For many freelancers, January can feel unnervingly quiet. The holiday buzz is over, clients are just starting to think about their 2025 goals, and projects might feel slow to pick up. But instead of seeing this as a frustrating downtime, the smart (and happy) freelancer looks at it as a golden opportunity to reset, plan, and set yourself up for a strong freelance year ahead. If you have new habits you want to pick up, now’s the time to start. It’s also a great time to reach out to clients, review your priorities, and get marketing.
Here’s how to make the most of a slow January and take proactive steps to start 2025 on the right foot.
1. Reach out to clients about your 2025 availability
January is the perfect time to remind clients you’re ready to support their 2025 goals. Many companies are just starting to plan their content and marketing strategies, so get on their radar now.
Send a friendly email to past clients, letting them know your availability for the next few months. Include a reminder of the services you offer and highlight any upcoming gaps in your schedule. For example:
- “I’m currently booking projects for February and March—let me know if there’s anything I can help you with as you finalize your 2025 plans!”
This approach keeps you top-of-mind and could land you early projects for the year. Don’t forget to post this on social media, too.
2. Tackle your finances and get ready for tax time
Tax season will be here before you know it, and January is an ideal time for the smart freelancer to get organized.
- Review your income and expenses for 2024 to ensure your records are up-to-date.
- Set aside time to reconcile receipts, invoices, and payments if you haven’t already.
- Estimate your tax liability and set money aside for it.
- If you worked with clients internationally, check for any currency conversion adjustments you might need to make.
- If you have an accountant (and I recommend having one) consider booking an appointment to review the year. They’ll often ask questions that remind you of expenses you incurred that you’ve completely forgotten about–one $300 appointment saved me $3,000 on my income tax one year!
While you’re reviewing finances, take a look at your pricing too. Are your current rates aligned with your value and goals for 2025? If not, now’s the time to make adjustments.
3. Polish your LinkedIn profile and get active
LinkedIn is a powerhouse for freelancers, especially at the start of the year when businesses are setting their budgets and looking for fresh talent.
- Update your freelancer profile with relevant keywords to make it easier for clients to find you in searches.
- Add recent projects, testimonials, or accomplishments from last year.
- Post a quick, engaging update about your availability and the types of projects you’re excited to take on in 2025.
- Connect with past clients, industry peers, or new prospects, and leave thoughtful comments on their posts.
If you’re unsure where to start with LinkedIn, grab my free guide, 6 Keyword Hacks to Boost Your LinkedIn Profile & Get Found by Clients. It’s filled with actionable tips to help optimize your profile and attract more clients.
4. Plan your 2025 goals and freelancer marketing strategy
A slow January is the perfect time to think big-picture. Take some time to:
- Review your wins and challenges from 2024. What worked? What didn’t? What did you learn? What do you want to change?
- Set clear goals for your freelance business this year—whether it’s hitting a specific income target, landing dream clients, or launching a new service.
- Create a content calendar for your business. Map out blog posts, newsletters, and social media content for the next few months so you stay consistent with marketing (this is the one I struggle most with).
For help crafting a standout marketing strategy and showcasing your unique value, check out my guide Words that Attract Clients. It’s designed to help freelancers build a compelling online presence and attract the right clients.
5. Use slow time to get organized and improve your systems
When business is quiet, it’s the perfect time to streamline your processes. Consider:
- Reviewing and updating your contracts, proposals, and invoices.
- Testing new project management tools or software to make your workflow more efficient.
- Organizing your files and folders (digital or physical) so you can find everything you need when work picks up.
- Cleaning up your office and especially your desk area (I do this every January, and it always feels so much lighter in my office when I do–it’s amazing how much accumulates throughout the year!)
6. Focus on warm prospecting and building relationships
Even if work is slow, January is a great time to plant seeds for future opportunities, especially if, like me, you tend to rely more on warm prospecting and relationship-building in your freelancer marketing.
- Reconnect with your past clients to check in and let them know you’re available for new projects. Don’t be afraid to reach out even to clients you haven’t heard from in a while.
- Reach out to colleagues or peers who might have leads or referrals. Let them know what type of work you’re taking on and ask them if they’d like referrals sent their way.
- Join industry groups and actively participate by offering helpful advice or sharing insights. Getting involved allows potential clients to get to know and trust you better.
7. Review your professional development goals
January is a great time for each freelancer to reflect on their skills and identify areas where they want to grow. Ask yourself: What new skills would help me land bigger or better projects this year? Are there gaps in your knowledge or experience that you’d like to address?
Once you’ve identified your goals, start researching courses, workshops, or resources to support them. Whether it’s brushing up on marketing techniques, learning new software, or improving your writing, investing in your skills will pay off in the long run. You can take courses, buy books, or even download free guides. Just make sure you’re growing, because the industry is constantly changing.
A slow January doesn’t have to mean a slow year. By focusing on marketing, organization, and relationship-building, you’ll not only stay productive but also set yourself up for success in the months to come. You’ll also stop yourself from panicking about what’s to come.
Need more help kick-starting your freelance business in 2025?
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Let’s make 2025 your best freelance year yet!