Name: Emma Cossey
Age: 28
Location: Bracknell
Blog URL: freelancelifestyle.co.uk
What is your blog about? Freelancing, and how to balance it with working from home, family, friends and clients!
Is this your first blog? No. I initially had a blog which was a bit of a mishmash of content, progressing to a blog that focused on tech and working from home. The Freelance Lifestyle basically came from that. I think before that, I was scrambling around for a niche. I’ve got various other blogs in pockets of the internet too, ranging from a Tumblr blog of geekisms, to a (very) neglected weight loss blog.
When did you start your current blog? I relaunched as The Freelance Lifestyle in 2011.
What made you do it? Ever since going freelance, I’ve felt that there’s a lack of content out there for new and experienced freelancers, specifically female freelancers. I wanted to create a warm, welcoming space where freelancers could improve and debate, without feeling nervous about asking something! I know when I started as a freelancer, I really needed support and guidance – so that’s what I hope The Freelance Lifestyle can be for others.
What was your first blog post about? The usual blogging cliches. Cupcakes. Make up. Cocktails. I think I was struggling to work out what I actually liked, and what I thought I should like.
What do you think is the most useful tool to you as a blogger? Twitter, without a doubt. The majority of blogging opportunities and ideas I’ve had have been through Twitter. I also adore Flipboard, for keeping on top of various social streams, and Wunderlist for noting down ideas.
Do people in your “real life” know about your blog? If yes, has your blog helped you career wise I think so, although my ‘real life’ friends, have very little interest in/understanding of blogs. I’m a freelance content consultant, so my blog is also my portfolio.
What has been the one thing (blog post, project, etc) you’ve been really proud of? The 30 Day Freelance Lifestyle E-Course. It’s a course which takes places over a Facebook group, and the aim is to get new freelancers ready in 30 days. The second course runs in January, and I’m really excited – it was so much fun to see the first group grow and discuss everything freelance.
Where do you see your blog in a year? I’m hoping to expand the blog, with a couple of new writers. I’d also love to launch an event next year, for freelancers to get together and learn.
What do you wish you knew when starting your blog? That planning is overrated. One of the things I’ve been doing in 2013, is planning as I go along, rather than procrastinating by doing lots of planning beforehand.
What do you wish you know about now? Finding time to blog! It’s still something I fail at, and definitely high on my list of things to do next year.
How do you keep motivated to post? Motivation isn’t really a problem, as I tend to take inspiration from problems/situations I have in freelancing or others mention. If I’m struggling to find motivation to write, I tend to find that breaking it down into sections makes it so much easier.
Anything else you’d like to add? Be a little different. All of my favourite blogs are the ones that take risks and do something different. If it isn’t a huge success, what’s the worst that could happen?
