Freelance Gems

Today we're talking all things systems, planning and Dubsado with OBM Devin Lee!

Self-proclaimed “fun big sis for your biz”, Devin is a Certified Online Business Manager who specializes in helping service providers get their time + energy back by perfecting their clients’ journey and putting admin tasks on autopilot, using the magic of Dubsado.

Connect with Devin:

Today we're talking about balancing digital wellness, boundaries and social media breaks as a freelancer who makes a living online, because honestly, it's tough! Luckily though, Saiyak is a digital wellness counselor for Gen Z & Millennial content creators who want to balance life, work, and technology in a digitally distracting world.

Connect with Saiyak:

Today we're talking all things podcasting with Mags & Kim!

Mags & Kim are your friendly neighborhood freelancing friends. Kim has freelanced full time for over 5 years and Mags for 3. Their passion project, the At Whit’s End podcast is now approaching its 3rd season!

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Today I talked with my friend Lyd all about the importance of relationship marketing & networking as a freelancer. Listen in to find out how you can spend less time obsessing over content and more time making meaningful connections!

Lydia-Renee Darling is an actor-writer and founder of Oh! (My Gosh) Creative Co., an entertainment marketing agency partnering with production companies and creative professionals. From Wisconsin, she splits her time between the US and UK.

Connect with Lydia-Renee:

Welcome to season 2 of Freelance Gems! I'm your host, Isabel, web designer and founder of Squarespace template shop, Opal Templates.

Today we're talking with my lovely friend Megan all about self care for freelancers! Megan Krepakevich is a mindset & personal development creator and ecommerce entrepreneur. Her content and products are designed to empower, inspire and motivate women with tools and resources to improve their mindset, self-management, and fulfill their hopes and dreams.

Connect with Megan:

Welcome to season 2 of Freelance Gems! I'm your host, Isabel, web designer and founder of Squarespace template shop, Opal Templates.

Welcome to season 2 of Freelance Gems! I'm your host, Isabel, web designer and founder of Squarespace template shop, Opal Templates.

Welcome to season 2 of Freelance Gems! I'm your host, Isabel, web designer and founder of Squarespace template shop, Opal Templates.

Today we're talking with my friend Brian, a conversion optimization expert and analytics strategist, to learn WTF website strategy actually is, what it looks like for freelancers and why it's so important. 

Connect with Brian:

Welcome to episode 14 of Freelance Gems! I'm your host, Isabel, web designer and founder of Squarespace template shop for online service providers, Opal Templates.

Today's episode is a more casual chat about why I've decided to do podcast seasons of Freelance Gems instead of non-stop weekly episodes, my plans for the future of Freelance Gems & Opal Templates + why I'm choosing quality over consistency.

If you've been feeling like you can't get off the content train - this episode is for you. 

Welcome to episode 14 of Freelance Gems! I'm your host, Isabel, web designer and founder of Squarespace template shop for online service providers, Opal Templates.

Today I'm sharing 5 ways you can actually, truly start taking messy action and making things happen in your service based business. From setting challenges to putting sticky notes on your wall, there's so many ways you can motivate yourself and hold yourself accountable to taking messy action. Plus, once you start seeing the results from actually taking action - you won't want to stop!

Welcome to episode 13 of Freelance Gems! I'm your host, Isabel, web designer and founder of Squarespace template shop for online service providers, Opal Templates.

Today I'm sharing 6 simple upgrades you can make to your about page to build trust and show your expertise to potential clients before hopping on the discovery call. This little often-ignored page can go along way when you use it strategically!

Welcome to episode 12 of Freelance Gems! I'm your host, Isabel, web designer and founder of Squarespace template shop for online service providers, Opal Templates.

Today I'm sharing 10 of my favorite ways to upgrade, streamline and organize my business with Notion, the famous productivity app that every Youtuber has a template for.

I wanted to make this in case you're in need of some biz organization (I think we all are) and if you're Notion-curious, because there's a lot of hype around this app but not always a simple breakdown of what you can actually use it for! Hopefully this gives you some organization inspo, and if you want to start from a template, I have a website planner and marketing planner made just for Notion :)

Welcome to episode 11 of Freelance Gems! I'm your host, Isabel, web designer and founder of Squarespace template shop for online service providers, Opal Templates.

Welcome to episode 10 of Freelance Gems! I'm your host, Isabel, web designer and founder of Squarespace template shop for online service providers, Opal Templates.

Today I'm keeping the podcast chill and am just sharing 4 of my favorite business books that'll make your business easier, simpler and hopefully more fun. 

Welcome to episode 9 of Freelance Gems! I'm your host, Isabel, web designer and founder of Squarespace template shop for online service providers, Opal Templates.

Today I'm breaking down EXACTLY how to build your 1-page marketing plan so grab some paper and follow along, cause by the end of this episode, you should be able to have this all done!

Oh and keep that thing out where you can see it after, please!

Welcome to episode 8 of Freelance Gems! I'm your host, Isabel, web designer and founder of Squarespace template shop for online service providers, Opal Templates.

Today I'm sharing 3 of my favorite work week formats for you to try, or take what you like from each and make your own! As a service provider, your work week is one of the easiest things to take control over that can make your business way more enjoyable (before you can control things like your income and such), so play around and see what works for you!

Welcome to episode 7 of Freelance Gems! I'm your host, Isabel, web designer and founder of Squarespace template shop for online service providers, Opal Templates.

Today I'm sharing my best advice to help you decide between a DIY website, a designer-made template, or investing in fully custom design for your service based business. All choices have pros and cons and are best for different stages of business, so I hope this helps you decide what's right for you!

Welcome to the very first episode of the Freelance Gems podcast!

In this episode, I talk to Sílvia Pinho, a social media manager who's been freelancing on Upwork for 8+ years (!). 

We cover everything from how to get those first few jobs on Upwork, why you should raise your prices on the sooner than you think, and how you can set boundaries at the start of a new contract to avoid headaches down the line. 

Connect with Sílvia: