Freelancers mostly stay to themselves. We often remain in our own little worlds and forget to check in with others or see what our competition is doing. Over time, we might feel overwhelmed or frustrated from not having enough money or too much to do. Without a solid business and marketing plan, we sidetrack and throw our energy into stuff that does not bring in business. Mistakes lead to much money left on the side that we could be making.

1.    Not reaching prospective clients through email. Notice this does not mean email marketing. One of the core elements of email people notice is the signature line. Do you have yours set up? This one essential element can pull in more business for you. Think about it. How many emails do you send to friends, family and business acquaintances? Let your signature do the marketing for you and tell everyone what you do, how to reach you and give a link to your website.

2.    Keeping to yourself. You have a business to run and stuff to do, everyone respects that. Most other freelancers do also. However, by joining an organization, you are in league with other freelancers. You can receive cheaper health insurance too. You receive invites to conferences and engage in a forum, you also receive updated job listings that members who know you will recommend you get.

3.    Limiting yourself to your blog. Many freelancers have only enough time to write and post a blog on their site everyday. Instead of concentrating so much time on your own site, start guest blogging on other people’s sites. Your niche area can tie into many others. Other sites enjoy guest bloggers because it offers their readers valuable information. You receive traffic to your blog and sell services because people may be looking for what you have to offer.

4.    Keeping an employee personality. In a newly set up business, it may be easy to work for the company. Over time, as a freelancer, you might find the company is controlling you, instead of the other way around. Break free from this habit by creating a business plan that allows you to hire others. Once you have some people in place, you can spend more time marketing the company and yourself.

5.    Not positioning yourself as an expert. It seems okay to provide services like creating websites or writing copy, but you are missing many opportunities. With your blog, you can also position yourself to provide consultation and courses to others who might want to learn what you offer. This extra can come as residual income that adds more money to your pocket each month.

6.    Depending on online sources only. Making your blog your presentation can help you create a successful off-line business. Many Internet marketers do not make money with their blog. They offer it as a doorway to their other services and products in an offline business.

7.    Missing joint ventures. If you haven’t started joint ventures, you are leaving much money on the side. Joint ventures occur when you and another person or group of people come up with an idea. You can create a product through an interview or series of interviews. You then market the information product to your list or the other person’s list. They get to know about you and your services and build a relationship with you through your joint venture partner.

8.    Not having a blog or online presence. If you haven’t built a blog or website yet, people won’t know about you. It is easy to create a blog today with the many free tools available. Once you have an online presence, you can upload your resume and samples for people to view.

9.    Not taking part on other people’s sites. Comments and forums are available for anyone to join in the conversation. Connect with other people through making useful comments on blogs you frequent. Once people get to know you, they will visit your site and seek your help.

10.    Not using free directories. Get your site listed using free directories. You can easily use article directories to build notice to your site. Create articles for directories that are popular. People read sites like Ezine Articles daily and might look for information you offer. Not only do you receive a link to your site in the author bio section, but you drive traffic also.

11.    Not using in person opportunities. Word of mouth is one way to make your business or product go viral. Tell everyone you know about your business and services. When they know what you do, you have a better chance of receiving referrals. Give them an incentive for telling others if you need to build business.

photo credit: raindog