For the freelancer, self-promotion is the number one way to find work, attract clients, and generate the income needed to support themselves. And with more and more people turning to freelancing as their main source of income, the world of freelancing has become more competitive than ever, highlighting the importance of self-promotion.
However, knowing how to market yourself as an online freelancer is not enough to make yourself known; Since most companies and individuals are looking online for freelancers for everything from content creation to graphic design and more, making sure you can find them easily on the web is essential to success. Unlike the non-virtual marketing methods of yore, online marketing is the most effective way of marketing given today's high digitization and obsession with technology. Additionally, online marketing is much easier to measure and optimize than offline marketing. Outbound marketing, for example, is very difficult to collect data and analytics, while inbound marketing (which is done online) makes it easier to measure metrics so you can make changes to your self-marketing strategy. if necessary.
Use Social Media to Connect
Social media is a boon for businesses and freelancers when it comes to marketing because social media gives people the opportunity to connect with thousands of people for free. As a freelancer, it is imperative that you take advantage of the benefits that social media brings you. Social media sites are YouTube, Facebook and Twitter. Google+, Instagram, Pinterest and Tumblr are recommended but not as relevant to your self-marketing approach. Use the first three to post a short video about your skills and talents, promote yourself with paid advertising, and connect with other users promoting your services.
However, when using social media for marketing purposes, be careful what you post. All content should always be professional and you should consider creating a secondary business page in addition to your personal page if necessary.
Build a Website
When it comes to knowing how to market yourself online, having a website is a fundamental step. Building a simple website is easier than ever and cheaper than ever. There are a variety of services like B. WordPress site builders that allow you to create a very professional looking website without any graphic design or coding knowledge. And many of these website building services are free or very inexpensive (around $30 per month) if you want to upgrade to a more unique or professional design. A website can be a great place to share information about yourself, give clients insight into your work, post a blog, and provide a contact form so interested clients can contact you.
When building a website, you need to go a step further and optimize your website for mobile use. A 2014 Nielsen report describes how mobile phones and tablets have taken over the internet and are used far more than yesterday's PCs or laptops. Therefore, your website should be optimized for mobile use so that potential customers can learn about your services and connect with you while on the go.
Share Clients with Other Businesses through Affiliate Marketing
You may be scratching your head, but let's explain first: depending on your skills and services, there are probably a variety of businesses or other freelancers working in your target market, but not in your niche. particular. For example, a legal writing company likely has a large number of legal clients who need legal content for their websites. But what happens when one of these customers requests illegal content? For example, if you write marketing content, this could be a perfect client to connect with. If you have a client you market to who needs legal writing, you can refer them to the legal writing company if they don't have a legal background. By sharing customers with your indirect competitors, you can build strong relationships and help grow your customer base.
Get Blogging
The Blog: The one tool that, no matter how much we talk about it, never goes out of style and is always mentioned as a way for freelancers (and others) to market themselves. And it still is: start blogging! Arguably the most effective way to showcase your talents as a freelancer, a blog can serve as a portfolio for your talents. Plus, blogging gives readers and potential customers a chance to get to know you and get a feel for your style and personality. Of course, blogging also gives you free advertising and self-promotion opportunities and helps improve your search engine rankings or the ease with which search engines like Google find you. The more your blog focuses on search engine optimization (SEO), the more traffic your blog will get. Link your blog to your social media pages and website and vice versa and watch the customers pour in.
Plus, blogging gives readers and potential customers a chance to get to know you and get a feel for your style and personality. Of course, blogging also gives you free advertising and self-promotion opportunities and helps improve your search engine rankings or the ease with which search engines like Google find you. The more your blog focuses on search engine optimization (SEO), the more traffic your blog will get. Link your blog to your social media pages and website and vice versa and watch the customers pour in.
The more your blog focuses on search engine optimization (SEO), the more traffic your blog will get. Link your blog to your social media pages and website and vice versa and watch the customers pour in.
Make an Ask
If you see a company or client that could really benefit from your services, or if you've done a one-time project for a company that went really well, don't be afraid to ask for a job. If a business needs a graphic designer, content editor, social media marketing guru, etc. and your skills match the requirements, chances are you'll just apply and get the job. If a company doesn't need your services right now but is impressed with your work, give them your contact details and check back with them in a few months to remind them that you still want to help. When potential clients notice your enthusiasm and passion for your work, they will be more willing to work with you.
In addition to asking if companies need your services, another way to get your name out there online is to ask companies you've worked for to write a recommendation or review that will be shared on your website or email. blog. .
Read Also : How can I improve my discussion skills?
For the freelancer, self-promotion is the number one way to find work, attract clients, and generate the income needed to support themselves. And with more and more people turning to freelancing as their main source of income, the world of freelancing has become more competitive than ever, highlighting the importance of self-promotion.
However, knowing how to market yourself as an online freelancer is not enough to make yourself known; Since most companies and individuals are looking online for freelancers for everything from content creation to graphic design and more, making sure you can find them easily on the web is essential to success. Unlike the non-virtual marketing methods of yore, online marketing is the most effective way of marketing given today's high digitization and obsession with technology. Additionally, online marketing is much easier to measure and optimize than offline marketing. Outbound marketing, for example, is very difficult to collect data and analytics, while inbound marketing (which is done online) makes it easier to measure metrics so you can make changes to your self-marketing strategy. if necessary.
Use Social Media to Connect
Social media is a boon for businesses and freelancers when it comes to marketing because social media gives people the opportunity to connect with thousands of people for free. As a freelancer, it is imperative that you take advantage of the benefits that social media brings you. Social media sites are YouTube, Facebook and Twitter. Google+, Instagram, Pinterest and Tumblr are recommended but not as relevant to your self-marketing approach. Use the first three to post a short video about your skills and talents, promote yourself with paid advertising, and connect with other users promoting your services.
However, when using social media for marketing purposes, be careful what you post. All content should always be professional and you should consider creating a secondary business page in addition to your personal page if necessary.
Build a Website
When it comes to knowing how to market yourself online, having a website is a fundamental step. Building a simple website is easier than ever and cheaper than ever. There are a variety of services like B. WordPress site builders that allow you to create a very professional looking website without any graphic design or coding knowledge. And many of these website building services are free or very inexpensive (around $30 per month) if you want to upgrade to a more unique or professional design. A website can be a great place to share information about yourself, give clients insight into your work, post a blog, and provide a contact form so interested clients can contact you.
When building a website, you need to go a step further and optimize your website for mobile use. A 2014 Nielsen report describes how mobile phones and tablets have taken over the internet and are used far more than yesterday's PCs or laptops. Therefore, your website should be optimized for mobile use so that potential customers can learn about your services and connect with you while on the go.
Share Clients with Other Businesses through Affiliate Marketing
You may be scratching your head, but let's explain first: depending on your skills and services, there are probably a variety of businesses or other freelancers working in your target market, but not in your niche. particular. For example, a legal writing company likely has a large number of legal clients who need legal content for their websites. But what happens when one of these customers requests illegal content? For example, if you write marketing content, this could be a perfect client to connect with. If you have a client you market to who needs legal writing, you can refer them to the legal writing company if they don't have a legal background. By sharing customers with your indirect competitors, you can build strong relationships and help grow your customer base.
Get Blogging
The Blog: The one tool that, no matter how much we talk about it, never goes out of style and is always mentioned as a way for freelancers (and others) to market themselves. And it still is: start blogging! Arguably the most effective way to showcase your talents as a freelancer, a blog can serve as a portfolio for your talents. Plus, blogging gives readers and potential customers a chance to get to know you and get a feel for your style and personality. Of course, blogging also gives you free advertising and self-promotion opportunities and helps improve your search engine rankings or the ease with which search engines like Google find you. The more your blog focuses on search engine optimization (SEO), the more traffic your blog will get. Link your blog to your social media pages and website and vice versa and watch the customers pour in.
Plus, blogging gives readers and potential customers a chance to get to know you and get a feel for your style and personality. Of course, blogging also gives you free advertising and self-promotion opportunities and helps improve your search engine rankings or the ease with which search engines like Google find you. The more your blog focuses on search engine optimization (SEO), the more traffic your blog will get. Link your blog to your social media pages and website and vice versa and watch the customers pour in.
The more your blog focuses on search engine optimization (SEO), the more traffic your blog will get. Link your blog to your social media pages and website and vice versa and watch the customers pour in.
Make an Ask
If you see a company or client that could really benefit from your services, or if you've done a one-time project for a company that went really well, don't be afraid to ask for a job. If a business needs a graphic designer, content editor, social media marketing guru, etc. and your skills match the requirements, chances are you'll just apply and get the job. If a company doesn't need your services right now but is impressed with your work, give them your contact details and check back with them in a few months to remind them that you still want to help. When potential clients notice your enthusiasm and passion for your work, they will be more willing to work with you.
Read Also : How can I improve my discussion skills?In addition to asking if companies need your services, another way to get your name out there online is to ask companies you've worked for to write a recommendation or review that will be shared on your website or email. blog. .