39. Can you build a freelance business without Big Tech? (with Dave Smyth)

Many freelancers and small businesses use Facebook, Google, and other big tech companies to attract clients and deliver services. There's a growing movement of freelancers that would like to be less reliant on these tech giants, but where do we start?
Whether you're concerned about having all your eggs in someone else's basket (where the rules can change on a whim), or you're concerned about data privacy, digital ethics, or surveillance capitalism – Dave Smyth has some suggestions for you.
Dave Smyth is a co-founder of the ethical web design company, Scruples; the founder of the Below Radar community for small businesses who want to be less reliant on Facebook, Google and the like; the brains behind the No To Spy Pixels Campaign – and more.
In this episode, Dave shares his tips and tactics for making intentional choices about the tools we use to run our businesses.
Find out more about Dave's work:

• davesmyth.com
• belowradar.co.uk
• scruples.studio
• notospypixels.com
• Cyber Empathy podcast

Resources mentioned:

• Fathom Analytics
• Fastmail
• Whimsical
• Skiff
• The Ethical Move (pledge)
• Digital Minimalism, by Cal Newport
• An Ugly Truth: Inside Facebook's Battle for Domination, by Cecilia Kang and Sheera Frankel
• Subprime Attention Crisis: Advertising and the Time Bomb at the Heart of the Internet, by Tim Hwang

Say hi to Louise:
Louise Shanahan is a freelance health copywriter and health tech white paper writer. She's on a mission to help others build a freelance business that feels easy and works for them – in weekly snack-sized bites.

LinkedIn: Louise Shanahan
Twitter: @LouiseShanahan_
Instagram: @Louise_Shanahan_
Website: thecopyprescription.com
Wanna send Louise a voice note? Go to memo.fm/15 and leave a question or comment.