<p>While I was developing the <a href="https://spencercreative.co">Spencer Creative Co.</a> website I worked through a few basic struggles. I thought it would be beneficial to teach fellow web developers, especially beginners, some basic practices that we found useful. The first is setting up a local PHP website to run on your web browser.</p>
<h2>Before We Begin: Understanding PHP and HTML</h2>
<p>Why is setting up a local PHP website any different from an HTML one? The biggest difference is that an HTML website does not need a server to run. This means that the web browser can open the HTML files directly. PHP on the other hand requires a server to process the files first. These files are actually snippets of HTML combined with basic and complex lines of PHP codes to bring the website together properly. This is where the server comes in. The server takes these files, processes them, and spits them back out as a regular HTML website.</p>
<p>This sounds like way more time and effort, why would I want to do this? Although it does sound more complex than traditional HTML, this method actually saves the developer a ton of time. With a PHP file, the developer can separate the files into snippets of code and call the snippets into files. For example, a developer can put the website header navigation in its own file and call it into every page they would like. Now that they have a separate file the developer can edit the single header file and the navigation would change site-wide.</p>
<p>This can be a powerful method to utilize as you call snippets of HTML with PHP to create a final website.</p>
<h2>Navigating the terminal</h2>
<p>Now that we understand the benefits of using PHP we will start to set up our local server. Like most people, I’m sure you don’t have a server lying around to do the hard work for you. We also do not want to have to re-upload our files to our website server every time we want to see a minor file change. This is why we will learn to create it locally using just our computer’s Terminal program.</p>
<p>I know that the Terminal can seem like an intimidating monster, so I’m going to show you only three commands to set up the PHP server. So let’s open our Terminal program!</p>
<p>We will start with the <code>ls</code> command. This command lists all the folders and files at the current level of your computer’s file tree. When you initially type this command and hit Enter you might see something like:</p>
<pre><code>Applications
Desktop
Documents
Downloads
</code></pre>
<p>These are all the folders at the main level of your computer. Now we want to navigate to the appropriate folder so we will use the <code>cd</code> command. Let’s say our website folder is in the Downloads folder, we would type:</p>
<pre><code>cd Downloads
</code></pre>
<p>After which we hit Enter. Now we have navigated into the Downloads folder of our file tree. You can use the <code>ls</code> command to see what’s in this folder if you would like. We will then navigate to our website folder:</p>
<pre><code>cd spencercreativesite
</code></pre>
<p>We are now where we want to be to run our final command. If you get stuck remember to use <code>ls</code> to see where you are in the file tree. What if you go into the wrong folder and want to go back? Simply type <code>cd ..</code> and hit Enter. This brings you back up a level in the file tree.</p>
<h3>Pro-Tip</h3>
<p>You can also navigate through multiple levels at once. We could have typed:</p>
<pre><code>cd Downloads/spencercreativesite
</code></pre>
<p>This also brings you to the same place.</p>
<h2>Setting up the local server</h2>
<p>Our next command will be the one that establishes the server at our current folder (our website). Type the following code then hit Enter:</p>
<pre><code>php -S localhost:8000
</code></pre>
<p>Yes, it’s that simple! Now that we have done this you can navigate to your web browser and type:</p>
<pre><code>http://localhost:8000
</code></pre>
<p>If you’ve done everything right you should see your locally hosted website! If you then make any changes to the files you can refresh this page to see the changes instantly. This is great for editing files and building your website before putting it up on your public website or server.</p>
<h2>Quick Recap</h2>
<p>Open the Terminal program and navigate to the website folder. Then type:</p>
<pre><code>php -S localhost:8000
</code></pre>
<p>Hit Enter, then go to your web browser and type the following:</p>
<pre><code>http://localhost:8000
</code></pre>
<p>And now you are running your PHP website locally!</p>


Set Up a PHP Website Locally in Less than a Minute

<p><em>Listen to the <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/4DI6k2GiakTgGxMKCyr2nD?si=z1E-bnoWRoyNLhovgv1ZNQ">related podcast episode</a> for this post.</em></p>
<hr>
<p>So, you’re a freelancer, either just starting out or you’ve been at it for a while. What you’ll come to notice, if you haven’t already, is that some clients may be turned off by hiring a solo entrepreneur. This can be for several reasons, including the perception that one person can’t do all of the work that the client requires (usually a wrong thought) or that you aren’t as reliable as a firm (also not necessarily true).</p>
<p>How can we change these perceptions? I’ve compiled a list of a few (mostly) simple changes that you can make to seem bigger than you are.</p>
<h2>1. Establish a business</h2>
<p>For most this is a given: if you want to freelance you should have a business. Why? Having a business makes it easier to get paid and is better for legal reasons, plus you can expense certain purchases to the business. Make sure to come up with a great business name that preferably isn’t just your name (we’re trying to change the freelancer perception here). Now a client will see a business name rather than your name on all the invoices. We didn’t really change the structure of your business, it’s still just you, but outwardly a client will look at it as doing business with another company.</p>
<p>Not sure where to begin on forming a business? Check out <a href="https://howtostartanllc.com/">How to Start an LLC</a> to get started.</p>
<h2>2. Multiple email addresses</h2>
<p>This is one of the easier changes to make. Simply create more email addresses for your business. When I started out I made different “departments” for my company and each had an email address. I had my own (<a href="mailto:morgan@spencercreative.co">morgan@spencercreative.co</a>), a business one (<a href="mailto:hello@spencercreative.co">hello@spencercreative.co</a>), and several others set up for other departments (returns, sales, etc.). I had each of these emails forward to my personal email, so I only had to check one inbox. Plus, when replying to them, it appeared very personal for an actual person from this “larger” business to reply to any requests.</p>
<p>I use <a href="https://gsuite.google.com/">GSuite</a> for my business and in the beginning, did not want to pay for extra email accounts ($5 per email per month), so I set the emails up as forwarders in GSuite, rather than creating new email accounts and new costs. These forwarders all pushed to my main email account so that I could view them all in one place. From an outside perspective, it appears that you have quite a few people working when in reality it’s just you.</p>
<h2>3. Don’t use your home address</h2>
<p>When you are starting out as a freelancer you might not be able to afford an office space. Most of the time you are working out of your home or a coffee shop. However, when you’re setting up your business you should use an alternative address because it can be unsafe for your address to be out there.</p>
<p><a href="https://poboxes.usps.com/">Set up a box at your local post office</a> that any mail can get directed to. Or utilize a virtual mailbox service, which can forward everything to you.</p>
<p>Perhaps the biggest benefit of having a separate address is if you move. When you change houses, not only do you have to change your address on personal accounts, but all business accounts as well.</p>
<h2>4. Get a business phone number</h2>
<p>Similar to the home address, you don’t want your personal number to be on business documents. As soon as you start a business almost anyone can get access to the business contact information, and by anyone I mean telemarketers.</p>
<p>Do yourself a favor early on and get a business number through a service, such as <a href="https://voice.google.com/">Google Voice</a>. This is what I use because of the great features, like call forwarding, text messaging, and missed call notifications, but mostly because it is a free service. Plus, in the age of cell phones, your area code might not be where you are doing business from. Google Voice allows you to pick an area code for your number.</p>


4 Tips to Make Your Freelance Business Seem Bigger

<p>This is the first post in my <a href="/learn/tag/business-ideas">business idea series</a>. I wanted to use this as an avenue to put forth some of my random business ideas as they pop into my head. So, they may not be fully thought out or may not work at all. But I figured I would share them because they may spark something in you as you read it. This idea revolves around helping startups.</p>
<p>In Charleston where I live there is a big tech boom, with a lot of startups cropping up. I have continually thought about finding a way into this space while utilizing my current skill set as a designer and developer. The problem is that most startups unless they are far along or funded, have very low budgets. Creating a solid brand or website is not typically at the top of their list. But they also realize the impact of these elements. So, how can we create a mutually beneficial relationship?</p>
<p>Listen to the <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/2hmA3O0nbAvJtfoqhUkhnk?si=To2Yu2txRFGaS2JWeGVFrQ">podcast episode</a> to find out!</p>


Business Idea #1: Helping Startups

<p>Today, I stress the importance of setting up a website for your freelance business. Listen to the <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/0OtXdn7zWff7x2oJ6UJBuN?si=PXz80yIQTDi-CFag9WVi4Q">podcast episode</a> to learn more!</p>
<h3>Links</h3>
<p><a href="https://bit.ly/mms-wp">WordPress Hosted</a> (affiliate)<br>
<a href="https://bit.ly/mmswporg">WordPress Self-Hosted</a><br>
<a href="https://bit.ly/mmsqspc">Squarespace</a></p>


Setup a Website for Your Freelance Business

<p><em>Listen to the <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/2jXUnJKYU74hGWytPo0Jhx?si=1CAtqp7NRYWPpYxtcVindQ">related podcast episode</a> for this post.</em></p>
<hr>
<p>It is now easier than ever before to sell products online and nearly everyone is doing it. E-commerce is one of the biggest drivers of revenue for modern businesses and the technology behind it continues to improve. The biggest barrier to entry for someone starting out is creating the infrastructure for their supply chain. Managing buying materials from suppliers, managing inventory, and shipping are some of the main considerations that come to mind. However, with dropshipping, it is no longer necessary to have your own supply chain. Let someone else do it for you!</p>
<h2>What is Dropshipping?</h2>
<p>Dropshipping, in its simplest terms, is the process of having someone else produce and ship your products. Of course, this becomes very enticing to e-commerce shop owners because they do not have to worry about where to store inventory and running to the UPS store to ship products. Every part of the supply chain is offloaded to someone else.</p>
<p>It is important to note that dropshipping providers come in all shapes and sizes. For example, some may require an initial purchase of products to create an inventory reserve that they can ship from. Amazon uses a form of dropshipping where sellers can send their inventory to be managed by Amazon. When a product is ordered from the seller on Amazon’s website the company ships to the product through their incredibly fast and efficient distribution channels.</p>
<p>The type of dropshipping I have used the most and that I think will be most useful for other designers is print-on-demand (POD).</p>
<h2>Print-on-Demand</h2>
<p>Print-on-demand dropshipping is probably the easiest and most hands-off form of selling. Essentially, the seller creates a design and uploads it to the dropshipping portal. They can then apply it to any of the products the service offers, the most common being t-shirts. When a customer orders the product the service prints it and ships it to the customer on your behalf. Easy, right?</p>
<p>This form of dropshipping is great for designers and, when paired with the right service, can open up many doors for you as a seller. All you have to do is create the designs, apply them to your desired products, and start selling.</p>
<h2>Get Started</h2>
<p>There are several options out there for print-on-demand services. I have used several, but at the time of writing this, I use <a href="https://www.gooten.com/">Gooten</a>. They have a wide variety of products and they integrate with Shopify and Etsy. Integrations are the most important part of choosing a print-on-demand service as most do not allow you to sell directly from them and you want to utilize the top platforms on the market for e-commerce.</p>
<p>In your desired service you can pick a product you want to create and upload your design. Then you can place it as desired and some services have advanced editing features. Then you can choose variants (colors, sizes, etc.) of the products you chose. The most important step is to set the pricing. The service will tell you how much the product will cost you to print. Include the shipping cost in that price, unless you are charging the customer for shipping. Once you have this cost you can adjust the selling price anywhere above that to get your profit on the product.</p>
<p>And there you have it, you’ve created your first print-on-demand product! When the product sells the service will print it and ship it to the customer and you will get the profit.</p>
<h2>Drawbacks to Consider</h2>
<p>There are a few drawbacks to this method that you might have already picked up on. The first being that to your customer it appears they are ordering from you but the package will most likely be from somewhere completely different. There are some services that offer white labeling and premium upgrades to include your branding on the packaging that could help with this.</p>
<p>Another thing to consider is that if people order different products they might ship separately. This is usually not a big deal (Amazon does this sometimes too), but make sure to let your customers know upfront before they buy that this may happen. This is not usually the case for different variants, just different products. So, when a customer orders the same shirt in three different colors and five different sizes it is usually shipped as one order.</p>
<p>Also, ship times are usually a bit longer for these services. From what I’ve gathered the average is 7-10 business days, but most services have an option to expedite shipping. However, this usually comes at a wildly outrageous cost. My recommendation is similar to the previous: be upfront with your customers about the ship times.</p>
<p>You could solve most of these pain points by doing a hybrid version of print-on-demand. In this scenario, you would create your products through the service and then order in bulk from them to yourself. This would have a lower shipping charge and you would be able to get the products to customers faster than 7-10 business days. You could also have your own custom packaging. Of course, this is more hands-on and would negate the time-saving capabilities of dropshipping.</p>


Dropshipping to Supplement Your Design Business or as a Side Hustle

<p><em>Listen to the <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/3YEKGF8vlQIEQnpIGGXdnb?si=dFrTsEGZSpST2aZeRoyJJw">related podcast episode</a> for this post.</em></p>
<hr>
<p>The holiday season is typically a time for wrapping up presents and anything you need to accomplish before the end of the year. Not many people use this time to think about their business for the coming year. And I’m not saying that you should not be enjoying time with your family because that is incredibly important. However, there are some small ways you can utilize this time of year (including time with family) to help set up your business for the next year.</p>
<h2>Referrals and Repeat Business</h2>
<p>As most of us know the best ways to get new work for your freelance business is from referrals and repeat business. Referrals can come from anyone that knows you, but the highest return would be from a previous client. These clients have worked through a project with you. They know and trust you, as well as your work. A satisfied customer is the best advocate for you and your business.</p>
<p>This leads to the reason that the client could return for repeat business. Again, they have built a relationship with you and could be looking to work on their next project with you.</p>
<p>So, how can we apply these concepts during the holidays to create more business for ourselves in the coming year?</p>
<h2>Reach Out to Previous Clients</h2>
<p>Like I mentioned above, previous clients are our best asset for future business development. So, reach out to them! Send them an email, give them a call. This doesn’t have to be a marketing message from you. It could simply be reaching out to thank them for their business this past year and wish them a happy holiday season. Continue to build the relationship you have with the client.</p>
<p>Why do this? It keeps you fresh on their minds as they go into the new year. They could realize that they have more work for you or they could refer a friend or family member to you. This is the time of year that people are seeing friends and family that they may not have seen since last year. Having a good customer experience from you fresh on their mind makes them more likely to refer you when the topic comes up during the holidays.</p>
<h2>Talk to Your Family and Friends</h2>
<p>Countless times I have been talking with friends and family members that I have not seen in a while and they ask me, “What do you do, again?”. I then explain that I create websites and every now and then the reply is, “Oh really? I need a website!” or “I know someone that needs a website!”.</p>
<p>Use the holidays to enjoy time with family but also reiterate what it is exactly that you do. This could get you clients that you never would have reached before. I personally live in South Carolina and most of my family lives in New Hampshire and Maine. Through a family member referral, I gained a client based in New Hampshire that I never would have gotten otherwise.</p>
<p>This is the same concept as clients referring you but with family and friends. It can really help you grow your reach. As a word of caution, it is also important to clarify your work and expectations. If your family is anything like mine they would recommend you to anyone. This can be a blessing or a curse. They might recommend you to a client that you don’t want to work with. Or they might set unreal expectations for your work, “My son can build you a website in three days!”.</p>
<h2>Closing Out 2019</h2>
<p>As 2019 draws to a close it is important to look back on all of our accomplishments over the past year. Assess what went well, and turn our failures into opportunities for future success. Use the tips above to kickstart your business for the coming year to make 2020 even better than 2019!</p>


Bring in More Clients for Your Business During the Holidays

<p><em>Listen to the <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/3rvOB1VekaI923ribcDOAA?si=RzANa2aYSviTPbPlXLxWVg">related podcast episode</a> for this post.</em></p>
<hr>
<p>Podcasting is one of the top modern channels to connect with people. At first, it may seem less engaging than a video or other form of content, but in reality, it connects with your listeners on a deeper level. Your followers can listen to your episodes almost anytime because audio is not restricted like a video is. They can listen while actively doing other tasks: grocery shopping, running, driving, etc. No other media form allows for this kind of engagement.</p>
<h2>Voice Trends</h2>
<p>Over the past several years there has been a large movement towards voice. We’ve seen it all around us from Siri to voice-assisted devices like Alexa and Google Home. These voice devices come out of convenience. Some tasks that we ask them to do could be done in the same amount of time ourselves. But we don’t have to which is the attraction. We can do other tasks while our devices do it for us. And the capabilities of these devices are only improving to accomplish more complex tasks.</p>
<p>The growing trend in voice has also shaped how we consume content. In a world that seems to get busier by the day, we typically can no longer sit down and watch a one-hour informational video. However, we can listen to a one-hour podcast episode while we complete our to-do list. Podcasting has also shown a deeper connection to the end-user. They feel like they are having a conversation with you.</p>
<h2>Podcasting and Business</h2>
<p>With a trend that is growing with this much speed, there are of course people that want to capitalize for business purposes. However, in my experience, there is a fine line. No one wants to listen to a podcast that is all about self-promoting. It just is not interesting! People want to learn or be entertained, they don’t want to be sold something in the podcasting space. That is not to say you cannot sell, but it must be done correctly and strategically.</p>
<p>When creating a podcast you should set forth clear goals for it and the main one should not be to promote your business. That is a secondary outcome, not a primary goal. For example, my primary goal for my podcast, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0YBqtNJ4TLAqUEUZ3qkv6O">Business for Designers and Developers</a>, is to teach creatives the business side of freelancing. I share my experiences and knowledge without self-promoting. Let the podcast promote for you by presenting you as an expert. So, here are some ways you can utilize podcasting to grow your business without directly self-promoting.</p>
<h2>Podcast for Your Clients</h2>
<p>By this I mean create a podcast that your potential clients would want to listen to. If you are a realtor, create a podcast that talks about the ins and outs of buying or selling a home. Design firms can discuss the benefits of good branding as well as current design trends. This is providing listeners with the information they want and presents you as an expert. If you give accurate and useful information maybe when they are looking for a house or a new logo they will think of you. You’ve already built a relationship without even meeting the person.</p>
<h2>Interview Ideal Clients</h2>
<p>Another great way to podcast for your clients is to podcast WITH your ideal clients. This involves interviewing previous clients, potential clients, or other relevant people in your clients’ space. These types of interviews provide your listeners the value of hearing your work with someone just like them. Getting interviews is not as hard as it seems, especially in a local market. Just ask, you never know who you might get.</p>
<h3>Be a Guest on Another Podcast</h3>
<p>Alternatively, you could choose to be a guest on someone else’s podcast. Again, this promotes you as an expert in your field. Just make sure that it is a relevant podcast to your industry. A lot of podcasts are looking for guests, so it is similarly not so hard to find one to be a guest on.</p>
<h2>Leverage Your Current Audience</h2>
<p>Your podcast is a great resource and takes effort to produce. Make sure that you don’t forget to promote to your existing audience. Include social media posts about new episodes. Send an email to your mailing list. Keep yourself on top of mind for people that already follow you in some capacity. I cannot stress enough how important referrals and repeat business are to sustain a business. It will be easier to convert someone who already has a relationship with you.</p>
<h2>Final Tips</h2>
<p>There are several methods to gain new clients but it is important to reiterate that you should not go for the hard sell. No one wants to hear self-promoting content. Make sure that your podcast is interesting and not a dry podcast about your business. Remember that organic podcast growth takes time but even one client gained from podcasting can make an entire year worth it.</p>


Podcasting to Gain New Clients

<p><em>Listen to the <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/0ZGZNewNVFE09liT0Cwo11?si=6KQItElMTQy0253h5DFtbA">related podcast episode</a> for this post.</em></p>
<hr>
<p>So, you’ve decided to start your own freelance business. Great choice! Freelancing can be very rewarding as an extra source of income or as a full-time job. You will gain a lot of experience on each side of freelancing: business and creative. But how do you get started? Today, we will learn how to name your freelance business.</p>
<h2>Your Name vs a Company Name</h2>
<p>The big choice when starting a freelance business is typically between whether you should use your name or a company name. There are pros and cons to both which we will explore below. Just remember that the name you go with can be difficult to change in the long run. Make sure you are ok with using the name for many years. This will be your brand that you are promoting and will be directly attached to your successes.</p>
<h3>Pros of Using Your Name</h3>
<p>Your name will provide recognition, especially if you are already established as an expert. If you have built a personal brand, whether locally or nationally, you can leverage that brand equity for your business.</p>
<p>Associating your name with your business shows a commitment to it. Customers and clients will know that your business is something that you will literally put your name behind.</p>
<p>If you have a unique name you’ll be a large way ahead on SEO. This means that if anyone searches for you there is a high likelihood that your business will come up. This could be a good way to start your business if you want to be found easier online.</p>
<p>People typically like working with other people and not a faceless company. Putting your name on it tells the clients exactly who they will be working with.</p>
<h3>Cons of Using Your Name</h3>
<p>If your name has no brand equity the impact may fall short. Seeing a company with a random person’s name does not provide any information or clarity for the potential client.</p>
<p>If you just use your name it can be difficult for people to understand what you do. It’s best to make sure you include what you do in the name as well.</p>
<p>If you intend to sell your company in the future having your name directly attached could make that problematic. Your name would be on something you no longer own. Yikes!</p>
<p>This could also limit the amount of privacy you will have because everyone will know your name. It pushes you more into the limelight rather than being the owner of XYZ Company.</p>
<p>Just as I mentioned people like to work with people, there could be larger clients that don’t abide by that. Some clients or companies might think that a company with someone’s name does not take it seriously.</p>
<h3>Pros of Using a Company Name</h3>
<p>You could potentially attract bigger customers with a unique company name. Some feel like they want to work with another company and you could use that to your advantage.</p>
<p>It can be easier to hire employees with a company name for a couple of reasons. A company name looks better than a random name both on a resume and on a job posting. Also, with a company name, the employees may feel like there is more opportunity to advance internally.</p>
<p>Additionally, it may be easier to secure intellectual property rights for a unique company name than a more common personal name.</p>
<h3>Cons of Using a Company Name</h3>
<p>Smaller businesses may not want to work with a “company”. They might be looking for another local small business and mistake yours for being bigger than it is.</p>
<p>It can be difficult to come up with a unique and creative company name. If you’re like me you don’t want to waste time thinking up a name. If you want a company name but are having trouble coming up with one check out a few of these business name generators. They don’t give perfect names but they could at least generate a few ideas for you!</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.shopify.com/tools/business-name-generator">Shopify Business Name Generator</a></li>
<li><a href="https://businessnamegenerator.com/">businessnamegenerator.com</a></li>
<li><a href="https://namelix.com/">namelix.com</a></li>
</ul>
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
<p>Ultimately, determining your business name comes down to knowing what customers it will serve. Your business name will become an important part of your marketing strategy. Make sure you put a lot of thought into it. Speaking from experience, switching names is not that easy.</p>


How to Name Your Freelance Business

<p><em>Listen to the <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/0kps7ENLspygKnJqncCyEl?si=EMaZefxIQcqPaS-q9u_V_A">related podcast episode</a> for this post.</em></p>
<hr>
<p>As a freelancer, it can be difficult to separate work and the rest of your life. Freelance work is commonly depicted as working at home from your couch, bed, or kitchen table. However, for most people, this is not the most productive or ideal situation. Being in a space that is utilized for other purposes can create unnecessary distractions. Your workspace should be just that: space where you work and nothing else. Clearly delineating this area can improve both your work and personal life. So, what factors should you take into account?</p>
<h2>Deciding Factors</h2>
<p>When considering a freelance workspace I think of the three C’s: convenience, comfort, and cost.</p>
<h3>Convenience</h3>
<p>When it comes to freelance, you should have as few barriers as possible between you and your work. Therefore, you’ll want a workspace that is convenient for you to access. If your workspace is only available for a few hours or is far away then you will be less likely to get your work done. Think of the gym. If your gym was 30 minutes away and was only open for an hour would you go? The same can be said for your freelance work. Make sure your area is convenient whether it’s at home or a nearby co-working space.</p>
<h3>Comfort</h3>
<p>Make sure you are comfortable in your space. One of the main benefits of choosing where you work is setting your own comfort level. You can control the aspects of your space, such as the temperature or the type of chair sit in. The freedom to go on walks when you’re sick of sitting down is part of this. If you are comfortable in your space you are more likely to be focused on your work. Just don’t get too comfortable, working in bed is a guarantee for me to fall asleep and not do any work!</p>
<h3>Cost</h3>
<p>As with almost anything cost is a big factor when considering your freelance space. This not have to mean renting an office or co-working space. Costs can include increasing your internet speed, buying a new monitor, the three cups of coffee, and a pastry you buy while sitting at Starbucks. There are always costs involved so be sure to assess your costs and make sure they’re at an amount you are comfortable with.</p>
<h2>What Are Your Options?</h2>
<p>So, we’ve determined the factors that come into play when deciding on the workspace you want to create. Now let’s go over a few of the location options that are available.</p>
<h3>Working from Home</h3>
<p>This is of course the most common location for freelancers. It costs nothing in terms of additional rent and the commute is amazing! However, working from home involves an almost endless amount of distractions if not executed properly. Kids, housework, TV’s, food availability, the list goes on and on. The most important factor to consider for any of these spaces is to <strong>know yourself</strong>.</p>
<p>For me, I know my weaknesses at home: the TV, cleaning, playing with the dog. I can be a very bad procrastinator especially if the options are constantly in front of me. So, I need to minimize this weakness. I created a home office in its own room of the house. If I had the option of moving it outside of my house in a guest house or room over a garage I would ideally take that route. But for me, this is not an option, so I created my own space with the resources I have.</p>
<p>I made sure not to put a TV in this room and I minimized the number of distractions. My office has a plain Ikea desk with as much free space on it as I can get. I only have a monitor, laptop, podcast microphone setup, and a few toys to fidget with. My desk is against a wall to remove any visible distractions in the room, which I try to keep to a minimum anyway.</p>
<p>This is how I work the best, with minimal distractions to reduce my procrastination. Of course, your space may be different. Perhaps you work best with a TV playing for some background white noise. Again, know what creates an optimal workspace for you and what doesn’t. Eliminate distractions and create a separate space to work. These are the keys to a successful home office.</p>
<h3>A Coffee Shop or Other Public Place</h3>
<p>An obvious next step from the house is to go to a public place with free wifi, typically a coffee shop. It can be great to get that dose of a social aspect without being in a space where you see the same people every day (most of the time). This also creates a further separation between work life and personal life.</p>
<p>A coffee shop also does not have to be an everyday workspace. Maybe you go a couple of days a week just to get a fresh perspective that differs from your home office. Working alongside other people without the obligation of interacting can provide a needed boost of productivity on those difficult days. Not being inside your house provides a refreshing change of scenery.</p>
<h3>Co-Working Space</h3>
<p>Co-working spaces are a great option for freelancers. They give you the benefits of office space with a lower price tag. They are usually set up as multiple small-sized office rooms that companies or freelancers can rent out. The terms can be like a lease either annual or month to month so they are a bigger investment. But you’ll be able to take the space and make it your own.</p>
<p>Co-working spaces come equipped with everything you’ll need to start working: desks, chairs, an internet connection, and more. A lot of these spaces come with added amenities as well. They can have shared conference rooms that you can utilize for client meetings. Or a shared kitchen space to give that real office feel. Plus, it can be great to interact and network with the other freelancers, startups, and small businesses that are also renting in this space.</p>
<p>(For anyone near me I recommend the <a href="https://www.charlestondigitalcorridor.com/">Charleston Digital Corridor</a>)</p>
<h3>Short-Term Office Rental</h3>
<p>These are a version of a co-working space. Short-term office rentals are typically found in bigger cities but you are starting to see them crop up all around the world. Essentially, you rent the space for a short amount of time, a couple of days or even a couple of hours. They can be a great substitution for a coffee shop if you find them to be too noisy. Do a <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=short-term+office+rental+near+me">local search for short-term office rentals</a> to see if there are any near you or check out a service like <a href="https://www.regus.com/">Regus</a>.</p>
<h2>Final Thoughts</h2>
<p>There are many places and ways to create a solid freelancing workspace. Remember to define your needs for convenience, comfort, and cost. These are different for everyone. The most important part is to determine how you work the best. Decide if you need a more public or private space, or somewhere in between. Then set up your workspace in a way that produces the best work results for you. Maybe you need 100 action figures and knick-knacks around because it helps improve creativity. Perhaps you’re like me and you need to have minimalist space to eliminate distractions. Find what puts you in that creative mindset and helps you be the most productive that you can be.</p>
