How to Market Yourself Online as a Freelancer
If you’re a freelancer and want to become more visible on the market, here are several important factors to keep in mind and ways in which you can market yourself and your work.
Your Website
Firstly, you need to work on your online presence. If you are not really sure how to start, you can keep it very simple at the beginning. Play it safe at first. As the first and most important step, you need to make your own website or online portfolio. This is a platform for you that you will be using to show off your experience, expertise, and skills. In a way, this is how you market yourself to people who are looking for freelancers. This is where people can look up your services and then decide whether they want to work with you. So, make sure to have an effective website of your own. Also, ensure that your website is easy to work with and navigate.
Social media
Social media is your best friend. This is one of the best and most effective mediums for any kind of promotion and marketing. Social media helps you reach people who may be interested about what you are offering. It is all about creating and image and representing what you do and stand for to other people. Social media works in a way that helps people easily find what they are interested in. So, if what you do is in someone’s domain of interested, you are most likely going to appear on their main feed.
This kind of network help people connect based on mutual interested and you can never go wrong with promoting yourself by using one of the social media platforms. Based on who your target audience is, you can pick a social media platform or even several of them you will be using. Apps such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and so on can offer you a great opportunity to get out there and be seen by potential new clients. It is an especially great way to connect with young people who are open towards online freelancing jobs.
Networking events
A lot of people tend to avoid networking since it can be anxiety-inducing and people get uncomfortable by it. However, as a freelancer, you need to find a way to connect with people in person too. This strategy will help you double your chances of finding work and connecting with potential clients. This means you will have to get out of your comfort zone if you want to keep improving. In case you feel anxious about attending these events alone, you can always bring someone with you.
Business cards
Speaking of networking events, you should definitely remember to bring your business cards to these events. This way, you are ensuring to make contact with people and stay in touch with them.
Referrals
You can find a lot of great work opportunities via word of mouth. If your client is exceptionally satisfied with your work, they will most likely recommend you to other people. So, after completing your projects, always ask for referrals. Make sure you include them on your website or online portfolio.
Promotional Videos
One of the best ways to reach your audience and grab their attention is through high-quality promo videos. People are more likely to stick around and hear what it is that you have to say, than read articles about someone’s business. You need to appeal to people through visual senses and make them want to stick around to see what you want to offer. With our attention span getting shorter and shorter every year, making a short, compact yet very effective video that says all about you is the best way you can market yourself as a freelancer.
Pitching
People usually shy away from pitching, but if you want to get more work, you need to master the art of pitching. This simply means talking about your proposed project with sophistication. Remember you are here to sell your skills, experience and work. Don’t be shy to talk highly of what you do. The key is to be short, but powerful. Don’t beat around the bush. Say what you have to say in a short, yet informational and effective way.
Look in the right places
Lastly, you need to be looking in the right places. This refers to finding out what the best websites are for your type of work. It can be LinkedIn or any other specialised site. Make sure you are active there.
Conclusion
In conclusion, marketing yourself is all about having online presence, knowing your audience, getting connected with people through social media, finding the best medium for self-promotion and visiting the right places. If you keep all of these factors in mind, you will successfully find clients.