Have you ever wondered how some freelancers are able to command such high rates for their services? Their secret is that they’re constantly marketing themselves in a very specific way.
Freelancing is a crowded field, but if you want to stand out from the crowd, it’s important to focus on building your marketing and sales skills as much as your actual work skill set.
This article will explain how you can market yourself like a pro by using these ten tried-and-true strategies that have worked for other freelancers just like you!
| Key Takeaways |
|---|
| Freelancers need to differentiate themselves from the competition. |
| Building a strong personal brand can help freelancers stand out in a crowded market. |
| Delivering high-quality work and exceeding client expectations is essential for success in the freelance market. |
| Effective time management is crucial to running a successful freelance business. |
| Building strong relationships with clients is crucial to success as a freelancer. |
Be Honest About Your Skills
It can be tempting to oversell yourself in the hopes of landing a job, but it’s important to remember that your potential clients are just as savvy as you are. If they can tell that you’re not being honest about your skills and experience, they won’t trust anything else you say.
For example, if someone is looking for a website designer and finds an ad for one who claims to also be skilled at creating custom software, they might think “Oh great!”
But then when they contact this designer and learn that all he actually does is design websites (and has no experience creating custom software), he loses their trust because he wasn’t 100% honest about his abilities.
When it comes time to market yourself online or in person (e.g., at networking events), it’s important not only what exactly but also how much information about your skills and experience should go into the marketing materials themselves
Freelancing is all about managing time effectively. Check out our insightful guide on balancing your business and personal life to learn some time management strategies that can help you find the perfect work-life balance.
Learn To Sell Yourself
To be successful, you need to be able to sell yourself. You get top dollar for your services when you can demonstrate how your skills and experience make you uniquely qualified for the job. You also stand out when you show that you’re a great person to work with: kind, honest, trustworthy and hard-working.
And finally and perhaps most important you are more likely to get hired if people believe in what you do and why it matters.
When I was starting out as a freelancer, I had no idea what it meant to “sell” myself or my services beyond saying things like “I’m good at X.”
One of the biggest surprises of my career was learning how much work goes into getting hired on any project: researching prospective clients’ needs in detail; figuring out what value they’ll place on those needs; putting together proposals that address those needs while being competitively priced; following up until they make a decision; etc., etc., etc..
If there’s one thing I’ve learned over time, it’s that no matter how amazing someone is at doing their craft (or whatever), unless they’re prepared to go through this entire process every single time they want new business from someone new or existing clientele looking for additional work or something else entirely unrelated but still requiring their expertise (say… designing an app), then success will never happen (or happen very rarely).
Top Resources to Learn Self-Promotion for Freelancers
| Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| HubSpot Academy | Offers a free online course on inbound marketing that can help freelancers learn how to sell themselves and their services. |
| Coursera | Offers a wide range of virtual courses on marketing, branding, and self-promotion that freelancers can take to improve their skills. |
| Canva | Provides a variety of free and paid design templates that freelancers can use to create professional-looking self-promotion materials, such as business cards and social media posts. |
| Hootsuite | Offers a social media marketing course that can help freelancers increase their visibility online and promote their services effectively. |
| LinkedIn Learning | Provides a wide range of courses on topics such as branding, marketing, and self-promotion that can help freelancers learn how to stand out in the crowded freelance market. |
Niche Down
One of the best things you can do for yourself as a freelancer is to specialize. When people hear about a freelancer, they tend to think “Jack-of-all-trades,” and that’s not necessarily true. Yes, you might have a wide skill set that allows you to do lots of different things but there are probably some areas where your skills really shine.
And if there’s one thing that most people don’t have time for is hunting down someone who specializes in something obscure (for example, creating social media strategies for tech startups).
So what does it mean to specialize? Well, it means honing in on what makes you unique whether it be your writing style or the way you approach design projects or something else entirely.
It also means identifying niches within those specialties so that when people are looking around at all their options they’ll see yours right away.
Networking is a crucial part of being a successful freelancer. Our guide on building strong relationships provides tips and insights to help you network effectively and build long-lasting connections that can take your freelance career to new heights.
Don’t Be Afraid To Ask For Help
If you are a freelancer, you are probably not shy about asking for help. You may be more comfortable asking someone else to do your work than doing it yourself.
This is fine, but only if the person you’re asking can actually do the job you need done instead of wasting their time or yours by trying to teach them how to do what they don’t know how to do.
It’s always good practice when unsure of something to ask an expert who knows their stuff and has experience in that field already before diving into something new on your own.
The same goes for anyone else who might be able to assist with a project or task that needs completing; don’t hesitate just because they aren’t qualified enough according to some industry standard (or even worse – because they’re not “qualified” enough according to your standards).
Take Advantage Of The Gig Economy
A great way to stand out in a crowded field is to take advantage of the gig economy. It’s easier than ever before to find people who need your skills, and there are multiple ways you can leverage the gig economy to grow your business.
The first way is by simply offering your services as a freelancer. There are many sites that allow you to advertise yourself as available for hire, such as Upwork or Fiverr.
By advertising on these sites and building up an online portfolio (including reviews from previous clients), you can attract new clients in a matter of weeks instead of months which will help you grow faster than if you were going through traditional marketing channels!
If working from home isn’t for you, there are still plenty of ways that taking advantage of the internet can benefit your small business.
You might consider having an online store where people can buy products related directly with what they see advertised on social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram these days consumers want convenience more than anything else when shopping online so why not give them what they want?
Creating a comfortable and ergonomic workspace is crucial to being productive and healthy as a freelancer. Check out our guide on choosing the right furniture for your home office to learn about the different types of furniture that can make your workspace more functional and comfortable.
Write A Book (Or Two)
The third thing you can do to better market yourself as a freelancer is write a book.
A book is an excellent way to establish yourself as an expert in your field and make money from it. You can use it to sell more services, build credibility, and bring in new leads that may eventually become paying clients.
If you’re just starting out, having a book will help you stand out from the crowd of other freelancers who are trying to get clients.
Writing a book also helps with building your brand through social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter.
These platforms have character limits so when people see your name they only get a little bit of information about who you are and what kind of services or products they can expect from working with you if they hire you as their business coach or marketing consultant or whatever service it is that they need help with because clearly there’s no shortage of options available these days (and some even specialize in helping other businesses find good freelancers).
Publishing Platforms for Freelancers to Publish Their Books
| Platform | Description |
|---|---|
| Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing | Allows freelancers to self-publish their books and reach millions of readers on Amazon.com. |
| Barnes & Noble Press | Provides an easy-to-use platform for freelancers to create and publish their books, which are then sold on the Barnes & Noble website. |
| Smashwords | Offers tools and resources that freelancers can use to format and publish their books, which are then distributed to major ebook retailers such as Apple Books and Kobo. |
| Lulu | Allows freelancers to create and publish their books in a variety of formats, including print-on-demand, and offers distribution services to major online retailers. |
| Draft2Digital | Provides an easy-to-use platform for freelancers to publish their books across a wide range of online retailers, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Apple Books. |
Build Up Your Network Personally And Professionally
A network is a collection of individuals who can help you advance in your field. It’s important to build one because it will help you find opportunities, get new clients and grow in your career.
The first step is to figure out where you want to be. What do you want your life and career path to look like? From there, ask yourself whom are the people who have the most influence over that vision?
For example, if I wanted to be an artist: what kind of art am I interested in making? Where will I sell my work (gallery or online)? Am I looking for gallery representation or would prefer direct sales from my website? Do I need exposure from major collectors and museums or should I focus on building a following among individual buyers who share my aesthetic sensibilities and values?
The more specific these answers become, the easier it’ll be for us both when we sit down together later this month!
Stress can be a major hurdle for freelancers who work from home. But by practicing mindfulness, freelancers can reduce stress and stay focused throughout the workday. Check out our guide on the power of mindfulness in reducing stress to learn how you can bring more mindfulness into your work and life.
Build An Email List
Email marketing is a tried-and-true method of getting your business out in front of new people who are interested in what you have to offer.
The trick is to get them signed up on the email list so that they can receive periodic messages from you that will invite them back into your world and keep them updated on all things going on with your company.
The first step in building an email list is to create a signup form where potential customers can enter their information and subscribe, either through an online form or by filling out a paper copy, which can be printed off and handed out at events such as trade shows.
Once someone has subscribed for updates from you, send out an introductory message about who you are and why they should continue receiving communications from you.
You should also provide links back to any social media profiles where people can follow along with everything else happening within the organization (such as Instagram).
As part of this process, make sure that every post made across all platforms has an opt-in option included somewhere so those who see it feel like they’re getting something extra when they decide to join up!
Publishing Platforms for Freelancers to Publish Their Books
| Platform | Description |
|---|---|
| Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing | Allows freelancers to self-publish their books and reach millions of readers on Amazon.com. |
| Barnes & Noble Press | Provides an easy-to-use platform for freelancers to create and publish their books, which are then sold on the Barnes & Noble website. |
| Smashwords | Offers tools and resources that freelancers can use to format and publish their books, which are then distributed to major ebook retailers such as Apple Books and Kobo. |
| Lulu | Allows freelancers to create and publish their books in a variety of formats, including print-on-demand, and offers distribution services to major online retailers. |
| Draft2Digital | Provides an easy-to-use platform for freelancers to publish their books across a wide range of online retailers, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Apple Books. |
Build Up Your Social Media Following
Social media is a great way to connect with potential clients and share your work with the world. To ensure you’re getting the most out of this marketing channel, it’s important to have a clear strategy in place before diving in headfirst.
Use social media to promote your brand. Share photos or videos of projects you’ve worked on, write blog posts about issues your audience cares about, and share industry news that might be relevant for them.
Use social media to build relationships with your audience. Posting about what’s happening in their lives can help remind people that they’re not alone and give them an avenue for talking openly about their problems if they need advice from someone who understands their situation well enough not just because she sees similar things happen at her job every day but because she actually feels these feelings herself when all is said and done.
Use social media to generate leads for free by offering exclusive content like eBooks or webinars where people can learn more about working with freelancers like yourself rather than spending money upfront on expensive courses or seminars (which won’t give any guarantees anyway).
This way everyone wins: potential clients learn something valuable without spending money beforehand; consumers get helpful tips without shelling out cash up front which could go toward something else entirely; authors are able to make extra cash without having invested anything into creating said material themselves!
As a freelancer, time management is everything. Check out our guide on simple time management strategies for increased productivity to learn some practical tips and techniques for managing your time effectively and taking your freelance career to new heights.
Create Passive Income Streams
Create a blog. A blog is a great way to build an audience and connect with influencers, so you can use it as an avenue to market yourself. The best part of having a blog is that you can monetize it by writing sponsored posts, offering advertising space on your site and selling ebooks or courses through your site.
Create a course: Courses are a great way to train people in the skills you possess, allowing you to sell access to this knowledge while remaining mobile (and earning passive income streams). You could also create membership sites where people pay monthly for access to exclusive content or live events such as webinars or online workshops.
Create an affiliate program: This isn’t as passive as creating courses or products, but it still allows freelancers and consultants who have built up significant followings in their niches over time – like software developers -to generate recurring revenue from their websites without having any inventory sitting around taking up space in their homes/offices (or worse yet, getting damaged due to improper storage).
Start A Podcast Or YouTube Channel
Podcasts and YouTube channels are two of the most popular ways to connect with an audience. The best part is that they’re relatively easy to get started on, especially if you already have a blog or website.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Start A Podcast
- Start A YouTube Channel
Get Featured In The Media (And Don’t Be Afraid To Do It Yourself)
When it comes to content, you can never have enough. You want to stand out from the crowd and tell your story, but you also need new ideas and ways to engage prospective clients. How do you do that? Get featured in the media!
Your industry has publications dedicated to news, trends and updates related to your field. These publications might be part of a larger publication or they may be independent entities that focus solely on one specific industry segment.
If there are no relevant publications available for your industry segment, then consider writing an article yourself for any website with an audience that fits the description above: general (such as Yahoo News), niche (such as Mashable) or even specialized (like The Wall Street Journal).
Turn Your Website Into A Lead Generation Machine
Your website and blog. This is the most important tool in your arsenal. A professional-looking site that links to all of your social media, including a contact form and an email list, are essential for getting new clients in the door.
Content marketing. If you don’t have time to write content for yourself, hire someone else to do it for you but make sure they stay within brand guidelines so everything looks cohesive from start to finish (this isn’t as easy as it sounds).
The quality of content is also key; it should be informative and interesting enough that people want to share it on social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn because they feel compelled by what’s being said there not just because they have something against their current employer!
Conclusion
So, there you have it! These are the steps that you need to take in order to build a successful marketing strategy for your freelancing business.
If you follow these steps and apply them to your business, I can guarantee you that they will help grow your business and make more money.
Further Reading
If you’re looking to learn more about how to thrive in the competitive freelance market, check out these additional resources:
How to Stand Out in Crowded Freelance Writing Market: This article provides tips on how to differentiate yourself from other freelance writers and showcase your unique talents to potential clients.
How to Stand Out as a Freelancer in a Growing Market: This blog post offers practical advice and guidance on how to differentiate yourself from other freelancers and succeed in a competitive freelance market.
15 Ways New Freelancers Can Stand Out to Potential Clients: This article provides expert insights and advice on how new freelancers can set themselves apart from the competition and build a successful freelance career.
FAQs
What is the freelance market?
The freelance market refers to the pool of individuals who are self-employed and offer their services to clients on a project-by-project basis. This market is made up of a variety of industries, including writing, design, programming, and more.
How can I stand out in the freelance market?
You can stand out in the freelance market by showcasing your unique talents, building a strong personal brand, and delivering high-quality work that exceeds client expectations.
What are some common challenges faced by freelancers?
Freelancers often struggle with managing their time effectively, finding new clients, and maintaining a consistent income stream.
How can I manage my time more effectively as a freelancer?
You can manage your time more effectively as a freelancer by creating a schedule, prioritizing your tasks, and using time management tools such as calendars and to-do lists.
What are some best practices for building strong client relationships as a freelancer?
To build strong client relationships as a freelancer, you should always be responsive and communicative, deliver high-quality work, and proactively address any issues or concerns that may arise during the project. It’s also helpful to follow up with clients and ask for feedback after the project is complete.
Hi there! I’m Hellen James, and I’ve been working at home for over a decade. I’ve been looking for ways to be more efficient at home, and I have a bunch of tips that you’ll love.
