One of the biggest perks of the digital nomad lifestyle is the freedom to choose where you live, and how and when you work. But if you’re working as a freelancer that flexibility comes with unpredictability — especially when it comes to income. Even the most seasoned freelancers experience dry spells. Budgets tighten at the start of a new year or at quarter‑end, companies freeze projects around holidays, and economic jitters can pause hiring altogether. Not to mention the ways in which artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the way so many businesses work. Recognising that these lulls are cyclical — not a personal failure — helps you stay calm and pivot quickly.
As I mentioned in my recent monthly review, I’m currently navigating an unwelcome quiet period. I know that the key is to see these slow periods not as setbacks, but as opportunities to regroup, grow, and prepare for the next wave of work.
If you find yourself in a similar position, here are some strategies I’m following — aside from applying for roles on LinkedIn and Upwork — to stay productive during slow freelance months and develop my business.
What to Do When Freelance Work Is Slow: 10 Strategies
Here’s a list of some practical steps that you can pull from whenever you’re wondering what to do between freelance gigs.
1. Review and Refresh Your Portfolio to Attract Clients
If you’ve been too busy delivering client work to update your portfolio, use the downtime to cross it off your to-do list. Add recent project samples, update your bio, and make sure you include measurable results (e.g., “boosted organic traffic 45 %”). More than ever, potential clients want to know what you can do for them, rather than a list of your skills and experience.
Tip: Tailor your portfolio for the type of work you want next, not just what you’ve done in the past.
This is one of the simplest tips for freelancers during downtime—and it pays off fast when prospects land on a polished portfolio.
If like me you’ve lost large archives of published work to a client’s SEO update or site refresh, consider signing up for an account with Authory to create backup copies. Not sponsored — I just wish I’d done so sooner!
2. Reconnect With Past Clients and Contacts
Often, your next opportunity is already in your inbox — or it was a few months ago. Reach out to previous clients to keep in touch, ask how their projects are going, or offer support on something they’ve been meaning to get to. A friendly nudge can put you top of mind.
Try sending a friendly check‑in email or LinkedIn DM. You’ll often revive dormant contracts or snag easy referrals—no cold introduction required. Speaking of which…
3. Pitch Cold (But Smart) With Targeted Outreach
Cold pitching can be intimidating, but it works. Target companies or publications that are a strong fit for your expertise. Research their needs, tailor your message, and show exactly how you can help. Sign up for freelancer newsletters that collate calls for pitches to help you find targets that are relevant to your expertise and/or niche.
Create a prospect list and craft customised pitches. Having previously got more than enough work from former employers and colleagues, past clients, Upwork proposals and LinkedIn contacts, this is something that I definitely have to work on!
Tip: Use a spreadsheet to track your outreach efforts and follow-ups.
4. Build Passive or Alternative Income Streams
Many digital nomads build side hustles to make money during slow freelance periods and stabilise their income. If you’re a writer, try selling digital products such as ebooks or courses, or monetize a blog or newsletter. Designers might build templates or start selling on platforms like Gumroad or Creative Market. My Gumroad page is here!
Even modest sales can help cover some expenses. And even if you don’t make money right away, you’re building an asset for the future.
5. Invest in Upskilling
Learning a new skill or refining an existing one can open up new opportunities. Take a short course, attend a virtual workshop, or set aside time to deepen your knowledge in a niche area (like SEO writing, UX design, or data visualization).
Platforms like LinkedIn Learning and Coursera are great for affordable, high-quality learning.
For instance, I write features and interviews on AI for some of my clients and want to move deeper into the field, so I recently completed the course AI for Organizational Leaders by Microsoft and LinkedIn.
6. Create Content to Showcase Your Expertise
Use downtime to create content that builds your authority and boosts your online presence. This could mean:
- Writing LinkedIn posts or X/Twitter threads on your niche
- Sharing behind-the-scenes tips from your work
- Starting a blog or YouTube channel
- Hosting a free webinar
Producing consistent content is a long‑game digital nomad freelance strategy: It keeps your name out there and can organically attract new clients.
7. Audit Your Finances and Budget for the Future
It’s not the sexiest task, but slow periods are a good time to look over your finances. Are you tracking your income and expenses effectively? Have you got an emergency fund? What can you cut back on temporarily?
The more clarity you have around your finances, the less stressful a slow month feels. Mastering cash‑flow management is the foundation of surviving slow freelance months.
8. Join Online Communities and Stay Visible
Sometimes, it’s not what you know, but who knows you. Join freelancer or digital nomad communities on platforms like LinkedIn, Reddit and Facebook. Be active, helpful, and visible. You might hear about opportunities before they’re publicly posted—or wouldn’t be posted at all.
As an example, one of my best clients contacted me through LinkedIn DM offering freelance work after I signed up to view one of their webinars, as they were having trouble finding writers in their niche.
9. Work on Your Own Brand or Side Project
Dreaming of launching a product, podcast or brand? Use this time to work on something that could potentially evolve into a new income stream or showcase your range to prospective clients. Slow periods offer the perfect opportunity to build assets for yourself instead of just for clients.
10. Take a Strategic Break (If You Can Afford It)
If you’ve saved up and your burnout is real, give yourself permission to rest. Travel somewhere new, catch up on reading, or just recharge. A proper break can reignite your creativity and help you return to work with a clearer mind when the next brief lands in your inbox.
Final Thoughts: Staying Positive and Proactive During Slow Freelance Periods
Every freelancer—especially a digital nomad—can go through slow periods. The difference between those who thrive and those who struggle often comes down to how they use that time. Whether you’re upskilling, networking, pitching, or creating something new, you’re still moving forward.
Mindset matters. Reframe gaps as breathing space, not panic time. Celebrate small wins—one new connection, one lesson learned, one page redesigned.
A slow month gives you time to regroup, refocus, and build momentum for the next chapter of your journey. By applying the strategies above—updating your portfolio, nurturing networks, diversifying income, and honing skills—you can use freelance downtime to build a stronger remote career.
Want more tips for thriving as a digital nomad?
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