In the current economic environment, more and more people are looking into freelance opportunities. There are a lot of people offering a wide variety of services that individuals or businesses need done. To get noticed, you’re going to have to stand out from the crowd.
Keep it formal and simple: You don’t want to be scaring off clients with a casual or overly laid-back tone. Freelancing is competitive, and the most successful ones are those who can convey their experience and expertise most effectively. That doesn’t mean that they have to be stiff or uptight, but a little formality can go a long way in combating that perception that they may not be an expert – and they command higher rates because of it.
Have a professional online presence: The rise of social media has meant that there are more places to position yourself than ever before. If you’re a freelancer, social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook are excellent places to show your professionalism and influence your target audience. A separate email account is ideal and a link to your website is great.
Be Dependable: It is absolutely vital if you want to build long-term relationships with your clients. This includes being available when they have questions, answering emails quickly, being on time for meetings, and generally wanting to help them succeed. A client who feels dependent on you is more likely to work with you again and refer other clients to you.
Giving realistic timelines to clients and not agreeing to unrealistic deadlines if they’re proposed is key. You should also ensure you communicate effectively with you client, keeping them up-to-date with your progress.
Be an expert: Keep in your lane. Only agree to work that is within your niche. There’s a thin line between winging it and plummeting to the ground. Do not be the person who claims to do things you have no clue about. Stick to your strengths and keep growing and investing in them.
Be Organized: Having a strong, professional contract can help alleviate a lot of stress and hassles that come with clients paying late or not at all. Know when your deadlines are, send professional quotes and invoices promptly, and be sure to include a payment terms policy.
There are big opportunities waiting for you if you can position yourself as an expert freelancer.