The Freelance Blueprint

Hosted by Elisabeth Mayr

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Oct 2025

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Welcome to the "Freelance Blueprint" - the podcast for freelancers to let you know you are not alone in this. If you're curious about freelancing, looking to level up your freelance game, or even if you've been freelancing for years, you're in the right place. Hosted by Elisabeth Mayr, a freelance UX Designer, the Freelance Blueprint will equip you with everything you need to know about freelancing. We're interviewing fellow freelancers from all the corners in the world, at various stages in their careers. Hit subscribe to get notified on next episodes.

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October 15, 2025Episode 750 min

This $1,500 Moment Made me Go All In | Jenna Harding, Actress turned Social Media Expert on How to Get Clients

This Moment is when Jenna knew she had to go all in with her freelance career. Jenna Harding is a successful Social Media Expert. But it wasn't a career she planned for. Starting as an actress, she fell into Marketing and found more acting success when she found herself talking on stage about marketing, than she did as an actress. With her MMM (Magic Marketing Machine) programme, she's helping a ton of entrepreneurs finding clients through social media. In the latest episode of the Freelance Blueprint Jenna talks about 📱 How to avoid the doom scroll while looking for content ideas 🆕 If you should start a new account or use your existing one 🤝 How to find the right team that allows you to scale 🚀 At what stage are you ready to take the leapand so much more 📌 Let me know in the comments: when was the moment that made you realise you're going to go all in? 🙏 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you don’t miss my next video on freelancing, travel, and creating a work life that works for you. Learn more about Jenna: Instagram: instagram.com/jennaspaige/ Get Clients from Instagram: https://elisabethm--parkdale-republic.thrivecart.com/magic-marketing-machine-program/ ---- Learn more about the Freelance Blueprint Host: Instagram: instagram.com/elisabethmayr/ Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/mayrelisabeth Get the FREE Freelance Blueprint Checklist https://mailchi.mp/elisabethmayr/free-guide Sign up to the Freelance Blueprint Newsletter https://mailchi.mp/19bd323f0892/sign-up-to-my-newsletter Learned something valuable? Feel free to support me buymeacoffee.com/elisabethmayr 📍Timestamps 00:00 Intro 01:15 About Jenna 02:10 How to Get Away from Your Phone while making content 03:26 How to Make Unique Content 11:40 Jenna's Biggest Lessons 15:00 How Jenna shifted from acting to Social Media 17:39 The Skills and Benefits You get from Acting 22:53 Starting to Build Your Own Brand 27:44 Ways to Scale Your Business 31:57 How to Find the Right Team 37:29 How to Hire the Person who's right, not the one who's good at Selling Themselves 45:37 Knowing When to Keep Tweaking the Product or the Team and Strategy 47:11 Final Freelance Blueprint Questions 49:55 Outro Keywords #socialmediaexpert #socialmedia #marketing

October 8, 2025Episode 653 min

From Freelancing to Launching Saas Products | Digital Nomad Ramon Morcillo on Colivings and Freelancing

At what stage in your freelance career should you start working on products? In the latest episode of the Freelance Blueprint, Ramon Morcillo, a freelance developer, talks about what motivated him to start his saas products mapmelon and mangobeds. 🎯 What you'll learn in this episode How AI impacts the developer industry Tips for Junior Developers How Colivings can help Digital Nomads Building Saas Products based on finding a gap in the market 📍Timestamps 00:00 Intro 00:57 About Ramon and Growing up in Alicante 06:17 Discovering Colivings and becoming a Digital Nomad 10:32 Going from Freelancing to starting Saas Products 13:02 How to find the right Coliving 19:34 Launching a PMS for Colivings 25:08 How AI impacts the development world 28:00 Freelancing vs Building Saas Products 29:52 Where Ramon finds Freelance Clients 32:32 Tips for Junior Developers 33:42 Ramon on Coaching 36:52 How AI impacts the UX world 42:40 Teamwork as a Freelancer 44:11 Managing Teams 49:18 Final Freelance Blueprint Questions 52:50 Outro🙏 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you don’t miss my next video on freelancing, travel, and creating a work life that works for you. Learn more about Ramon Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uxui.with.petra/ Website: http://ramonmorcillo.com/ Mangobeds: https://www.mangobeds.com/ Mapmelon: https://www.mapmelon.com/ Learn more about Elisabeth Mayr and the Freelance Blueprint 1:1 Coaching with Elisabeth: https://freelance-blueprint.com/coaching Website: https://freelance-blueprint.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayrelisabeth/ Instagram: http://instagram.com/elisabethmayr/ Learned something valuable? Feel free to support me buymeacoffee.com/elisabethmayr

October 1, 2025Episode 526 min

5 Things to do when you have no more Freelance Clients | Downtime is not a waste, it's an opportunity

Downtime as a freelancer can feel uncomfortable: no projects, no deadlines (thank god for that though), and the fear that you might never find another client. But here’s the thing: downtime isn’t wasted time, it’s space for opportunnity. In this solo episode of The Freelance Blueprint, Elisabeth shares practical and mindset-focused ways to make the most of slow seasons. You’ll learn how to: ✅ Reach out to past clients and spark new opportunities ✅ Create healthy habits that support you when work gets busy again ✅ Review your subscriptions and cut unnecessary costs ✅ Get systems in place to streamline your freelance workflow ✅ Build skills, update your portfolio, and reset your mindset Whether you’re brand-new to freelancing or a seasoned pro, this episode will help you reframe downtime into a powerful tool for growth, stability, and freedom. 📌 Let me know in the comments what you do in your downtime Downtime as a freelancer can feel uncomfortable: no projects, no deadlines (thank god for that though), and the fear that you might never find another client. But here’s the thing: downtime isn’t wasted time, it’s space for opportunnity. In this solo episode of The Freelance Blueprint, Elisabeth shares practical and mindset-focused ways to make the most of slow seasons. You’ll learn how to: ✅ Reach out to past clients and spark new opportunities ✅ Create healthy habits that support you when work gets busy again ✅ Review your subscriptions and cut unnecessary costs ✅ Get systems in place to streamline your freelance workflow ✅ Build skills, update your portfolio, and reset your mindset Whether you’re brand-new to freelancing or a seasoned pro, this episode will help you reframe downtime into a powerful tool for growth, stability, and freedom. 📍Timestamps 00:00 Intro 01:09 Reframing Downtime 02:18 Making the most of the Ebbs and Flows of the Freelance Market 05:52 More Downtime at the Beginning of Your Freelance Career 06:43 Maintain Your Business 07:32 Post About Your Past Project on Linkedin 08:43 Build Systems Where Needed 10:54 Review Your Subscriptions 14:49 Go to IRL Networking Events 17:15 Upskill , not just your hard skills 21:02 Stay Up to Date within Your Niche 22:30 Get a Freelance Coach2 4:06 Enjoy Life 24:40 What I wish someone would've told me 25:40 Outro 🙏 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you don’t miss my next video on freelancing, travel, and creating a work life that works for you. ---- Follow me on Instagram instagram.com/elisabethmayr/ Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayrelisabeth Get the FREE Freelance Blueprint Checklist https://mailchi.mp/elisabethmayr/free-guide Sign up to the Freelance Blueprint Newsletter https://mailchi.mp/19bd323f0892/sign-up-to-my-newsletter Learned something valuable? Feel free to support me: buymeacoffee.com/elisabethmayr --- Keywords: freelancer downtime, what to do when you have no clients, slow freelance season, freelance tips, how to get more freelance clients, freelance productivity, freelance systems, freelance healthy habits, freelance money tips, freelance portfolio update, reach out to past clients, freelance mindset

September 24, 2025Episode 31 hr 16 min

How to find Clients as a Freelance UX Designer | UX UI with Petra

In this episode of the Freelance Blueprint, Petra and Lisi talk about their journeys as freelance UX designers. Together, they explore the ins and outs of finding and managing clients in the freelance world. They delve into effective strategies for client acquisition, the importance of building a strong portfolio, and the nuances of client communication. Petra shares her journey from working through platforms like Toptal to establishing her own client base, emphasizing the power of referrals and personal connections. Tune in to discover practical tips on pricing, project management, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance as a freelancer. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your freelance business, this episode offers valuable insights to help you thrive. With 9+ years experience as a UX Designer and 5 years as a freelancer, Lisi is trying to help as many freelancers as possible to create a work life that works for them. 🎯 What you'll learn in this episode 1. Crucial mistakes to avoid when it comes to pricing 2. How to find clients on and off freelance platforms 3. Managing working remotely vs in an office 4. How to maintain a healthy self-worth and mental health ---- 🙏 Don’t forget to like and follow so you don’t miss the next episode of the Freelance Blueprint ---- Learn more about Petra Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uxui.with.petra/ Website: https://www.petradesigns.io/ Portfolio: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nSCAIoMpiHRH-GhSzQI2sG4JXemIGZvQ/view Learn more about Elisabeth Mayr and the Freelance Blueprint 1:1 Coaching with Elisabeth: https://freelance-blueprint.com/coaching Website: https://freelance-blueprint.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayrelisabeth/ Instagram: http://instagram.com/elisabethmayr/ ---- Follow me on Instagram instagram.com/elisabethmayr/ Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayrelisabeth Sign up to the Freelance Blueprint Newsletter https://mailchi.mp/19bd323f0892/sign-up-to-my-newsletter Learned something valuable? Feel free to support me buymeacoffee.com/elisabethmayr --- Keywords Freelance Podcast, Freelance Blueprint, Advice for freelancers Finding and managing freelance clients | Balancing work and personal life as a freelancer | Pricing strategies and crucual mistakes | Importance of Mental Health and Self-worth

September 17, 202524 min

My Clients Don't Pay My Invoices 🤬 Here's What to Do

You've delivered your services but your clients aren't clearing your invoices?Happens quite a lot, unfortunately. But there's things you can do to make sure you get paid.In this episode of the Freelance Blueprint Podcast, I'm talking about 1️⃣ How you can prevent unpaid invoices 2️⃣ What to do when it does happen 3️⃣ How not to burn bridges when things get uncomfortable I'm Lisi, a freelance UX Designer and Digital nomad and host of the Freelance Blueprint Podcast. 📌 Let me know in the comments if you've been OR currently are in the situation of chasing your invoices. Maybe I can help. ---- 📍Timestamps00:00 Intro 01:00 If you didn't get paid, listen to this 02:07 You need a contract with payment terms 03:52 Late Payment Fees 08:14 Emails are powerful, if done well 10:11 Consider a Middle Man 11:03 How to Handle when they're past the payment due date 14:26 Cease Work if neccessary 16:56 If nothing works: Take Legal Action 20:56 Can You Spot in Advance a Client that doesn't pay? 22:50 What You Need to Hear 23:54 Outro 🙏 Don’t forget to hit subscribe so you don’t miss the next episode of the Freelance Blueprint. Follow me on Instagram instagram.com/elisabethmayr/ Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayrelisabeth Get the FREE Freelance Blueprint Checklist https://mailchi.mp/elisabethmayr/free-guide Sign up to the Freelance Blueprint Newsletter https://mailchi.mp/19bd323f0892/sign-up-to-my-newsletter Learned something valuable? Feel free to support me buymeacoffee.com/elisabethmayr --- Keywords #freelancepodcast #freelanceblueprintpodcast #freelancerlifestyle #invoices #clientmanagement

September 10, 2025Episode 21 hr 0 min

From Teaching in China to SEO Consulting: Owain Lloyd-Williams on Freelancing, AI & Scaling a Business

In this episode of The Freelance Blueprint, host Elisabeth Mayr chats with Owain Lloyd-Williams, an SEO consultant with a fascinating journey from teaching English in China to becoming a sought-after SEO expert. Owain opens up about his path into freelancing and shares his perspective on: ✅ The evolving landscape of SEO in the age of AI ✅ How to find your niche and stand out in the freelance market ✅ The nuances of working with global clients ✅ His thoughts on scaling a freelance business while staying authentic ✅ Challenges and rewards of building a long-term career in freelancing Whether you’re an aspiring freelancer or an experienced consultant, this conversation is full of actionable tips and real-world insights to help you navigate the digital age. 🎧 Subscribe to The Freelance Blueprint for more conversations with freelancers worldwide, uncovering strategies, tools, and stories to help you grow your freelance career with confidence. Learn more about Owain Lloyd-Williams Website: https://www.owainlloydwilliams.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/owain-lloyd-williams-a8967852 Learn more about Elisabeth Mayr and the Freelance Blueprint 1:1 Coaching with Elisabeth: https://freelance-blueprint.com/coaching Website: https://freelance-blueprint.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayrelisabeth/ Instagram: http://instagram.com/elisabethmayr/ --- Keywords SEO freelancing tips, Owain Lloyd-Williams SEO consultant, how to become an SEO freelancer, AI and the future of SEO, scaling a freelance business, working with global clients freelance, finding your freelance niche SEO, freelance blueprint podcast SEO, SEO consultant journey, from teaching to freelancing story Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you don’t miss my next video on freelancing, travel, and creating a work life that works for you.

September 3, 2025Episode 11 hr 10 min

From Fashion to Freelance Coaching: Ella on Burnout, Boundaries & Thriving as a Freelancer

In this episode of The Freelance Blueprint, host Elisabeth Mayr sits down with Ella Chisholm, a seasoned fashion designer and freelance coach, to explore the realities of both the fashion industry and the freelance journey. Ella shares her story of transitioning from the fast-paced fashion world to building a sustainable freelance career. Along the way, she opens up about: ✅ How to recover from burnout and avoid it in the future ✅ The power of setting boundaries as a freelancer ✅ Why self-development is crucial to long-term success ✅ Practical tips on pitching, pricing, and finding your niche ✅ Her mission to help other freelancers thrive with confidence Whether you’re just starting out as a freelancer or already running your own business, this episode offers inspiration and actionable strategies you can apply right away. 🎧 Subscribe to The Freelance Blueprint for weekly episodes with freelancers worldwide — sharing tips, tools, and real stories to help you succeed in your freelance career. Learn more about Ella Chisholm Course + Community: https://thefashionfreelancecoach.com/landing-page Client experience bundle: https://www.thefashionfreelancecoach.com/client-experience-bundle Website: https://www.thefashionfreelancecoach.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ella-chisholm-5192842bb Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefashionfreelancecoach Learn more about Elisabeth Mayr and the Freelance Blueprint 1:1 Coaching with Elisabeth: https://freelance-blueprint.com/coaching Website: https://freelance-blueprint.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayrelisabeth/ Instagram: http://instagram.com/elisabethmayr/ --- Keywords freelance burnout recovery, how to set boundaries as a freelancer, freelance pricing strategies, how to pitch as a freelancer, fashion designer to freelancer, finding your freelance niche, freelance tips 2025, freelance mindset and self-development, freelance blueprint podcast 📌 Let us know in the comments what the best thing is you've done for your freelance career 👇 ---- 📍Timestamps 00:00:00 Intro 00:01:17 Ella's Background and Move to France and Fashion 00:05:49 Tips for People Starting in a new Industry 00:09:09 How to Get Out of Burnout 00:11:42 Entrepreneurship for Self Development 00:14:21 Most Important Thing to Do: Take Action 00:17:30 How to Master Cold Outreach and How to Pitch 00:25:40 Starting Coaching for Fashion Freelancers 00:32:48 Finding the Right Coach 00:38:30 Human Design for Business 00:44:08 Setting Boundaries 00:48:42 Ways to Find Clients based on Your Stage 00:55:06 How to Price Yourself as a Freelancer 01:03:52 Final Freelance Blueprint Questions 01:09:05 How to Connect with Ella 01:09:40 Outro 🙏 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you don’t miss my next video on freelancing, travel, and creating a work life that works for you. ---- Follow me onInstagram instagram.com/elisabethmayr/ Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayrelisabeth Get the FREE Freelance Blueprint Checklist https://mailchi.mp/elisabethmayr/free-guide Sign up to the Freelance Blueprint Newsletterhttps://mailchi.mp/19bd323f0892/sign-up-to-my-newsletter Learned something valuable? Feel free to support mebuymeacoffee.com/elisabethmayr

December 17, 2024Episode 520 min

How to Prepare for a Holiday as a Freelancer | Stress-free Time Off for the Self-Employed

Summary In this episode of the Freelance Blueprint, Lisi talks about how freelancers can prepare for holidays without the stress and anxiety of work creeping up on them. She mentions the importance of planning holidays, setting boundaries with clients, and crafting fun out-of-office messages. Elisabeth shares personal experiences and practical tips to help freelancers disconnect from work, communicate effectively with clients, and ultimately enjoy their time off, including her own personal email templates. The episode serves as a guide for freelancers to prioritise their well-being and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Takeaways Plan your holidays or it won't happen. Set boundaries to enjoy your holiday. Communicate with clients well in advance. Craft a fun out of office message. Delete work apps before going on holiday. Taking breaks is essential for mental health. You are your own boss; no need for permission. Enjoy your holiday without work distractions. Respect your own boundaries with clients. Choose clients who respect your time off. Chapters 00:00 Intro 01:40 What Happens When You Don't Prepare for Your Holiday 03:33 Why It's Important to Take a Proper Break or Holiday 03:30 Make a Plan for Your Trip 05:10 How to Let Your Clients Know 06:50 My Email Template for Announcing Your Time Off 09:34 Your Out of Office Email - Make it Fun! 10:28 My Personal OOO Email Template 13:25 Delete Your Work Apps While You're Off 14:14 Should You Check Your Inbox While You're Off? 15:45 How to Deal With Clients Who Cross Boundaries 18:46 Your Holiday Preparation Checklist Summary 19:42 Outro Keywords freelancer, holiday preparation, work-life balance, client communication, out of office, boundaries, digital nomad, self-care, productivity, mental health Follow me onInstagram instagram.com/elisabethmayr/ Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayrelisabeth Sign up to the Freelance Blueprint Newsletter https://mailchi.mp/19bd323f0892/sign-up-to-my-newsletter

December 10, 2024Episode 423 min

How Much to Charge as a Freelancer | Am I Charging Too High or Too Low? How Do I Know my Ideal Day Rate?

Summary Elisabeth talks about how to she sets her rates as a freelancer and how you can apply that for your business. Find the sweet spot so you don't charge too low and get ripped off or too high and lose out on clients.🧮 Get the Free template to calculate your ideal day and hourly rate https://mailchi.mp/elisabethmayr/rate-calculator If you want to learn what's the best way for you to charge (time-based, retainers or project fees) check out this video 👇 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6St6LY4Olo&list=PLUY8upbEOz58o8FdTnLAVizo4ICebDX_3&index=32 Follow me onInstagram @elisabethmayr Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayrelisabeth Sign up to the Freelance Blueprint Newsletter https://mailchi.mp/19bd323f0892/sign-up-to-my-newsletter Chapters 00:00 Intro00:15 Charging too much vs charging too low01:38 Adjust Pricing Based on How Much You want that Project02:46 The Price Jump from Permanent Salary to Freelance Gigs5:00 Define Your Minimum Rate You Need to Charge06:25 Talk To Other Freelancers08:36 Set Your Rates Not Just on the Market but Your Lifestyle Goals11:32 Include ALL Expenses12:48 Don't Forget About Taxes13:40 Use This Free Spreadsheet to Find Your Minimum Rate16:50 Negotiate Your Rates - Always19:25 Make Note of Their Reaction When You Tell the Rate20:38 Keep Track of What Worked22:40 Outro

December 4, 20247 min

The Best Way to Charge Your Clients | Daily and Hourly Rates vs Retainer fees and Project rates

Summary In this episode of the Freelance Blueprint, Lisi explains how freelancers can effectively set their rates. She explores various pricing models, including hourly, project-based, and retainer rates, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's worth and the value provided to clients.Follow @elisabethmayr-freelance on Youtube oron Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/mayrelisabeth Instagram: instagram.com/elisabethmayr Sign up to the Freelance Blueprint Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/19bd323f0892/sign-up-to-my-newsletter Keywords freelancing, pricing, UX design, project-based pricing, retainer agreements, freelance rates, taxes, expenses, sustainable business, community support Chapters 00:00 Introduction00:52 Different ways to charge clients01:07 Charging for time (hourly or day rate)03:14 Deep dive into project-based pricing05:48 Retainers06:09 What is a Retainer?07:24 Outro