Being a freelance marketer certainly has its challenges, but it has really come a long way in the past decade or so. What was once viewed as a side hustle or something to do until you can get a “real job”, is now a preferred career choice for many.
In fact, with many jobs gone due to the pandemic, freelancing seems like one of the few viable options you can explore. According to research, 28.5 million freelancers in the US are long-term oriented, which is a huge jump from 18.5 million back in 2014.
And if you are looking into freelance marketing specifically, you will be happy to hear that there is plenty of work waiting for you, since digital advertising is more relevant than ever, especially among small businesses.
With that in mind, let’s check out the 21 best hacks and tips you can use to launch your career as a freelance marketer.
1. Niche down
Now, while it might be tempting to be a jack of all trades, in reality, it is better that you opt for one freelance marketing niche, at least at first.
You can choose among several niches, such as social media marketing, content writing, as well as SEO.
Later you will have the opportunity to expand your scope of work.
2. Treat yourself like a real business
Sure, freelancing allows you to be flexible, but if you are really serious about being a freelance marketer, then you need to start thinking of yourself as a business.
That means growing your client base, as well as honoring your existing clients and keeping them as a result. About expanding the customer base, the direct outreach method has proven itself, also called “cold outreach.”
3. Mind your health
These ties right into our previous point. Treating yourself as a business means you should guard your assets, and since the only asset you really have is yourself, you should put your health as a priority.
This includes everything from eating healthy and getting regular exercise to affordable healthcare, which is the number one concern for 22 percent of freelancers. Different applications on your mobile phone can help you with that.
4. Have a dedicated workspace
It is important that you do your work away from the area where you spend your free time.
If coworking is not an option in your city, or if going to the local coffee shop is too taxing on your budget, then simply designate an area in your home as your office, and nothing more. And don’t wear pajamas while working.
5. Write great marketing content
If you have decided to become a content writer, make sure to craft content that is not only unique but relevant and useful for your readers/clients.
Giving your best will not only improve your reputation and income, but you will also have a hell of a writing portfolio as a result.
6. Set achievable goals
With no boss looking to look over your shoulder, it is hard to stay motivated sometimes.
This is why you should always set daily, weekly, monthly, as well as annual goals that you want to hit. More importantly, make sure these goals are achievable and realistic.
7. Give yourself a deadline
Always set a deadline that is tighter than the actual one, because not only will you be able to finish on time, but you will also have some room to breathe in case fatigue or procrastination sets in.
Time management is the key to your successful freelance career.
8. Work in 90-minute bursts
Our bodies follow the ultradian rhythm, which is responsible for high alertness states that last 90 to 120 minutes. Try and catch those states and do your best work during those periods.
9. Ask for referrals
Good referrals not only help you score new clients, especially if you are just starting out as a freelance marketer but also enable you to raise your prices. Don’t be afraid to ask for them from your friends and family.
10. Have a strong online presence
Since you are a freelance marketer, this should be a given. Cultivate a strong social media presence, run a personal blog, and/or create a business website where you will showcase your past work and skills.
11. Expand your skillset
For example, if you are a content writer, take the time to learn as much as you can about SEO.
You can also start to look for link building opportunities and figure out how that works. Free internet tutorials or additional training courses can help you with that.
12. Keep your rates flexible
This is especially important if you just starting as a freelance marketer.
Sure, you should strive toward great rates, but some cheaper projects can help you build your reputation and open the door to high-paying clients.
13. Grow your clientele
You can begin by reaching out to small businesses in your local area or using the limitless possibilities of the internet to reach clients from anywhere in the world.
There is also work to be found on freelancing platforms like Upwork or Fiverr.
14. Start freelancing while having a day job
This will make for a smoother transition since you will already have a number of clients that you can fall back on for work.
It will also allow you to have a financial safety airbag.
You don’t want to be broke and desperate when accepting new marketing projects.
15. Learn about income taxes
This can differ from one state to another, let alone the country.
Learn how and when to pay your taxes, and calculate the tax amount, so that you can include it into your rate.
16. Save your money
Don’t go changing your lifestyle just yet, regardless of how much you make.
Set something aside for a rainy day, because you never know what might happen. Just take this pandemic as an example.
17. Outsource some tasks
Doing everything yourself, from design to social media, will only keep you away from what you should really be doing.
Also, you can hire someone to help with SEO. SEO is the cornerstone of freelance marketing, but it is also very complex and time-consuming.
Unless SEO is your niche, hire an SEO expert to shoulder some burden while you focus on other aspects of your job, such as getting new clients. At least hire an accountant to crunch the numbers for you.
18. Create clickable headlines
You only have about eight seconds to capture your readers’ attention, so make sure your headlines are strong. The same goes for the use of subheadings, which make your content easier to skim.
19. Identify the needs of potential clients
Instead of waiting for a client to post a job ad, which will have you fighting a bunch of competitors, analyze potential clients for weaknesses, and then send them a proposal with your analysis.
20. Don’t rely on just one client
Or two for that matter. If more than 50 percent of your income is coming from just one client, then you could be in trouble once they decide that your services are no longer needed.
21. Sell your own product
Apart from offering your services, there are so many products you can create as a freelance marketer, from e-books and courses to website themes.
A final word for freelance marketers
And there you have it, 21 powerful tips and hacks that will help you take your freelance marketing career to the next level. Good luck!
Charlie Svensson is an essay writer service veteran, content writer, and blogger. He likes to write about digital marketing, SEO, social media, and self-improvement. His versatility allows him to reach different audiences.
