Marketing
DIY Marketing: Social Media Tips Freelancers Can Use to Build their Businesses and Enhance Their Brands
Aug
Whether you are looking for a permanent escape from the rat race or just a temporary boost to your traditional income, freelancing can be a great way to achieve your personal and financial goals. Over the last decade, there has been a decided shift from the normal salary-based approach to hiring to a new cadre of freelancers, contingent employees and on-demand workers. While this shift has created challenges for many workers, it has also created enormous opportunities for those who are willing to work hard and forge their own way forward.
Whether you have been working as a freelancer for years or are just getting started, you will need to market your services properly to achieve the results you want. Life as a freelancer can be very rewarding, but when you forge your own path, you must also do your own marketing.
This DIY approach to marketing does not have to be frightening, and following a few best practices can help you get the most out of every minute you spend hustling for new clients. Social media in particular can be a great help in your DIY marketing efforts, and here are some tips to get you started.
Start a blog
Blogging can be a great addition to your social media marketing efforts, especially if you know how to do it right. Guest blogging on major sites is a great way to get exposure for your own blog and drive visitors to your social media pages.
Beef up your professional profiles
Having a presence on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other general-interest social media sites is great, but do not forget about professional networks like LinkedIn. Make sure your profile is up to date, reach out to colleagues and focus on your activities as a freelancer.
Use your status updates to subtly solicit new clients
Overt marketing can be a real turnoff for social media users, so be smart and subtle when soliciting work. If you are trying to land a big hotel chain as a client, you could post that you are looking for a successful hotel executive to interview for an upcoming piece.
If there are clients you would just love to land, seek them out on social media and keep track of their activities. From liking their posts to participating in professional discussions, there are lots of things you can do to engage with your dream clients – and bring them into your stable of happy customers.
Use videos to build your brand and cement your expertise
Becoming an expert in your chosen field is a great way to boost your profile and build your brand, and a single video can say more than thousands of words. From simple explainer videos to extensive video series, there are plenty of ways to use this new medium to your advantage.
Working as a freelancer can be very rewarding, whether you take on freelance jobs to supplement your income or take your passion full time. No matter which approach you take, the smart use of social media can improve your marketing efforts and bring more clients to your door.