I launched the final ever cohort of Self-Marketing Magic last week. I was just gonna retire the course quietly but decided to launch it once more with three quick emails.

And it paid off – I’m welcoming in an amazing new group of female freelance writers for the next few months.

It got me thinking about the ideas we reject without just approaching them with curiosity. If you’ve been second-guessing an idea recently (and today’s newsletter is about how you can channel some!), here’s your reminder to just give it a go. What’s the worst that could happen?

One quick thing to note: I’ve reserved three fully-funded spots in the final SMM cohort for female freelance writers based in the Global South who may not have the same access to opportunities. I do this every cohort but completely forgot to mention it in my emails last week. If that’s you and you’d be interested in a spot, drop me a quick email and we can chat, no proof needed :)

Inside Momentum, we’ve been talking about spin-off services: those natural extensions of your skills that can open new income streams, keep work fresh and attract clients who might never have hired you otherwise.

Here are a few ways to spot when it’s time to branch out:

1. Listen to client requests
   If clients are already asking you for something slightly outside your core service, that’s a clue. Maybe you’re hired to write blog posts but they ask for SEO audits. Or you’re a travel writer and someone wants itinerary planning. Pay attention and drop some notes on any regular requests that come up – you might discover some new areas you could tap into!
2. Notice what feels easy
   Often the things you dismiss as “too obvious” are exactly what others will pay for. If setting up a content calendar feels second nature to you, that’s a service. If you love editing clunky AI drafts, that’s another (on that note, this was a v interesting Linkedin post about AI content!).
3. Look at your process
   What do you always do behind the scenes to make your projects successful? Chances are, that process (audits, strategy, keyword research, competitor analysis) could be packaged up as a standalone offer. You could also look at packaging them up into passive-ish documents that clients who can’t afford your services could buy instead.
4. Test before you commit
   You don’t need a fancy new website page to try an idea. Offer it to one existing client, or mention it in a cold pitch. A “beta” version can validate demand without big upfront effort. This is my favourite way to launch something new without all of the paralysis that comes from designing the pretty parts first!
5. Don’t lose focus
   Spin-offs should support your freelance goals, not distract you. Pick services that align with your niche and show off your expertise so you’re building depth, not scattering yourself too thin.

In Momentum, we share these ideas openly. It’s amazing how quickly someone else can spot the thing you’re already doing that’s worth charging for. We’re also moving our community across to Slack and away from Facebook!