This Freelance Insights interview features content writer and consultant Sarah Blake.

Sarah regularly posts insightful tips on Instagram that will help you write better content for your business, something she’s been helping people to do for years as a writing tutor and instructor and now a content consultant.

If you're struggling to get clear on the messaging for the service you provide, you need Sarah’s Core Message Charm Kit. It’ll guide you to connect your message to your dream clients' desires, so you stop comparing, become a stand-out source of content, and magnetize the right people. Click the button further down this page to access it.

How do you describe what you do for work?

I'm a content writer and consultant. I work with small businesses on developing their website, blogs, social media posts and any other writing that goes into running a business. The reason I call myself a consultant is that I really believe in having a partnership with my clients and making sure that the ideas and language that are being used are very authentic to their business. People have bad experiences where copywriters come in and then it doesn't sound like them. My focus is to help my clients have writing that really sounds like them but is also strategic and effective. In the process of working with them, I try to equip them with the tools to understand how to write for themselves too.

What's your favourite thing about working freelance?

The potential, I would say. I'm still relatively new to freelancing, but now that I've made the decision to partner with small businesses I can see there's so much potential in what kinds of companies I can work with in the future. It'll be so exciting to see where the companies I'm working with now have got to in five years, especially because I tend to work with businesses that are early in their journey. I love that there's no limitation on what I can do.

Where do you usually work from?

I usually work from my home office. It's kind of our home library and it used to be full of boxes, so I didn't always like working there because I felt a bit isolated. I also work from the library from time to time, and coffee shops. I just like having control of my space, and sometimes when you're out you have to get someone to watch your stuff if you want to go to the washroom. I'm starting to create a much more cosy home office for that reason and I'm really liking it.

What does a normal working day look like for you?

I should say I also teach piano, and I've been a piano teacher for 10 years! That means that 3 days a week I have students who come in the afternoon. Typically on those days I'll do a lot of the content creation that I have to do for myself or my clients in the morning. On days when I don't have students, I usually have dedicated time for client calls. I love doing my own content creation and blog writing, and I also try to take time away from my computer to eat and go to yoga classes.

What one tip would you give other freelancers about running a freelance business?

Have some set packages or programs, even if you're willing to work beyond them. One tip I was given once was not to think of selling yourself but rather selling your product. Even if your product is actually a service, packaging it up can help make it feel like a product because it has a defined beginning, middle, and end. And don't forget that the client sees you as the expert and often wants you to tell them what they need! Setting boundaries is good for both sides of the relationship.

Free resource

Sarah’s Core Message Charm Kit will guide you to connect your message to your dream clients' desires, so you stop comparing, become a stand-out source of content, and magnetize the right people.

Connect with Sarah

Email: hello@sarahblakecreative.com

Website: https://www.sarahblakecreative.com/

Instagram: @sarah0blake

Pinterest: @sarah0blake