Creative Freelance Marketing Tips You Should Try

As a freelancer, you need all the freelance marketing tips you can get. After all, a good and creative marketing strategy is your golden ticket to landing more clients and projects.

You may find it unnecessary to create a marketing plan. In fact, some freelancers do not even explore this essential element in their business. And that is a big mistake. Really, you must think about your marketing strategies seriously. Because marketing, simply put, is your strategy for selling your products or services. It is your game plan.

Importance of a Marketing Strategy

An excellent and well-implemented marketing plan is your key to standing out from the rest of your freelance competitors. At this point where the gig economy is constantly growing, and the number of contingent workers (freelancers, independent contractors, consultants) is expected to keep on increasing, you need to have a plan of action so you will not get left behind.

There are probably hundreds, if not thousands, of freelancers offering the same talents and skills as you. Put yourself in the client’s shoes; how are you going to pick the right freelancer to hire? What will make you click that profile to further check on that candidate’s offerings?

This is what a marketing strategy is for. To get a potential client to notice you, check on your profile or portfolio, and be interested enough to make an inquiry (or be hired right away). And remember, you will be offering almost the exact same services as the others, so you must think of ways to attract them at face value (to make them stop scrolling and check out your profile) and win them (with your attractive offers).

Freelance Marketing Tips

Now that you know how important marketing is, it is time to develop your marketing plan. Don’t worry; you don’t need a marketing specialist or a whole team to do this. As a freelancer who does everything singlehandedly, there are simple yet effective ways to market your business. And yes, you can do it. Here are some tips to get you started:

1. Have a scroll-stopping profile picture

The most effective selling platforms are online job sites. Online job sites or job boards have pools of active clients looking for talent. But, the downside of job sites is that hundreds of freelancers are also posting their availability. So how can you make sure you get noticed? Have a scroll-stopping profile picture! Make sure that, first and foremost, your picture is not blurred or cropped awkwardly. Clients will quickly conclude that you are careless and unreliable if something as simple as a profile picture is not done well.

Remember, most clients will look at your face first, even before any other details in your profile. So, make sure to use a high-resolution photo. And please, do not use a photo that looks like a copy of your passport picture! Instead, have multiple options, view each of them, and see which one will catch the viewer’s eye the most.

It is also important to match your photo with your profession. If you offer services requiring serious data protection like bookkeeping or legal advice, do not use a photo that looks like you are going to a rave party. For the same reason, if you are in the creative industry, do not use a photo that makes you look like you lack creative luster.

Think of it like this, in a magazine rack, people will most likely pick up the one with the catchy photos, regardless of what articles are written inside.

2. Have a killer portfolio

Keep in mind that clients may not contact you immediately to make an inquiry. They will most probably do some vetting first, and that means reviewing your portfolio (or resume). At his instant, your portfolio will speak about you and your business. So, make sure to have a killer portfolio that can sell your business.

In creating your portfolio, remember to showcase your best works. Highlight your main projects, especially big ones. If you have completed a huge project for a known client, it will signify that you are a reliable and competent business. If you are just starting and do not have much to flex yet, do some sample works to add to your portfolio.

There are many designer tools you can use in making a portfolio. You can use graphic design platforms like Canva and Adobe Express. Publish your portfolio on your website and social media pages. This way, you can easily send the links to quickly access your works. You can also have a hardcopy (printed out) portfolio ready for elevator pitches.

Pro tip: If you can make your digital portfolio interactive and participative, then that would be better! It would be a fun and totally engaging experience for potential clients.

3. Make a demo reel

To make things more interesting, create a demo reel. This is probably one of the most fun things to do in all freelance marketing tips. Make a teaser of your works, your business, and who you are. Make it striking. Flashy. Speedy. Impactful. It doesn’t have to be long. In fact, your teaser video should be just long enough to spark interest in your viewers. The goal of your reel is to drive the viewers to visit your website and other online pages and profile and check out your works and your business. Make them curious about you. Make them want to know more.

Nowadays, people are more inclined to click on videos. Visual images speak more than texts. So, it is only wise that you have a video (or series of videos) to complement and support your official portfolio.

Alongside demo reels, you can also publish vlogs. You can discuss relevant topics and news about your industry in your vlog. Or, you can make behind-the-scene videos. This way, potential clients can see how you work and your work ethic.

4. Irresistible Packages

Here’s another thing to consider. One of the many freelance marketing tips is having packages as part of your pricing scheme. Clients are more drawn to businesses that have irresistible offers. They will always want more value for their money. So, instead of selling your products or services conservatively, offer them packages that they will not be able to resist.

Create a rate card and post them on your website, social media pages, and job board profiles. Some clients will want to see your rates right away.

5. Hype on Social Media

Creating a professional social media page is not uncommon. Social media platforms are bursting with online businesses and freelancers’ professional pages. It is important to realize though, that having a professional social media page alone is not enough. To make this platform very effective, you have to maximize its advantages. Create a mystery story. Or post teasers. In other words, create hype. Make some noise. It will be so easy to do this because the platforms are user-friendly and, of course, free. Plus, you can do your campaigns on the go because you can effortlessly post using your smartphone or tablet.

Make the viewers wonder what the page is all about. For example, you can post ciphers and puzzles where people must wait for the codes to be revealed on another day. The cipher or puzzle may reveal a code they can use to get a discount or a unique one-time package for your service or product. In the days between the ciphers or puzzles post and the reveal of the codes, you can then post your sample works or demo reels. This way, people become more aware of your business while engaging in your page, awaiting the codes!

Time to Plan!

Now that you have some doable and creative marketing tips, it is time to get your pen and paper and start drawing up your own marketing plan. In drafting your strategy, remember that it should represent your brand. Choose the right vibes. If it makes you smile, then it probably is the right plan for you.

Don’t worry; there are no right or wrong actions in this field. This is not a difficult task. Online tools are available to help you achieve your plans. And most of them are free to use or have free trial periods. Just stay on track, know your goals (sell, sell, sell), and remember these freelance marketing tips!

Post written by:

kosmo on November 30, 2022