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This week’s roundup is packed with the kind of updates that actually matter if you're freelancing, building a service-based business, or just trying to stay ahead of the curve without losing your mind in the process.

A lot is shifting out there: Instagram’s rewarding original content (finally), LinkedIn's letting you run ads (not just companies), and Threads? Well, it’s quietly becoming a serious player. Oh, and if you’re still manually chasing invoices or piecing together your onboarding... wait ‘til you meet this month’s featured tool.

Let’s dive into what’s new, what’s working, and what’s worth knowing this week, from the freelance skills clients are desperate to hire for, to the systems that’ll make your life 10x easier.

BUSINESS NEWS & UPDATES

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• Social media management, video editing, website design,and virtual assistant are among the highest-income freelancer skills, view the full list here​

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• Meta is reportedly preparing to merge DMs between Instagram and Threads, with early tests rolling out. This could impact how freelancers manage client communication and content across platforms.

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• IG is giving more reach to original content and penalizing reposted/recycled reels. For service providers, this means your personal brand and educational content may get a boost, while reposting client work could need a tweak.

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• LinkedIn is rolling out more ad tools for individuals (not just companies), perfect for freelancers who want to position themselves as experts or promote services directly.​

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• ​Fiverr’s new AI tools help freelancers create smarter gig content, manage workflow, and streamline communication, without replacing their work.

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• ​Upwork Introduces Variable Service Fees. Starting May 1, Upwork moved from a flat 10% fee to a variable rate based on client history and project type.

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• Threads just hit 350 million monthly active users, and Meta is starting to roll out global ad features. That means more visibility and ad opportunities if you’re using Threads for thought leadership or promos.

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FEATURED TOOL
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If you’ve ever thought, “there has to be an easier way to handle all this client admin,”… this one’s for you.

17hats is a streamlined business management tool that handles the back end of your freelance biz without the learning curve of something like Dubsado.

Why I love it for freelancers:

• Automated onboarding: send your lead form, welcome email, contract & invoice in one flow
• Easy contracts + proposals: all templates included, legally solid
• Simple invoicing: get paid faster with reminders + recurring invoices
• Client management: all your leads, projects, and workflows in one clean dashboard

It’s the system I recommend if you want to look like a pro, stay organised, and actually enjoy the process of getting paid.

Newsletter exclusive: Get 50% off your first year with this link just for being here 🙌

ON THE PODCAST

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EP1: BACK IN BUSINESS In this reintroduction, I’m sharing the real reason I finally launched this show (and my rebrand), why I put it off for so long, and how burnout gave me the clarity I didn’t know I needed. EP2: The Business I Never Planned, But Needed What happens when you don’t start a business to chase a dream—but because you have no other choice?

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