6 Blogs for Freelancers & Small Business Owners

Here's a round up of blogs to check when you are waiting for a huge file to download or just feeling uninspired. These sites are all great resources for freelancers to improve their marketing, productivity, personal finances and more. 1. Freelancefolder.com

Geared toward freelance creatives, writers and web-workers this blog has daily updates about productivity, inspiration and marketing. One highlight is a post called "Would You Hire Yourself," written by a freelance designer and encouraging the audience to find their strengths and unique selling points. 2. Freelanceswitch.com This blog features in-depth advice for better managing your freelance business. A weekly feature called "Linkswitch" aggregates other helpful and interesting posts about freelancing from around the web. A recent post, "The 10 Best Web Apps for Freelancers," links to helpful project management, financial, and social media tools that can enhance your home-based business. 3. Smashingmagazine.com Written for web designers and developers, Smashing Magazine has a lot of great tips for freelancing, creativity and marketing. One great post (that every designer and marketer should read) is "The Ultimate Guide to A/B Testing," which thoroughly explains how to test two sets of creative for promotions, and even has links to case studies and other helpful marketing resources! 4. Ducttapemarketing.com With more than 38,000 subscribers, Jon Jantsch - the blogger behind duct-tape marketing - must know know a thing or two about small business marketing. This blog offers useful tips and tools for marketing your small or freelance business. A recent post titled, "5 Ways to Get More from Local Search," offers practical tips for small business owners to optimize their online presence, so that they show up more in local searches (and therefore get more local business). 5. Dumblittleman.com Even with such a silly name, this blog can help you stay productive and find software shortcuts to make your freelance lifestyle more efficient. A recent post called, "6 Cool Startpages That Can Make You More Productive," provided links to helpful resources for streamlining your web browsers home page or start page experience. 6. Zenhabits.net This is one of my favorites sites to check in with, and I am not alone. There are more than 175,000 e-mail subscribers to this site, which focuses on simplicity and setting your mind at ease. Along with lots of healthy tips about food, lifestyle and exercise, there are tips on managing your career, decision-making and more. One recent post titled, "11 Creative Ways to Avoid Becoming A Workaholic," is perfect for freelancers who don't know when or how to switch from work mode to relaxation mode. Have a favorite blog, but don't see it here? Add your favorites to the comments below please!