Mar 22
How do I promote freelance services/profile outside of freelancing platforms?
I also wondered about this, even though I’m a marketer… Well, you see, it’s easy to promote others, but it’s a whole other story when it comes to yourself.
First of all, you don’t have time. You spend it on clients’ work, not on your own business.
Then, what should you do? You might have some ideas but… are they worth it? Will they even work for me?
Finally, you might know what to do but cannot find the motivation. It’s not like someone will pay you anyway.
So I asked fellow freelancers and 3 things came out again and again:
1. Connections
People talk. They talk about their life, their work, what happened, how good this service was, or wasn’t. And they talk about you. They might even recommend your services to their peers.
This is called word-of-mouth, and you can ease it.
Your connections are your former clients, colleagues, managers, peers. Contact them regularly. Ask them how they’re doing, how the project you worked on ended, keep in contact. They’ll remember you when they or someone they know need your services.
2. Social media
My mum’s on Facebook, niece’s on TikTok and dad’s on WhatsApp. Social media is where everyone hangs out, including your future clients. But social media can quickly become overwhelming.
My advice is to choose only one media. Use it every day. Post about your recent work, something new you learnt, a thought you had. Really anything.
Don’t spend all your time on it. Time your use. It can be 5 min or 2h, it doesn’t matter. Show up every day.
3. Website
The internet is big, and your own website is the one place that’s yours.
That’s where you can tell your clients how awesome your work is, why they absolutely need to hire you, and how.
Show your previous projects and especially work you want to do more of. At the bottom of your website, explain clearly how they can contact you.
4. Support groups
Meet other people like you. Fellow freelancers who are going through the same struggles and challenges, fears and desires, joys and peace.
You’re not alone in this. And you see it for yourself.
Here are some freelancers groups I love:
As a marketer, I knew about social media and website. Connections and support groups came later, and slower.
Even now, as I’m writing this article, I try to send messages and connect with others. May they be potential clients or colleagues. I’m an introvert so it’s difficult. And I like it.
We’re not alone in this. Go and see it for yourself.
Hi, thanks for reading my article! I’m Fanny and help busy freelancers simplify their marketing, and finally relax.
Check how I can help you: https://www.fanny-marcoux.com/
Read more about marketing basics: https://www.thefreelancerjungle.com/
