Workflow: Developing Methods That Save Time And Make Money

Do you want more time with your family, loved ones, and friends? You're in the right place.

My biggest pet peeve with freelancing when I first began was not being able to take on as many projects as I would've liked because my workflow was garbage. Workflows are the steps or procedures all your projects must go through (flow) in order for you to get the job done properly and on time (work). Don't let this simple-sounding process fool you. Workflow is one of the toughest, most important elements to create in almost any business, especially if you want to be able to handle a bit of volume and do it well. There are more complicated and less complicated ways of creating a workflow that will help you become a successful freelancer. Ugh... please don't buy any expensive programs at first. They can be tricky to use and pricey. With my plan, all you need is a Word or Google doc and a pen and paper.

I want to discuss with you how to create an outline for your workload, turn that outline into a workflow chart, and most importantly how to implement that into your business in a beneficial long-term way.

Seriously, you need a workflow. Let's flow!

You realize you could get more done if you're more organized. You are 100% correct.

Before you can develop your work process for each project you take on (a workflow) you first need to gauge the scope and requirements of the level of organization you require. Sure you could go out and purchase the most expensive software, take the time to learn how to use it, then slap each project into it. But if you're a writer you can develop the same structure without all the money and fuss. Let's first look at the types of copywriting jobs you'll probably encounter:

• Articles and blog posts

• Social media

• Websites and apps

• Ebooks and white paper

• Scripts

• Creative or brand

• Ghostwriting

• Educational

• Resumes and cover letters

• Speechwriting

• Brochures and flyers

Oh and trust me the list goes on. If it can be written about, someone has to write it.

All of these forms of copywriting require a different type of organization in order to get the job done. When you're first beginning it's a good idea to stick to a couple so you only have to develop a couple of flow charts.

The type of organization for each form of writing depends on the type of materials you need to gather. What do I mean by this?

If you are creating a workflow for an ebook, know that it will be different from that of a blog post, or social media post.

Cool, now that you know the scope of the types of copy you primarily work with, let's get into how we can develop your working process and streamline your business.

Creating a workflow my way is uncomplicated and easy.

Do you have access to a Word or Google doc? Or for those that prefer you can do this on paper. I love writing my ideas on paper first then moving them over to my computer. Paper writing my ideas (you can use a tablet or whiteboard if you like) allows me to create complicated maps that would take me much longer on my computer. The first workflow doesn't need to be fancy though, it just needs to work. Now that that's out of the way, you need to consider a few basic steps each of your writing projects need to account for. Let's start by getting your workflow down like this:

1. Gather information from your client and any other relevant sources.

2. Run your proposal by your client for the type of work you will complete and get them to agree to your vision so you can start work with confidence.

3. Organize your newly gathered information into the proper chapters, sections, pages, headings, subheadings, keywords, meta titles, meta descriptions, and/or bodies of text. This will give you a quick platform to write on (I will discuss the writing process in another post. Stay tuned and check out my other resources).

4. Fill in all of your information into the proper categories. You may develop some questions for the client at this stage, which is what this process is for.

5. Go over your first draft before sending it over to your client. Make sure there aren't any major errors. If the client has an editor or will be the editor they will let you know what needs reworking.

6. Repeat steps four and five using up as many revisions as you provide (I recommend offering your clients no more than two, as things can get hairy after that).

Take these simple steps and put them somewhere you can utilize them for each client onboarding. Make sure you add in or take away steps as you see fit. I have my workflow as a document that I can add to each client's folder which I then customize based on my client's projects and the type of work that needs to be done. I keep a prettier version in a folder I use for meetings. But I always have my workflow at hand when interacting with a client.

With freelancing, you need to be able to think on your toes and be a creative problem solver. That is why clients hire freelance copywriters, and that's why you'll get hired.

You need to use it or lose it.

You could create the most logical and technically beautiful workflow anyone has ever seen. But what does it matter if you don't use it?

I believe that implementing a new element into your work is more difficult than creating, finding, or buying said element. But don't worry, there are a few easy steps you can take to teach yourself how to incorporate a workflow into your daily business life.

How I implement my flow:

• I create a client file before first meeting the client. This way I can easily fill their file with all the relevant information I'll need in the different stages of the project.
  

• Create weekly or daily homework for yourself AND reward yourself when you do an exceptional job. Rewarding ourselves for completing goals is a form of self-training I live by. Work hard, play hard, but not too hard.
  

• Place your workflow as the first thing that will pop up when you open your desktop, laptop or phone. This way if you know you have a lot to get done that day, you're on it from the moment you interact with your technology.
  

• Make it light and fun. Don't add too many excessive steps, keep the clients in mind, why you love what you do, and most of all think of it as a time-saving tool.
  

• Don't add notes to a calendar on your phone or somewhere you check once a month. Use physical sticky notes. Put them on your bathroom mirror, fridge, and on the inside of your front door. Wherever you know you'll be smacked in the face by your note. I love the mirror because most people look in the mirror as they get ready in the morning.

If you have issues starting the work, instead of just finding the right flow I would recommend making it uncomfortable for you to not work. Leave your laptop somewhere that sticks out, like open in from of your TV. Get rid of outside disturbances and learn to love your workspace. Most of all add things into your day that make working fun.

Afternoon macarons only when I work and complete all of my goals? Don't mind if I do. 😇 You are your own boss, which means you control when, where, and how you'll conduct your business. Hopefully these workflow tips and tricks will help you the way they help me. Have a great time and learn to love everything you do!

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Check out my article How to Handle Job Loss Like a Boss and Rise like a Phoenix from Your Ashes about COVID era job loss and how to overcome it with grace.

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