As someone who has been freelancing for the best part of two decades now, I noticed a definite sea change in the weeks and months following the dawn of the pandemic back in 2020. Little by little, friends that had been “company men” through and through began to distance themselves from their old lives and join me in my journey of self-employment (despite the fact many said friends had been taking the piss for years).
For creatives the appeal is obvious; we’re naturally nomadic creatures that thrive when presented with fresh experiences. The idea of commuting to the same office every day for years on end might suit those who demand order and stability, but for so many of us, we’ve been there, done that and despised it. Freelancing represents the opportunity to cast off those shackles and take control of your career. It is also, however, an option that demands a certain degree of self-promotion, which isn’t something that comes naturally to those of the more introverted persuasion.
As an eternal introvert, it took me years to find my footing as a freelancer and it’s even harder today as with so professionals choosing the freelance route, the need to stand out and effectively sell oneself has never been more critical. Here, I’ll be going through some of the things I’ve learned and hopefully inspire some young freelancers to start pushing themselves a little more earnestly. Christ knows it’s something I could have used back in the day.
Understanding Your Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
Even if you’re not the kind of person to largely extol your virtues to all and sundry, if you’re working freelance you need to be confident of at least one thing – the thing that sets you apart from everyone else.
Kerri-Ann Graham
Your USP is what makes your service unique and valuable to your clients and what keeps them coming back for more. It could be your distinctive style, your expertise in a niche area, or your ability to deliver projects with exceptional speed, whatever it is, ensure it sets the foundation for your branding and marketing efforts.
Building a Strong Personal Brand
Personal branding is more than just a buzzword; it's a necessity and while it’s one you might need to hold your nose; you’ll be glad you did. Your brand reflects not only what you do and how you do it but your professional identity and what you stand for. This includes a setting up professional website showcasing your portfolio, maintaining a consistent visual identity across social media platforms and taking the time to invest in a personal logo and tagline.
Stephen Ludford
It’s one of those things that’s incredibly difficult at first to pitch just right but you’ll never have to do it again so it’s certainly worth taking some time to design one. And if you’re really struggling, Chat GPT and Midjourney are always there to get you over the finish line.
Using Social Media and Online Platforms Properly
We’ve already discussed how vital it is to maintain a consistent social media presence as a freelancer but which platforms you use is just as important. Honestly, in this day and age it helps to spread yourself thinly over as many platforms as possible but focus most of your efforts on the platforms that bring you the most regular work. Instagram, LinkedIn, and Behance are ideal for showcasing your work and connecting with potential clients, of course, but for creatives, Creativepool is the perfect platform upon to focus the lion’s share of your attention.
Raymon Bosquillos
Regularly updating all your profiles with your latest projects, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and professional achievements doesn’t need to be a hassle either, as there are all kinds of “social media stacks” out there that can automate a lot of the busy work for you. Still, it’s important to keep one eye on the ground floor, as engaging with your audience through comments and messages can really help build a community around your brand.
Getting Involved in Content Marketing and Networking
Content marketing can position you as an expert in your field even if you’re still a little wet behind the ears. They don’t need to know and there’s certainly some wisdom in the adage “fake it until you make it”. So, start a blog or vlog to share insights, trends, or tutorials related to your area of expertise to showcases your knowledge and boost your visibility online through SEO.
Javier Medellin Puyou
In the same breath, networking is always going to be a handy skill to acquire and perfect for a freelancer and it’s about more than just attending events; it's about creating meaningful connections that can develop overtime into legitimate (and valuable) relationships. So, join some online communities, participate in some webinars, and collaborate openly with other creatives but don’t underestimate the power of good old-fashioned word-of-mouth either! Sometimes, the old ways are still the best ways, after all.
A few final tips
- Build up as many client testimonials and case studies as possible to build your credibility. Again, Creativepool is a powerful resource here. Always ask satisfied clients for a testimonial and consider creating detailed case studies for your portfolio.
- The creative industry is ever-evolving, now more than ever, and keeping your skills updated is crucial. Attend workshops, enroll in online courses, and stay on top of the latest trends. Because there's always going to be someone younger and smarter nipping at your heels.
- Being a successful freelance creative isn't just about talent; it's also about professionalism. Clear communication, meeting deadlines, and providing excellent customer service are all things to consider here as these qualities can often be the deciding factor for clients and right now, the competition is fierce, to say the least!
