We want to start by setting the record straight for all beginner freelancers. You do not need to buy a course, and you do not need to spend hundreds on paid adverts. As a beginner there are so many free ways to promote your freelance business, and we're here to tell you some of our favourites!
So if you're a freelancer looking to start increasing your client base, read on!
Social Media is your Best Friend
If you haven't set up social media pages for your freelance business then you are already putting yourself on the backfoot. Instagram and TikTok are essential tools for all freelancers as they give you the opportunity to engage will MILLIONS of users everyday, just by posting your content. You might be asking what should you post on these platforms? We'll cover that for you next, because what works for one might not work for another!
Starting with TikTok, this should act as a 'content archive'. What do we mean by this? TikTok should be where you post everything and anything relating to your business, and post it with consistency. If you have 6 pieces of content, don't post 3 one day and 3 the next day, instead spread it out across a week or two. Chances are people who miss the first post, will see the second one, and so on. This TikTok page is going to be about your freelance business, so still make sure it's presentable and speaks the message you want potential clients to recieve.
For Instagram we recommend a slightly different approach. View your main Instagram grid as a digital portfolio for potential clients to view. This doesn't mean you scrap the reels which aren't 'professional', but instead just make them not visible on your main grid. This makes your Instagram a great place for potential clients to see the calibre of work they will recieve.
Turn Followers into Clients
Once your pages are established and you have a solid stack of posts on your page, you can start the fun stuff. In today's world, it doesn't matter if you have 100 followers or 100,000 followers, your work WILL speak for itself.
On your Instagram start DMing and reaching out to brands and companies in your niche/space and offering to work for them. This can be for free or at a discounted rate! A lot of people frown upon working for free, but in all honesty, it's a great way to build trust with a client. For them it's risk free, and for you, it's a chance to work on a new cool project!
Eventually theses DMs will turn into a handful of free clients. From this handful of free clients, you'll hopefully get a returning client that you can now lock into a monthly retainer and start earning consistent income!
Final Tips and Creative Advice
Our biggest tip for new freelancers is to get your name out there as much as possible. Talk about your business and what you do whenever you get the chance. Family gatherings, talk about your business, work event, talk about your business, meet someone new in the pub, talk about your business. Word of mouth is so under rated and more people need to capitalise on it!
Finally, just do what makes you happy. Don't force yourself to take on projects if it's not going to benefit you in one way or more. This is your business at the end of the day, so make it something you're proud of!
Got a topic you'd like us to cover on a blog or social media post? Send us an email to info@pinboardmedia.co.uk and we'll do our best to get them made for you!
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