Originally published on 30 July 2025, back when Freelance Forward was running on Brevo. Updated and republished for our growing community.
Originally published in 2025, when I was actively experimenting with positioning and market research.
Looking back, this was one of the most useful exercises I did early on. Today, I’d approach it more strategically but the core idea still holds.Hey Freelance Friends!
For 30 days, I studied other freelancers in my space. Not to copy them but to understand how they position themselves, attract clients, and structure their work.
It turned out to be one of the fastest ways to improve. Here’s what I learned and how you can apply it.
Sponsored
It’s the platform behind some of the world’s most-read newsletters, built for writers who want clean publishing, real growth tools, and monetisation that doesn’t feel bolted on as an afterthought. No duct tape. No fighting your software.
Freelance Forward runs on Beehiiv for a reason. It stays out of the way and lets the writing do the work.
If a newsletter is even a quiet idea at the back of your mind, this is the infrastructure part done right.
Choose the Right People to Study
This isn’t about comparing yourself to everyone. It’s about being intentional. Pick 3–5 freelancers who:
Work in your space (or slightly ahead of you)
Show consistent activity
Work with the kind of clients you want
Focus on people who are actually operating, not just talking.
Look for Patterns, Not Popularity
Follower count doesn’t tell you much. Patterns do. Pay attention to:
How they position their services
How they describe outcomes (not just tasks)
Where they show up (platforms, communities)
The type of clients they highlight
Their tone and communication style
How they present testimonials and results
Over time, patterns start to emerge.
What Actually Stood Out
After 30 days, a few things became clear:
No one has it fully figured out
Even experienced freelancers are constantly refining their approach.Clarity beats noise
The freelancers who stand out aren’t posting the most, they’re communicating the most clearly.Positioning matters more than volume
A distinct voice and clear offer attract better clients than constant posting.Content is reused more than you think
Strong ideas are often repurposed across platforms.
This was a mindset shift. It made the whole space feel less intimidating and more… learnable.
Turn Insight Into Action
Observation alone doesn’t change anything. Use what you see to improve your own approach:
Adapt what works, don’t copy it directly
Define your own positioning clearly
Build simple systems (templates, messaging, workflows)
Refine how you present your value
The goal is not to become someone else. It’s to become more intentional about how you operate.
⚠️ A Quick Reality Check
It’s easy to fall into comparison. This exercise works when you treat it as research, not judgement. You’re not measuring your worth. You’re gathering insight.
Why This Matters
Freelancing isn’t just about skill. It’s about:
Positioning
Communication
Perception
Understanding how others approach these gives you an advantage.
Final Thought
Most freelancers try to figure everything out in isolation. You don’t have to. Pay attention to what’s already working in your space. Learn from it. Adapt it. Improve it.
That’s how you move faster.
— Your Freelance Forward Fam ✌🏼
PS: If you want to actually apply this, I built a simple tracker you can use immediately.
It shows you exactly how to analyse competitors without overthinking it.
👉 Get the Stalker Mode Tracker:
https://half-cupboard-7f9.notion.site/Freelancer-Stalker-Mode-Tracker-23db478f3465806f90afc1130ea3f99b?source=copy_link
Tool of the week
Visualping
Lets you track changes on any website, portfolios, pricing pages, job boards, even someone’s LinkedIn “About” section. You pick the site. It pings you the second something changes.
Resource Archive
PROFREELANCE (Pty) Ltd
2023/279056/07
The content in this newsletter is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or professional advice. Pro Freelance and Freelance Forward are not affiliated with or endorsed by the platforms or tools mentioned (unless stated otherwise), and we are not liable for any losses, damages, or issues arising from your use of them. Always do your own research before making decisions related to your freelance business.
