From Side Hustle to Digital Success: 5 Lessons from a Freelance Consultant Who Made It

Starting as a freelance consultant can feel like stepping into a world of endless possibilities—but also endless questions. Where do you begin? How do you deliver value? What tools support your growth? We recently spoke with Tanya, a digital strategy consultant who turned her part-time gig into a six-figure digital career. Her story is not just inspiring—it’s full of practical takeaways for anyone ready to start gig work and build a meaningful freelance life.

1. Say Yes Before You’re Ready

When Tanya first started offering digital marketing support, she didn’t have a formal business plan—just a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn. “A small business owner needed help with SEO, so I said yes and figured it out. That one job turned into three more.” Taking those first steps without having all the answers gave Tanya the confidence to grow. If you’re wondering how to start gig work—sometimes, it’s about leaping before you feel 100% ‘ready.’

2. Start Simple, Scale Smart

Tanya advises not to overcomplicate your offering in the early days. “I focused on one thing I could deliver really well—optimising websites—and built trust with my clients before adding services like email automation and analytics.” Focusing your niche early can help you gain traction faster. As digital demands grow, scale your services accordingly.

3. Build a Digital Habitat

Successful freelance consultants treat their tools and platforms like home. “I set up a client dashboard, scheduling software, and call system so I could run things professionally—even from my kitchen table,” Tanya shared. And yes, communication was key. Her go-to? ConXhub. “It gave me a professional number and features that made my small business feel legit.”

4. Invest in Relationships, Not Just Revenue

“I didn’t cold pitch,” Tanya admits. “Most of my work came from referrals, and that came from doing a great job and keeping in touch.” She recommends nurturing your network like you would a garden—slowly, steadily. Over time, your digital footprint grows through relationships, not just transactions.

5. Take Breaks, Not Exit Routes

“There were times I wanted to quit,” says Tanya. “Learning to pause and recalibrate instead of walking away made all the difference.” Even in the fast-paced digital industry, taking care of your well-being is a strategic move. Burnout doesn’t grow businesses—balance does.

Whether you’re just learning how to start gig work or you’re already a few clients in, Tanya’s story offers a simple truth: consistency, connection, and communication go a long way. Let her journey fuel yours—because sustainable success in the digital industry is built one gig at a time.

Ready to work smarter? Check out the latest communication tools & features at www.conxhub.com.