How Ryan Robinson & Justin Welsh Scaled Freelancing into a Six-Figure Business

Let’s face it: as a freelance content marketer, you’re up against stiff competition. The field is overflowing with talented individuals vying for the same opportunities. But don’t let that discourage you! Countless freelance content marketers are not just surviving, but thriving in this competitive landscape. Want to know how they did it? In this article, we’ll dive deep into the journeys of five successful freelance content marketers, uncovering the strategies and mindsets that propelled them to the top. Get ready to be inspired and learn how you can apply their lessons to your own freelance career. Table of Contents Ryan Robinson: From Failure to a $35K/Month Blog Empire  Ryan Robinson wasn’t an overnight success—he built his empire from scratch. After multiple entrepreneurial failures, he took a different approach: documenting his journey. What started as a side project—RyRob.com—soon became a go-to resource for freelancers and entrepreneurs looking to grow online.  With 500,000+ monthly readers and 250,000 email subscribers, Ryan has mastered the art of SEO, affiliate marketing, and content monetization. His blog now generates $25,000 to $35,000 per month, proving that strategic content creation is a powerful business model. But he didn’t stop there—he co-founded RightBlogger, a suite of 80+ tools for bloggers, filling the gap he wished existed when he started.  Beyond his blog, Ryan has worked with LinkedIn, Zendesk, Adobe, Google, and other Fortune 500 brands, helping them grow through high-impact content marketing. His expertise has been featured in Forbes, Fast Company, Business Insider, and Entrepreneur.  Here are some of his most impactful insights:  “It takes time to make money blogging. In fact, it takes a good deal of time to make money blogging.”   “You’ll Make Mistakes with a New Blog and That’s Okay (in Fact, it’s Vital)”  “Quality is Much More Important than Quantity with a New Blog.”  Justin Welsh: From Corporate Burnout to Million-Dollar Solopreneur  Justin Welsh wasn’t just another corporate executive—he was a high-performing leader in the SaaS world. Over the last decade, he played a pivotal role in scaling two companies past a $1 billion valuation and helped raise over $300 million in venture capital. His expertise in growth, sales, and strategy made him a powerhouse in the startup ecosystem. But despite his impressive achievements, something was missing.   By 2019, burnout had taken its toll. The relentless grind, high-pressure environment, and constant chase for the next milestone left him drained. He realized that while he was helping companies succeed, he wasn’t designing a life that fulfilled him. So, he made a bold move—he and his wife quit their high-paying jobs, packed up their lives, and moved to the Catskill Mountains in New York to start fresh.   Rather than jumping into another corporate role, Justin decided to build something of his own. He turned his knowledge of business, marketing, and personal branding into a thriving one-person business. Starting with LinkedIn, he crafted a strategy of sharing actionable insights, industry wisdom, and personal reflections—consistently and authentically. Over time, he grew his audience to over 700,000 followers and became one of the most influential solopreneurs on the platform.   But he didn’t stop at content creation. Justin monetized his expertise through digital products and coaching, focusing on simplicity and scalable systems. His courses, including The LinkedIn Operating System, have helped thousands of professionals build their brands and businesses. His model? One niche. One clear problem. One systematized solution. No unnecessary complexity.   Justin’s Key Lessons for Solopreneur Success:  “You should have a very “long game’ mentality.“ Start a side project. Build it to 60% of your salary. Then go all in.”  “The solopreneur playbook is simple: One niche. 1,000 true fans. One solvable problem. One systematized solution. Everything else is just overcomplication.”   “The most successful people I know don’t have better ideas. They have a higher tolerance for discomfort. They’re simply willing to sit in the mess longer than everyone else.”  Miranda Marquit: From $5 Articles to Six-Figure Financial Writer  Miranda Marquit’s journey as a freelance writer didn’t start with six-figure clients or prestigious bylines—it began with $5 keyword-stuffed articles for content mills. Like many freelancers, she started at the bottom, taking low-paying gigs just to gain experience. But she knew she couldn’t stay there. Instead of grinding away for pennies, she made a strategic decision to specialize in a lucrative niche: personal finance.  At first, Miranda wrote for independent bloggers, gradually building her portfolio and credibility. As her expertise grew, she transitioned into corporate clients—banks, fintech firms, and investment companies that valued her deep knowledge of finance. With each step, she increased her rates, moving away from the content mills and into the world of high-paying clients.  But it wasn’t just her financial expertise that set her apart—it was her commitment to quality, networking, and long-term relationships. Miranda actively engaged in finance writing communities, built strong professional connections, and positioned herself as a thought leader in her niche. Over time, she secured premium clients, established herself as a go-to financial writer, and turned her freelance work into a sustainable six-figure career.  Miranda’s Takeaways for Aspiring Freelance Writers:  “There are so many great opportunities, and I’d hate for people to be afraid to try just because they feel they don’t have the time.”  “My favorite moments are when readers email to let me know that something I wrote taught them something new or encouraged them to think about money in a different way.”  “Try to make those personal connections and, most of all, try to be useful. That personal connection really does make a difference.”  Bani Kaur: The Fearless Freelancer Who Faked It Until She Made It   “Can you write for our SaaS?” The voice on the other end asked.   Without hesitation, Bani Kaur replied, “Yes, of course.”   The truth was, she had never written about SaaS before. Up until that moment, her writing experience was rooted in architectural publications. But instead of letting inexperience hold her back, she hung up the phone and immediately Googled, “What is SaaS?”—and so began her crash course into the tech industry. 

Fynlo & VA Bar: Empowering the Team Behind 18,000 Dreams

VA Bar isn’t just an academy—it’s a launchpad. A launchpad for 18,000 dreamers, each chasing their own version of freedom. Some want to escape the 9-to-5 grind, others dream of building a career that fits around family life, and many simply want to take control of their financial future. VA Bar gives them the wings—training in essential digital skills like social media, design, lead generation, and SEO. But even the strongest wings need fuel. And for freelancers, that fuel is financial clarity. Table of Contents Where Fynlo Comes In We’re not just building accounting software; we’re bridging the gap between ambition and achievement. We know the struggle—the late nights staring at spreadsheets, the frustration of financial jargon, the constant worry about getting it “right.” Our mission is simple: to make finances effortless, to give freelancers the confidence to grow, and to free them from the admin that holds them back. From Two Days of Drudgery to Days of Impact At VA Bar, the staff and tutors pour their energy into nurturing 18,000 dreams. But before Fynlo, two full days each month were lost to invoicing, payments, and record-keeping—precious time that could have been spent mentoring students, developing courses, and strengthening the VA Bar community. Not anymore. “We’re here to change lives, not chase invoices. Fynlo gives us the freedom to focus on what really matters—empowering our students to succeed.” — Ms. Tetchie, VP of Operations at VA Bar At VA Bar Academy, we are dedicated to empowering individuals through comprehensive upskilling and real-life experiences. Our mission is to provide top-quality virtual assistance training, equipping students with the skills and confidence needed to excel in virtual work environments. We emphasize practical learning by offering internships that immerse our students in real-world scenarios, fostering both personal and professional growth. Additionally, we prioritize economic advancement by providing job placement opportunities, ensuring a clear path to success for our graduates. We are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive community where everyone can learn, grow, and thrive. Continuous improvement and innovation drive us to enhance our programs, preparing our students to meet the evolving demands of the virtual workspace. — Girlie E. Feratero, CEO/Founder at VA Bar  A Partnership Driven by Passion Right now, a small team at VA Bar is using Fynlo—but that’s about to change. Soon, the entire team will have access to the same powerful tool that’s already making their lives easier. More time. More focus. More impact.  This partnership isn’t just a business decision; it’s a shared mission. VA Bar and Fynlo share the same values—empowerment, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to customer success. We’re not just collaborating; we’re fuelling a movement. More Than Numbers — A Brighter Future We’re not just managing finances; we’re enabling possibilities. We’re not just streamlining processes; we’re giving educators the time and confidence to mentor the next generation of virtual assistants. Those two days a month? They’re no longer lost to admin. Now, they’re filled with creativity, student support, and real impact. Join us in transforming financial management for everyone. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a freelancer, an educator, or simply someone looking to gain better control of your finances, Fynlo and VA Bar are here to support you. Try Fynlo today and experience the confidence that comes with financial clarity.

How to Build a Personal Brand as a Freelance Makeup Artist

Brides, performers, actors, models, and artists browse the internet, searching for makeup artists for their special occasions. There are countless Makeup Artists (MUA) offering professional makeup services, making people stunning. But why does each MUA seem just “good enough” without truly standing out? What is missing? Beyond skillset and creativity, let’s uncover why personal branding is the key to standing out in the makeup artist industry. Table of Contents The Power of Personal Branding: YOU In a competitive industry, it’s easy to fall into the trap of self-doubt: The market is saturated. I’m not good enough. Imposter syndrome is creeping in. If you feel like you have to act or be someone else to succeed in your business, remember this: don’t compare your seedling to someone else’s fully grown tree. What sets you apart from the competition is your personal brand—YOU. Your personal values, mission, likes and dislikes, messaging, and even the tone you use in communication all contribute to your uniqueness. No one else can be you. Think of Apple and Steve Jobs, Elon Musk and Tesla, or Gary Vaynerchuk and VaynerMedia. People don’t just buy products or services; they buy into the people, the vision, and the story behind them. The Know, Like, Trust Factor Have you ever noticed a brand for a long time, even when you didn’t need its service, and then turned to it when you finally did?Have you ever supported a business because of its story and values?Have you ever shared a business owner’s story because it resonated with you? Behind these experiences is the marketing principle Know, Like, Trust. It’s exactly what it sounds like—people need to know who you are, like you enough to stick around, and trust you so they feel confident buying from you—once, and then again and again. Here’s a quick exercise: Which of these actions help build the Know, Like, Trust factor? Yes, you got them all right! These are all effective ways to create an emotional connection with customers.  Brand Building: Where to Start Now that we know personal branding is essential, what’s next? How do we build our own brand? Brand VisualsFor a makeup artist, showcasing your work is crucial. Your website and social media needs to show off your belief in the power of makeup and transformation. Show how makeup helps people capture precious moments and memories. Show the confidence your clients gain after your work.  Beyond just a logo and headshots, it’s important to display how you help clients express their beauty in their own way. Let your potential clients watch your evolution as your skills grow with experience. Brand StoryYour brand isn’t just about your portfolio—it includes your brand story and messaging. This extends to all forms of communication: emails, blog articles, social media posts. The tone, content, and even hashtags contribute to your brand’s voice. Whether your brand is serious, playful, energetic, sentimental, or introverted, it’s all okay—just be yourself. One brand story that really inspires me is Danessa Myricks’. As a single mother of two, she needed a flexible career. Through extensive research and practice, she educated herself in makeup artistry. Today, Danessa Myricks Beauty represents more than just makeup—it’s about empowering individuals to express themselves creatively and confidently. Core ValuesShow up authentically in your messaging. Your website, Instagram captions, email responses—everything should reflect you, your core values, and your personality. People should experience you online first, and then meet the same you on their makeup date. Here’s an inspiring example from Danessa: “I didn’t want to just put makeup on people. I wanted people to feel the work. Because that’s what makes it different, and that’s always been what has driven me in my artistry and in the development of my style over the years. If they’re not feeling it, it’s not good enough.” — Danessa Myricks Make Use of Social Media and Your WebsiteShow up on your social media platforms and website. Don’t just promote your services—share glimpses of your life outside of business. Post about your pets, hobbies, or quirks. Not sure what to post on Instagram? Learn from experts like Michelle Phan and Charlotte Tilbury. Experiment, find your style, and most importantly, have fun with it! Consistently Show UpTo build Know, Like, Trust, consistency is key. You can share the best story ever, but if you don’t follow up, people will move on. Life gets busy—kids, work, and everything in between can make consistency tough. But sometimes, it’s our own ego getting in the way. If you post something and hear nothing back, it’s easy to feel like no one is listening. But the truth is, you never know who’s silently paying attention. Keep showing up—you never know who’s watching and ready to connect with what you bring to the table! Worried About Putting Yourself Out There? What if people don’t like me?When you share a distinct point of view, there will always be lovers and haters. While you may turn some people away, you will also attract the right ones. Not everyone has to like you, and that’s totally okay. I think I’m not perfect…These days, perfection isn’t expected. People appreciate authenticity. They want to see who you really are—what you’re reading, where you hang out on weekends. What if my posts get low engagement?Social media moves fast. If a post flops, it will soon be forgotten. And if needed, you can always delete it. Keep going and keep creating! Time to Act! It’s time to step up and make your mark! Start implementing these strategies today: The only way to grow is to take action. Don’t wait for the perfect moment—start now! Need Help with Your Business Finances? Reach out to us—we’re here to help!