---
title: How to Set Yourself Up as a Freelancer/Solopreneur
description: Learn essential steps to set yourself up for success as a freelancer or solopreneur, from purchasing a domain to building a professional portfolio.
image: https://maxine-smith.com/hubfs/resume-genius-9Wl_o8BdbV0-unsplash.jpg
---

[Skip to content](https://maxine-smith.com/blog/how-to-set-yourself-up-as-a-freelancer/solopreneur#main-content)

![MAXINE SMITH- TOP-1](https://maxine-smith.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Canva%20images/MAXINE%20SMITH-%20TOP-1.png?width=600&height=81&name=MAXINE%20SMITH-%20TOP-1.png)

- [Home](https://maxine-smith.com)
- [About](https://maxine-smith.com/about)
- [Blog](https://maxine-smith.com/blog)
- [Contact](https://maxine-smith.com/contact)

Open main navigation

Close main navigation

- [Home](https://maxine-smith.com)
- [About](https://maxine-smith.com/about)
- [Blog](https://maxine-smith.com/blog)
- [Contact](https://maxine-smith.com/contact)

[All posts](https://maxine-smith.com/blog/all)

 December 12, 2024

# How to Set Yourself Up as a Freelancer/Solopreneur

![Picture of Maxine Smith](https://maxine-smith.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2020%20wall%20smith.jpeg?width=50&name=2020%20wall%20smith.jpeg) By  [Maxine Smith](https://maxine-smith.com/blog/author/maxine-smith)  ·   2 minute read

Getting set up as a freelancer/solopreneur can feel overwhelming, but these are my recommendations for establishing yourself and building your network and client base.

# **1. Purchase a Domain**

- Purchase a $10-$15 domain from providers like Google Domains, Squarespace, or GoDaddy. 
    - [Top 10 Domain Providers](https://www.top10.com/hosting/domainhosting-comparison)
- If you want more than one, **purchase all of your domains from the same provider** or keep good records. Managing domains across multiple providers can become a headache later.

# **2. Get an Email Associated with Your Domain**

- Google Workspace is a great option, especially if you are already a Google Suite user. Other alternatives are available.
- Sign up for your daily tools with your new email (e.g., ChatGPT, Canva, Basecamp, Notion, Clockify, Reddit, etc.).

# **3. Build a Website**

- There are several website-building providers out there. I recommend the HubSpot CRM free version because of all of the integrations.
- However, when you begin to send marketing emails, you may want to upgrade to the $15/month plan. Note: Most providers will have some sort of hosting fee.
- Choose a theme and get started: 
    1. Learn how to connect your domain.
    2. Build key pages: Home, About, Services, and Contact.
    3. Use websites like[Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/) for free, high-quality images.
    4. Brand yourself. Choose a color palette and create a logo.

# **4. Build a LinkedIn Business Page**

- Go to the “For Business” tab along the top menu and select “Create Page.”

# **5. Create Basic Content**

- Start with blogs, social media posts, and SEO-building activities.
- Document your learning journey: track the podcasts you listen to, articles you read, and Reddit posts you learn from—and turn these into content.

# **6. Register Your Business as an LLC**

- Registering as a Limited Liability Company allows you to set up a business bank account and send invoices directly from it. Tools like[Stripe](https://stripe.com/) can streamline invoicing and payment.
- Write off subscriptions and tools you use for work as business expenses during tax season.
- There is a cost to registering, but it is worth it to protect your personal assets from potential business liabilities.

# **7. Sign Up on Freelance Platforms**

- Explore platforms like[Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/) and[Fiverr](https://www.fiverr.com/) to connect with potential clients and showcase your services.

# **8. Network**

- Engage with your industry’s community through networking events, social media, and professional groups.
- LinkedIn, Reddit, and Facebook are good places to start.
- Follow the companies, applications, and tools you use on socials.

# **9. Document Your Processes**

- Create templates and workflows for repeated tasks to save time and maintain consistency.

# **10. Build Your Professional Portfolio**

- With client permission, keep a record of your work to showcase your skills and experience. 
    - Examples include blogs as writing samples, analytics reports, graphic design projects, marketing campaign summaries, or code repositories.
- Organize your portfolio in an easy-to-navigate format such as a website page, a PDF, or platforms like Behance, Dribbble, or GitHub, depending on your industry.
- Highlight your role in each project, key achievements, and measurable outcomes to demonstrate impact.
- Regularly update your portfolio as you complete new projects to ensure it stays relevant and competitive.

By following these steps, you can set a strong foundation for your freelance or solopreneur journey. Remember to continuously refine your skills, stay organized, and adapt to new tools and opportunities as they arise.

Share: [facebook-f icon](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://maxine-smith.com/blog/how-to-set-yourself-up-as-a-freelancer/solopreneur) [linkedin-in icon](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://maxine-smith.com/blog/how-to-set-yourself-up-as-a-freelancer/solopreneur) [twitter icon](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://maxine-smith.com/blog/how-to-set-yourself-up-as-a-freelancer/solopreneur) [pinterest-p icon](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/link/?url=https://maxine-smith.com/blog/how-to-set-yourself-up-as-a-freelancer/solopreneur) [envelope icon](mailto:?body=https://maxine-smith.com/blog/how-to-set-yourself-up-as-a-freelancer/solopreneur)

## Related posts

[![](https://maxine-smith.com/hubfs/2020%20Smith%20-%20%20blog%201.jpeg)](https://maxine-smith.com/blog/hello-world)

[Personal Insight](https://maxine-smith.com/blog/tag/personal-insight)

### [Hello World, I'm Maxine!](https://maxine-smith.com/blog/hello-world)

[![](https://maxine-smith.com/hubfs/2020%20Smith%20-%20%20312c%20copy.jpg)](https://maxine-smith.com/blog/about-me)

[Personal Insight](https://maxine-smith.com/blog/tag/personal-insight)

### [About me!](https://maxine-smith.com/blog/about-me)

[![](https://maxine-smith.com/hubfs/annie-spratt-QckxruozjRg-unsplash.jpg)](https://maxine-smith.com/blog/how-to-enhance-your-problem-solving-skills-as-a-self-employed-individual)

[Service](https://maxine-smith.com/blog/tag/service)

### [How to enhance your problem-solving skills as a self-employed individual](https://maxine-smith.com/blog/how-to-enhance-your-problem-solving-skills-as-a-self-employed-individual)

[![Maxine Smith (2)](https://maxine-smith.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Maxine%20Smith%20(2).png?width=250&height=250&name=Maxine%20Smith%20(2).png "Maxine Smith (2)")](https://maxine-smith.com/)

[linkedin-in icon](https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxine-smith-45aa07b3/) [instagram icon](https://www.instagram.com/maxinesmith.author/)

Pages

Resources

- [Home](https://maxine-smith.com)
- [About](https://maxine-smith.com/about)
- [Contact](https://maxine-smith.com/contact)
- [Blog](https://maxine-smith.com/blog)

- [Privacy Policy](https://maxine-smith.com/privacy-policy)
- [Terms of Service](https://maxine-smith.com/terms-of-service)
- [Thank You](https://maxine-smith.com/thank-you)

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "Maxine Smith",
    "url" : "https://maxine-smith.com/blog/author/maxine-smith"
  },
  "dateModified" : "2024-12-12T21:58:43.099Z",
  "datePublished" : "2024-12-12T04:20:51.000Z",
  "headline" : "How to Set Yourself Up as a Freelancer/Solopreneur",
  "image" : [ "https://maxine-smith.com/hubfs/resume-genius-9Wl_o8BdbV0-unsplash.jpg" ],
  "mainEntityOfPage" : {
    "@id" : "https://maxine-smith.com/blog/how-to-set-yourself-up-as-a-freelancer/solopreneur",
    "@type" : "WebPage"
  },
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "url" : "https://maxine-smith.com/hubfs/Maxine%20Smith%20(2).png"
    }
  }
}
```

```json
{
  "@context" : "http://schema.org",
  "@type" : "Article",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : [ "Maxine Smith" ],
    "url" : "https://maxine-smith.com/blog/author/maxine-smith"
  },
  "datePublished" : "2024-12-12T04:20:51+0000",
  "description" : "Learn essential steps to set yourself up for success as a freelancer or solopreneur, from purchasing a domain to building a professional portfolio.",
  "headline" : "How to Set Yourself Up as a Freelancer/Solopreneur",
  "image" : "https://46657068.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/46657068/resume-genius-9Wl_o8BdbV0-unsplash.jpg",
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "url" : "https://46657068.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/46657068/Maxine%20Smith%20(2).png"
    },
    "name" : ""
  },
  "url" : "https://maxine-smith.com/blog/how-to-set-yourself-up-as-a-freelancer/solopreneur"
}
```