Personal Branding for Freelancers or How to Make It in the Gig Economy.

Personal branding holds limitless opportunities for motivated individuals. This is especially important to freelancers who rely on their personal branding as an industry expert to be hired and discovered by new prospects. Although the importance of personal branding for freelancers might seem like a no-brainer, how many people are trying to avoid it. And you do not even need marketing skills to build your own personal brand as a freelancer.

As a Communication Manager at 2hats, an open freelance marketplace platform that connects people with skilled professionals, my role involves maximising opportunities for freelancers to build a personal brand to kick start their side gigs.

Here are five key principles to building your personal brand as a freelancer to generate more leads, build a strong reputation and position yourself as an expert in your field:

Be Your Authentic Self

Be yourself because everyone else is taken. The problem that many people face is defining a personal brand. Instead of trying to be perceived as someone you are not, learn to understand who you are and find your unique style. Learn to be aware of your personal brand and communicate it to others. Exploiting your unique personality to get ahead is perhaps the most effective way to…