Ever promise yourself you’ll “do more marketing”… only to abandon your plan as soon as you get busy with client work?
You’re not alone.
Many freelancers struggle with consistent marketing.
To help me stay consistent, I used AI to turn it into a game, like this…
- 3 points if I post on LinkedIn
- 1 point for commenting
- 5 points for reaching out to a prospect
My goal? 100 points a month.
I know of another freelancer who uses dried beans instead of points…
She keeps two jars on her desk. At the beginning of the month, one jar is full of beans and the other is empty.
Each time she takes a marketing action, she moves a bean. Her goal is to move three beans a day or 100 a month.
By “gamifying” marketing actions, you’re chasing dopamine rather than discipline. And that small shift helps build momentum.
The Problem: Why Most Freelancers Struggle with Marketing Consistency
When you’re busy with client work, “marketing” is often the first thing to fall off the to-do list. Then, when you finish the project, you panic because your pipeline is nonexistent.
Marketing your freelance business can be a murky process.
What counts as progress?
How much is enough?
Part of the problem is an emotional one.
It’s easy to convince yourself that one missed post or outreach doesn’t matter. But when one missed outreach turns into five, you lose momentum.
The problem? We treat marketing like a chore instead of a challenge. Or, better yet, like the important activity that keeps our bank account happy.
Momentum Comes from Small Wins
Gamification flips that script.
When you make your progress visible, you turn abstract effort into tangible success.
Whether you use points, dried beans, M&Ms, or checkmarks, linking specific actions to your effort becomes a win.
Better yet, wins compound.
Set a goal of 100 marketing actions a month, and you can track your progress.
You start associating marketing with satisfaction instead of guilt.
That’s how you can build (and succeed) at your own marketing game.
So, let’s look at some steps you can take…
Step 1: Build Your Marketing Game
Keep it simple and start with your goals.
If you’re just getting started, your focus is visibility. Get your name out there and build confidence through consistent action.
If you’re more established, your goal is stability. Keep your calendar full and stay top of mind with both past clients and new prospects.
Pick a monthly target. Approximately 75-100 marketing actions per month, with points assigned to each task. For instance…
- 1 point for commenting on LinkedIn
- 3 points for publishing a LinkedIn post
- 5 points for updating your portfolio
- 7 points for pitching an article
You can even use AI to create your scorecard.
Next, track your progress. I use a notebook and transfer results to a Notion board once or twice a week. For example, if I send 10 messages and book a call with a prospect, I add the prospect call to my Notion board.
You can use a jar of beans, a piece of paper, or any approach that works for you.
You can even add “side quests” for low-energy days. Things like:
- Comment on one post
- Read an article in your niche
- Request a testimonial
The goal is to stay in motion.
When I see I’ve only logged 42 marketing actions and it’s the middle of the month, my system spurs me into action.
Step 2: Add Rewards and Feedback Loops
I’m on a 1,353-day streak with Duolingo. If it’s at 11:55 p.m. and I’m half asleep, I take a couple of minutes to complete my session.
Why? Streaks work because they create emotional feedback. You can do the same with your marketing.
If you thrive on small treats, set tangible rewards to motivate you.
- 25 points = your favorite coffee
- 50 points = close your laptop early
- 100 points = a dinner out
You’re in charge. You get to set your rewards. These mini celebrations reinforce progress and give your brain that dopamine hit it craves.
And if you’re feeling out of ideas? Ask AI.
Here’s your prompt:
“You’re a professional freelance writer. What’s a five-minute marketing task you could do today to move your business forward?”
You’ll get instant ideas for keeping your streak alive.
Step 3: Track, Reflect, Adjust
Tally your points every month. Which actions felt easiest? Which led to real conversations or clients?
What worked for you? Which marketing actions felt easiest? Which ones led to real conversations or leads?
Over time, your “game” becomes real data on what’s working.
Most freelancers agree that direct outreach and real conversations are more effective than passive posting. I’ve found the same, so I focus on relationship-building. I built a LinkedIn list of past, current, and potential clients and commented on their posts, periodically reaching out with an idea or asking a relevant question.
Your Turn
You don’t need a fancy system to gamify your marketing. Begin by selecting three marketing activities and assigning a point value to each. Finally, set a monthly goal for your points and start playing.
You’ll be surprised how quickly momentum builds once you start treating it like a game.
Try This to Get Started
Set a “Quick Win Challenge” for the next week. Give yourself 10 points for every marketing action. When you hit 50 points, reward yourself.
Small wins lead to big results and more enjoyment along the way. And you’ll be setting yourself up to win big with your goals.