We’ve only just finished the first half of the year, and tectonic upheavals are already occurring within traditional organizations. Freelance labour is becoming the norm, and businesses are increasingly embracing it as a rapid, cost-effective solution to skills shortfalls. According to a recent Fiverr report, approximately 70% of Gen Z workers are actively evaluating their job structure and future career aspirations as a result of layoffs, and are either freelancing now or want to do so.
With so many people turning to freelancing to launch their careers and escape the black hole of working for an employer, it’s reasonable to be concerned that you’ll be overshadowed as a freelancer and, sooner or later, outperformed by others vying for the same freelance projects or gigs.
Mark Santos, a Gen Z Youtuber and freelancer who has earned over $750,000 from his own business, feels that developing one’s brand is critical to freelancing work success…He has undoubtedly benefited from following his advice.
Also Read: 8 SIGNS AREN’T READY TO FREELANCE OR START YOUR OWN BUSINESS
Santos highlighted some of his top recommendations for developing a personal brand and getting more clients as a freelancer:
1. Use Social Media
Social media is vast; there are several venues to select from, and your reach may extend into the millions. The benefit of using social media as a freelancer to create your brand is that you do not have to rely on sponsored advertisements to establish your presence. According to Santos, you may establish a reputable reputation for your service by displaying your work, customer victories, and project accomplishments, therefore creating an online portfolio.
2. Network with Other Industry Experts
Networking inside your sector is another effective strategy to establish your brand. This is because networking allows you to make long-term relationships and even form lucrative collaborations to help you grow your business as an independent contractor. Furthermore, through word-of-mouth, people will learn about what you provide, allowing you to get additional clients. “Attend events, set up meetings, or join local industry chapters,” he suggests. “Be sure to connect with these people on LinkedIn to stay in touch.”
3. Improve Your Elevator Pitch
When was the last time you examined your elevator pitch? Have you even got one? If you already have one, make sure it is refined and updated to represent your current offer, the problem you address, and the value you provide. If not, now is the time to focus on developing and polishing it. Your elevator pitch will come in helpful when networking, and it may also help you remain on track and say what has to be stated during a meeting or event.
When creating an elevator pitch, Santos advises freelancers to consider their knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm, and, most importantly, to keep their audience in mind.
4. Be Specific with Your Offerings
One of the most common mistakes freelancers make when starting out in their freelancing business is casting a broad net and hoping that clients would stream in. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way.
Santos says that it’s best to “narrow your focus on key specialities that address the needs within your industry rather than having a laundry list of services.” Even if you believe you are skilled at everything, that doesn’t imply you should provide every service imaginable in your sector. Conduct research to identify a niche inside your industry—ideally one that is underserved yet has huge potential.
5. Give More Than What You’re Paid For
Going above and beyond for a client, especially in the early stages, helps to cement their trust in you and your working relationship, and they will be so overjoyed that you’ve done so much for them that they’ll feel compelled to share testimonials, reviews, and spread the word about your services.
This swiftly creates your brand as a go-to expert and boosts client confidence, even if you don’t have many years of expertise.
In a nutshell, leveraging the power of social media platforms, networking with others in your industry, crafting (or refreshing) your elevator pitch, being specific, and providing more value than what your clients sign up for will shape your brand and enable you to stand out from others in your industry—even if they provide a comparable service.
