How-To Successfully Launch Your Business Online: An All-Access Guide For Entrepreneurs + Freelancers

Life is like a game of poker; you’ve got to learn to play the hand you’re dealt, but the real power is in knowing when to bet on yourself.

The Email That Changed Everything

I was casually refreshing my inbox when bam - there it was. My first official commercial talent client. My voice. My name on the contract. No agent. No buffer. Just me - and the work I’ve been pouring my heart into.

That email was proof that betting on myself had real return - and for anyone just starting their journey? Let me tell you this moment can happen for you, too.

Quick Tip:

At the beginning of the year, I cleaned out over 70,000+ emails - and I had to do this one by one to avoid deleting some important paperwork that I'm in the process of now needing to file. I also had to individually unsubscribe from what felt like a million promotional emails I signed up for over the years, that no longer resonate with me.

That being said, the first start of any business or idea is organization - and staying organized digitally cleared up so much mental space and gave me back control.

If you're starting a business or freelancing, purge your inbox and categorize your files. You’ll thank yourself in the long run.

This Win = Years of BTS Work

Before formal education, before client rosters - there were late nights, self-teaching, trial-and-error and a lot of learning behind the scenes. Every single hour of experimentation added up to a skillset that now powers my business.

I highly recommend getting clear on your direction and revisiting these goals a few times per year. Make a list of pros and cons, brainstorm ideas, outline the services you actually want to offer, and think about who you want to reach - and how much time you’re truly willing to commit. This prevents you from getting overwhelmed and losing your drive along the way.

Once that foundation is set, dive into learning what works in your chosen field. The more you understand the needs of your audience, the more you can refine your offers and deliver real, lasting value.

First things first, have fun with it!

Things I Build For Social Media/Content Strategies:

• Authentic branding for self/company

• UX/UI design with a user-first lens

• Graphic design that tells a visual story

• Voice-over + audio editing with pro-tools

• Strategic content that connects and converts

• Playlists + audio that match brand mood boards

• Human-first client experience (a.k.a. no cringe pitches here)

  
  

And while people might say, “You’re so lucky,”  I’m here to say: It’s not luck - it’s alignment, preparation, research and consistency.

New Business Stats For Fresh Starters

Want to know what else makes betting on yourself a smart play?

• 50% of small businesses in Canada are run by solopreneurs or freelancers. You are not alone.

• 77% of entrepreneurs say following their passion was the #1 reason they launched.

• Email Marketing ROI is $36 for every $1 spent - so don’t sleep on your inbox!

Here's the best part: 80% of successful small business owners had no formal business training when they launched. They learned as they went.

Just like we're doing right now.

Real Connection = Repeat Clients

That first job turned into a repeat client because I didn’t just hand them a product - I co-created it with them. I was present. Transparent. Collaborative.

I took them through every milestone with me and at the end of it all. when you hear your client say - “This is better than I imagined" - that’s the power of leading with purpose.

I always feel like I'm being repetitive when I say this but at the same time it's repetitive because it's important. If something inside you is pulling you to go for it - follow it. Even if others say it’s risky. Even if your inner voice gets shaky.

Quiet seasons are powerful. They’re often when the best ideas are born.

Showing Up Like You Belong

“Fake it ‘til you make it” is great advice to get your feet in the door - but it can only go so far. At some point, you need to show up with receipts. Show your work. Share your story. Post client reviews. Let people feel your energy. Let people in.

What I learned from almost 20 years of retail and CSR experience is to read people, build relationships, be kind, understanding, show empathy and lead with integrity. That’s what won them over and built trust on a personal level. These aren't just clients, these are real people, with real life experience and struggle as well.

Online Promos + Paid Campaigns

When you're launching something new - whether it's a service, product or creative project; your online presence becomes your storefront. While your friends and followers are a great start, your growth shouldn't stop there.

Start with organic content. Get your name out there with value-driven posts that reflect your work and your voice:

• Behind-the-scenes clips or process photos

• Tips & how-to’s in your niche

• Voice-over samples or design mockups

• Client feedback or wins

• Stories + reels that show who you are

  
  

Use clear call-to-actions: “DM to book,” “Tap to learn more,” or “Check the link in my bio.” Make it clear, easy and direct for people to take the next step.

If you’re only posting to your personal circle, you’re playing small - not because your network doesn’t support you, but because the algorithm isn’t built for full visibility. Your post could be seen by only 5-10% of your followers unless it gains fast traction.

This is where paid campaigns enter the chat. I've tested these myself and gained relative reach response. Even a $10–$20 ad on Instagram, TikTok or Facebook can:

• Reach entirely new audiences

• Target people already searching for your type of service

• Drive traffic to your website or booking link

• Build legit brand awareness while you sleep

You’ll never grow if you only market to the people who already know you. Get your work in front of strangers who are actually looking for what you offer. Start the campaign. Join the marketplace. Talk to local vendors. Surround yourself with successful, like-minded individuals and everything else will follow. Your ideal clients might not see you yet - but with the right visibility, they will.

Quick Tip: Use location, keywords, and audience interests to create highly-targeted ads.

Then test different creatives (images, videos, captions) to see what hits best. You don’t need a huge budget, you just need strategy.

You Don't Need Permission - But You Do Need Integrity

You don’t need to be perfect- but you do need to be original. Discover yourself first.

• Pitch the idea

• Promo the product

• Send the email

• Share the service

In today’s online world, especially in creative industries, the market can feel saturated. All that means is that there’s more opportunity. The only difference is how you stand out ethically and how you maintain your mindset (this is where emotional intelligence becomes crucial in business).

License or Register Your Intellectual Property

There are thousands of online businesses launching daily - obviously we're in an almost digital-first generation and sadly, many businesses cross the line without realizing it. From reusing trademarked logos and designs to lifting copyrighted music, photos or scripts - these shortcuts can land you in hot water, and fast. Especially with those big corporation companies.

This is why I always use my own voice, my own photos, my own creative content or content I've paid to use (stock media, pro services, etc). Work towards licensing or registering your own intellectual property. Not only does it protect you legally, but it ensures that what you're putting out into the world is 100% authentic, transparent and aligned with your brand.

I'm not jumping on every trend or trending audio because it wouldn't align with who I am. I'm not searching for views, I'm searching for genuine connection and real B2B transaction.

If you are looking for views to pop-off on socials - my advice is to post multiple times - daily, consistently, authentically and be relatable. Eventually it will hit.

Here’s what you should keep in mind:

• Always do your research

• Use royalty-free or original assets

• Understand trademarks, licensing and fair use

• Invest in tools that help you create

Your originality is your biggest asset. Clients can tell the difference between copy-paste and carefully crafted. If you want people to invest in you, you have to invest in your own creative voice first. Be bold - but also be smart. Build with intention and protect your brand the way you’d protect anything valuable.

The end goal is to build something that lasts.

It Might Get Loud*

Let go of the perfectionism. The best brands, artists, creators and business owners didn’t start fully formed - they started real. That’s what makes you magnetic.

Stay visible. Stay valuable. Stay you.