now bring everything together.
Revisit your client list from Step 1 and ask:
- Do I need to let go of any clients?
- Who needs a rate adjustment?
- Where do I have space for better-fit clients or projects?
Then, plan out your recurring and one-off business tasks using a tool like Notion or whatever task manager you prefer. Schedule:
- Marketing and outreach routines
- Client deliverables and check-ins
- Financial tracking
- Business growth projects
Start small—maybe one audit-related task per week—and build momentum over time.
🧠 FAQ: Freelance Business Audits
Why should I audit my business?
It helps you see what’s working, what’s draining you, and where you’re leaving money or energy on the table.
How often should I do this?
Mid-year and end-of-year are great checkpoints. You can also do mini check-ins quarterly.
What if I feel embarrassed by my numbers?
That’s normal. Auditing isn’t about judgment—it’s about awareness and direction.
Can I do this even if I’m brand new?
Absolutely. This process helps you set grounded goals and track early traction as you grow.
Where do I get the tools you mentioned?
Right here: