1. Reflect on the past quarter

You can’t start planning for Q3 without reflecting on Q2. Start with these questions:

• What was the biggest challenge you faced in Q2? How can you overcome that in Q3?

• What was the best part of your business in Q2? How can you do more of that?

• What do you want to do more of in Q3?

2. Update your bookkeeping

I know I cringe when I think about finances. It’s a lot easier to just ignore everything, especially when you don’t have a system in place. I use this project planner to track my income, but the best tool for you is one you actually use.

While you’re doing that, answer these questions:

• How much money did you make last quarter?

• Can you negotiate a lower rate on a reoccurring expense (like your phone bill)?

• How much money do you need to stay afloat on a monthly basis?

• Are you up to date with quarterly bill payments or retirement savings?

3. Work on your marketing

It’s easy at this point in the year to just focus on the day-to-day client work you have. But summer is the perfect time to do more marketing before clients start working hard this fall toward their year-end goals.

I know a lot of freelancers feel weird about marketing their services. But you will not survive as a small business owner without it. Someone out there needs your knowledge! Low Energy Leads has a lot of great advice about lead generation (which is just a laid back way of finding clients).

4. Set goals for the next quarter

You’ve got six months left in the year. You’ve got time to make your next dream a reality. Write down a few goals for the next quarter and make a roadmap for them. I like to break down big goals into weekly and monthly goal posts so everything’s less overwhelming.

5. Update your website

This is another thing that’s easy to put off! I know I’m guilty of it. I’m currently pairing up with my mastermind friends to evaluate each other’s websites. I recommend finding a freelance friend who will do a website swap with you so you can get outside feedback on your website.

A few things to check:

• Are your samples/clips up to date? Have you backed up your published work in case a site goes down?

• Are your services accurate? Do you need to add a new service or remove one?

• Does your contact form work? Use your website the way a potential client would. Is it easy to contact you?

6. Update your LinkedIn

Halfway through the year I can officially state that LinkedIn is where it’s at these days. I’m seeing a lot more freelance opportunities posted on LinkedIn than Twitter/X, Threads, or Bluesky. A lot more hiring managers and editors are looking for freelancers on LinkedIn, which means you need to bring your best self there. I recommend posting a few times a week (use these LinkedIn Prompts if you need ideas).

Your LinkedIn needs:

• A professional profile photo

• A summary that addresses your skills and experience. Include the type of work you want and your contact info.

• A LinkedIn services page, which is free to create

• A listing in your experience section that shows that you are a freelance professional and are available to new clients

Need some inspiration? Take a look at my profile, Jenni Gritters, Lex Roman, Matthew Fenton, Wudan Yan, and Jessica Walrack.

7. Get a new income stream

Side gigs are fun! And having some kind of income stream that isn’t your main job makes life more interesting and fun. There’s a reason why you see so many independents diversifying their revenue with digital products, newsletters, or part-time jobs. It’s a lot easier to be creative when you know your bills are paid.

8. Just jump

I bet there’s something you considered doing at the beginning of the year. But for one reason or another you hesitated. You didn’t have time. You couldn’t commit. Just go for it in the last half of 2024! I had thought about launching another newsletter for the longest time, and I’m having a ton of fun building it. You’d be shocked by what you’re capable of.

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If you need to drum up more work in the last half of 2024, you should begin by getting in touch with past clients. Here’s a handy template!

Hi [Client]! Hope you’ve been well since we worked on [project] together!

I wanted to check back in and see if you need any help with work. I have some extra availability for [your service] in [insert months you’re available].

[sign off]

[your name]

COPY PASTE

Where you can learn more about this topic

• Set SMART goals. The Freelance Hustle rounded up a few examples of SMART goals freelancers can achieve in 2024.

• Find more clients now. Subscribe to Get More Clients and Hello innTro to get client leads.

• Is one of your goals starting a newsletter? If you use my beehiiv affiliate link, I’ll give you a free consultation. I can answer any questions you have about monetizing and launching a newsletter and give you actionable feedback.