When you are a Freelancer, marketing yourself is critical in order to make sure that you gain as many clients as possible.  Ideally, you would like your marketing to be low cost, but to reach the maximum amount of people in your target audience.  You can approach marketing in a number of different ways, including:

Advertisement – There are different ways that you can advertise your services in order to let people know who you are and what you do.  If the work that you provide is for a local area, you can advertise on a billboard or a weekly publication like a Pennysaver or a local newspaper. This would allow the people in the area to become familiar with your company’s name and purpose, should it be something that they need.  If you work beyond local borders, then the internet can be a great way to advertise.  You can find sites that provide directories of services like yours and advertise there or you can also find a company that offers services that compliment yours and talk to them about offering your name and company info to enhance their current clients services.

Promotions or Giveaways – Another way you can market yourself is through a contest.  Let’s say you offer a service where you put together brochures.  You could offer something where every business that purchases 100 brochures is entered into a raffle where the winning business gets their order for free. You initially attract customers to you by the chance that they may win something, and then you keep their business once they see how amazing your work is!

Word of Mouth – One of the most effective ways to get a new client is through a recommendation from a current or old one.  When someone is looking for a service such as yours but is unsure as to whether or not to hire you, the best thing they can use in making their decision is hearing about the experience that someone else had with you.  By receiving first hand confirmation that you provide top notch work, a potential client will feel more comfortable in utilizing your services for whatever project they have.

The bottom line is there are many different ways that you can market your freelancing business.  Find the one that works for you and you will be on your way to expanding to be bigger and better than ever!

So here is the question: What kind of marketing do you use as a freelancer? Leave some ideas in the comments!

photo credit: Lord Jim

Marketing yourself is essential if you want to be successful. You should keep in mind that there are tens of thousands of other people in the world that are in the same place that you are. You need to make it a point to know how to market yourself. This will make you stand out from everyone else.

When it comes to marketing yourself, there are a few qualities that you will need. One of the key qualities is determination. You want to make sure that you never give up. If you try something and it does not work out for you, then try again. If you give up at the first sign of failure, you will never succeed. If you do not see yourself as being successful, then neither will other people, and those other people are your potential clients. Though you may not think about it, you market yourself on a regular basis. Each time you meet someone for the first time, you are marketing yourself. Use these opportunities to your advantage.

The first thing you should do is to know what your strengths and skills are. You should not only look at your strengths, you should look at the skills that you have to offer. Each person has skills in some area of life, and if you do not know what your skills are, you may end up selling yourself short.  It is important to have a good understanding of what those skills are so that you can appropriately represent them when marketing yourself.

A large part of knowing how to market yourself is the first impressions that you make. There are several different aspects that make up a first impression. One is your appearance. You should make sure that you are always neat and clean. Your clothes should be clean, your hair should be neat and you should look presentable. Another aspect of your first impression is your people skills. You need to be good at making conversation; you should definitely take time to work on this if you feel it is a skill you do not possess. When you talk with people, you also need to keep your body language open. You should look people in the eyes when you are talking and make sure that you keep your arms down at your sides so you don’t appear closed off.

One additional thing to always remember when you are marketing yourself is to be prepared. If you want to be able to sell yourself to a potential new client you have to always know what you are about, what service you are trying to provide and articulate them clearly.

Let these few simple things be the beginning of a successful way to market yourself.

photo credit: pamlau

You are a freelance copywriter. You want to boost your referrals and you feel like you are on a merry-go-round, chasing the same referral sources around and around with no distinction. You are not alone. Most freelancers target the same 15 to 20 referral sources in their individual markets day after day, week after week. It can easily lead to lack of focus and ineffective sales calls.

OK then…let’s start a new approach. Imagine your marketing efforts not as a flat surface but as a three-level pyramid.

The first level will be direct referral contacts, the 15-20 referral sources you use to market your services routinely.

The second level should be your network group, the companies you seek out and share your same customer base but do not provide your services.

The third and final top layer is the untouched general community, the elusive mass target population next to impossible to reach.

Now with these three levels in mind, let’s think about some strategy.

Begin by concentrating on level two. If you are serious about getting more customer referrals, then networking with other freelancers is a great way to do this. Some great ways to do this is by attending Chamber of Commerce events, networking events, volunteering at high visibility non-profits in a high visibility position, church memberships, and anything else that will get you face to face with people. One of the large networking associations for business owners is BNI – Business Networking International, www.bni.com. They hold weekly lunch meetings and include one individual for each business profession. Their website has a listing of meetings that can be searched by zip code. Each of these groups has a previous contact list or customer list. Simply pool them together and print event mailers. Then open it up to the general community through the social media networks (like LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter) and you will have your level three referral sources in place.

Once all the details are decided and your event is set, go to your level one marketing group and offer them either VIP participation or attendance. It will truly separate you   apart from the competition.

So, here you have it, a three-tiered marketing strategy that will get you direct contact referrals, cement your networking referral base with other service providers, and get the attention of the general community market. It will set the stage for you as a mover and shaker in your local freelance writer community.

photo credit: Samuel Mann

One of the newest, fast growing trends on the internet is a new social network called Pinterest. Pinterest is an Internet pinboard, where people post pictures of things they like.  So far a lot of what is on there is related to recipes, clothing, and home ideas. However the potential is for much, much more.

First, let’s look at some statistics. As of March 2012 90% of the users of Pinterest are women, although the number of men is growing rapidly. There are approximately 2.2 million daily users, and about 12 million per month. While Facebook is far and away the king of referral traffic to other sites, Pinterest is currently generating more interest about other sites than Twitter, the other official “big dog” of social media along with Facebook.
Aside from recipe sharers and fashion divas, who else is using Pinterest? A number of big businesses such as Whole Foods Market, sharing recipes that can be made from ingredients in their stores. Coldwell Banker, posting pictures of homes, or showcase rooms in homes (like a pinboard I found about Mancaves) with the addresses and prices. Time Magazine, posting pictures from their covers or stories, with links back to those stories on their site, and ThinkGeek, posting pictures of their wonderfully geeky wares from their site.

When I first heard about Pinterest, I thought it was an interesting idea, but I have to admit I did not see the potential for all freelancers. After doing some research, I am beginning to change that opinion. For artists, graphic designers, photographers, and anyone who deals with a visual product, it is easy to see how Pinterest could be useful. Artists could share their work, as well as other work and art that inspires them. They can also “Like” art they find interesting, leave comments, and “Pin” other’s work to their borad (Pinning is similar to sharing things on other’s walls on facebook, or retweeting something so that it shows up in your Twitter feed). Independent fashion designers and/or interior decorators could show off their fashions or rooms they have done, as well as like and comment on the works of others. All of this is fairly elementary because of the visual nature of Pinterest.

What about everyone else? Is there a place for writers on Pinterest? What about researchers, editors, or others that do not deal directly with visual media? The answer is Yes. Social Media is not just about showing off what you do or what you have to sell, it is about telling your story. It s about sharing your life, your opinions, and anything else you want with the world, one little piece at a time. So even though a writer might not share his or her writing, they could still share interesting pictures, photos that relate to their work, and other things that will draw people into them, and hence to their Web site and their online work. Sometimes putting yourself out there is as important as putting your work out there.

So whatever kind of freelancer you are, give Pinterest a try. Even IF you are not able to use it to bring in new business (which you probably will) you may still learn some great new things, and connect with nice new people. Are you already using Pinterest? Please leave your impressions of the network, what you use it for, and how it might be effecting your business in the comments.

photo credit: ShardsOfBlue

If you have used Facebook Connect, then you have no doubt enjoyed the seamless ability to move your identity across the open Web and being able to share rich social content on other websites. Google Plus however takes a different approach with the feature Sparks. What is Sparks though? Sparks is a feature that allows you to search and create topics of interest across the web and share with your contacts directly on Google Plus. While the other features such as Hangouts and Circles are pretty much personalized sharing channels, Sparks stands out as a way that will allow you to be identified on the Google Plus platform. Sparks is also enhanced by the fact that any Sparks content delivered from your search is easily shared in one simple click as fast as it is searched, but this time with your identity on it.

Sparks provide an excellent way of aggregating topics of interest and sharing them across the Google Plus Circles. Sparks can thus be considered to be an extension of Google’s golden egg – Search. To set up a Sparks topic, search for the Sparks tab on your Google Plus home page and type a keyword into the search box before hitting Enter. If you like the kind of stories that are listed, you can click the “Add Interest” button and add them to your Sparks. You can add as many new topics as you wish. After this, you can now simply click on the topic under the Sparks section to bring up any content from that specific topic. You can also read and share any stories you find interesting while you browse the search results. And of course, you can use your Circles to determine who might be interested in that particular area of interest before sharing.

Since Google has an excellent understanding of what people are searching on the Web, they have the upper hand in determining what is most relevant and based on what you share, it is likely that Sparks topics will continue to improve and provide more targeted results. It is also likely that Sparks will evolve and allow people to create their own Sparks categories similar to Google Alerts. As the Google Plus Project rolls on, we can expect that level of granularity to be available on Sparks allowing you to, say get instant updates on what is shared in real-time, and likewise share it with people within your Circles.

Google Sparks is very easy to use and straightforward. For example, the sidebar shows manually curated content and even lets you know if this was a “Sparked” topic. With Sparks, it is also possible to comment on topics before sharing allowing others to read your take on a given topic.  The fact that Google Sparks grabs content based on age and relevance is quite important. The more recent and relevant a news item is to the subject, the higher on the top of the page it will appear. In time, Sparks curated content may appear on search engines and help improve search results.

David Gitonga is a freelance content creator working
with various clients in setting up websites, blogs and writing
web content on a regular basis. He is also actively involved
in creating social media content for SEO.
 
You can find more written by David Gitonga by clicking these links:

facebook.com/DavGit
twitter.com/DavGit
G+/DavGit
davgit@freelancecontentcreator.com

photo credit: DieselDemon

Social networking websites are popping up everywhere these days. They’re like the Starbucks of the internet world. We all seem to be faced with the issue of trying to figure out which new ones to join based on what we think potential clients will use or what will benefit us in the long run. Until recently when anyone would mention a business exclusive social networking site, the only one to come to mind would have been Linked-In. Linked-In is a great website for seeking, creating, & nurturing new business leads. However, I’ve recently discovered Biznik.com, a business social networking site specifically meant for entrepreneurs and people who work from home. They have great tips and articles for freelancers or anyone just starting out and also give you the opportunity to meet local small business owners face-to-face.

Biznik was founded in 2005 by Dan McComb and Lara Eve Feltin with a simple premise: business networking shouldn’t suck. They’ve been featured in The Wall Street Journal as well as Entrepreneur Magazine. Thousands of people are on Biznik and all of them have started out with dreams of creating a successful home based or small business.

As mentioned previously, Biznik is entirely different from Linked-In. As quoted in an article from Biznik.com, “Biznik is for people who are building real businesses, not looking for their next job.” Biznik’s philosophy isn’t just about dealing with people on the internet. Events are being held all the time around the world and are a prime opportunity to meet new leads or gather advice from people who have been in the business anywhere from 2 to 20 years. Biznik gives you the option to not only attend these Events, but host them as well.

All in all, if you are seeking a new stomping ground in the social networking world to meet new small business owners and home based business owners, Biznik.com may be perfect for you! What other social networking sites do you use to connect with local freelancers in your area?

photo credit: Jacksonian22

Being a freelancer is both a pleasure and a pain. Unlike in organizations, you will not have teams to assist you. You are the all in one person. It’s true that you are a specialist in your trade, but you also need to master other areas of business such as, marketing, accounting, customer relationships, organizing and prioritizing works, and collecting payments. It is indeed a breath-taking task however, if you pre-plan your strategies, nothing can equal the joys of being on your own. One of the vital areas in freelancing is the marketing area and often highly skilled freelancers fail to be successful because of the lack of knowledge in marketing.

A successful freelancer not only knows his trade but also is shrewd in other areas of business. In short, you need to be a jack of all trades. Although it is safe to enter freelancing with a little experience in the marketing side, it is easy to learn marketing and grow quickly in your business. Especially if you are involved in web-based businesses, it is very easy to reach a lot of people with the least of expenses.

The first step in marketing begins with research. Make it a habit to research the internet to find out various means of marketing. The best way to start is a keyword search for the trade you are involved in. Go through different web pages of renowned freelancers and observe the way they market their services. Do pick up the ideas but remember originality is the key to success and copying would diminish your image or even get you penalized.

You may be an introvert, but you will have to interact with other freelancers and clients in order to survive as a freelancer. Train yourself in communication skills and participate in social media sites to gain friends. It is worth spending a little on professional designers or copywriters to create impressive ad banners.

You can also use some of the time tested internet marketing strategies, such as blogging, article marketing, press releases, and newsletters. Utilize the classifieds in your locality to advertise your services. Do not hesitate to contact people and institutions and enquire if they are in need of your service. There are also service providers that can provide you with contact details of people in need of what you can offer.

One other easy way to acquire new clients is through your existing clients. Show no inhibition in requesting your existing clients to introduce your services to their friends who may need your service. Yet another important marketing strategy is providing discounts and offering services at highly competitive rates.

Create an affiliate plan and provide incentives to those who send in new customers. This is one of the most effective ways of internet marketing. Don’t limit your marketing to the virtual world. Utilize the conventional method of issuing business cards, pamphlets or even broadcasting your services in the media. Often freelancers make the mistake of being frugal when it comes to advertisements. Remember the principle of sowing and reaping is the best way to be successful in freelancing. The actual sum spent on marketing will be only a fraction of what you will reap at the end.
 
You can find more written by Susanna Dixon by clicking these links:

Marketing: www.marketingarchive.com

Internet Marketing Strategies: www.emarketingfacts.com

photocredit: Office Now

2011 will probably stand out as the year when the new social network Google Plus was launched. The Google Plus project by Google is one of the most innovative and probably influential online platform that we are yet to see. The fact that it is supported and runs on the already established Google platform and is part of the Google ecosystem means that its integration will not only be seamless across all other Google products but we can expect it to be quickly adopted by both individuals and businesses and this is evident with its acceptance by millions within weeks after its invite-only launch. After going public and eventually when businesses and organizations will be allowed to set up profiles, we can expect to see even much wider audiences interacting on Google Plus.

Google’s mission has and will always remain the gathering and bringing together of information of the world where it is easily accessible. To companies like Google and Facebook, data means users and users means money. It will probably take some time before Google starts monetizing on Google Plus. We can be sure however that when it does come, it will be just as effective as the Facebook ads or their very own Google ads. Google is well aware that the Web is quickly becoming social and they cannot afford to be left behind. The wide adoption of their other services will likely continue to gain traction once interaction on Google Plus takes root. Google is definitely on the run and is already eating up a piece of the social network pie. There is nothing much Facebook can do except to up their game and closely monitor what Google is doing to ensure they don’t get left behind and start playing the catch up game. The truth of the matter is that coming first does not necessary make you the winner, rather, it is how you play the game that makes gets to the top and right now, Google is right behind Facebook, only months after its launch.

According to Google’s Senior Vice-President for Engineering Vic Gundotra, “Today, the connection between people increasingly happen online. Yet the subtlety and substance of real-world interactions are lost in the rigidness of our online tools”. With this in mind, Google promises to bring “real-world interactions” and “real-life sharing” online with Google Plus. Gundotra added, “through the Google+ Project, we’d like to bring the nuance and richness of real-life sharing to software”. He pointed out that a major strength of Google Plus is how sharing is done. While other platforms offer no choice in sharing but instead force you hear from everyone all the time, Google Plus allows sharing within private clouds where you share the right things with just the right people.

With Google Plus already gone public, it’s first phase seems to have been a success. We are already seeing posts shared on Google Plus appearing on search results. Google Plus is already changing the Web marketing scene and populating Google Plus data on its search results. The Google +1 button is already showing up on major websites which in turn links back to your Google Plus profile. Clearly, the Google Plus Project is already becoming a major influence in how we share and interact with people and content online.

You can find more written by David Gitonga by clicking these links:

facebook.com/DavGit
twitter.com/DavGit
G+/DavGit
davgit@freelancecontentcreator.com

I remember the days when I used to blindly traverse the internet seeking interesting websites to submit my writings and articles to. I always assumed I would eventually come across a master list of all the most unique web pages on the internet and (hopefully) be able to add my blog to this huge, glorious list. Surprisingly enough, this never happened for me. Now, this isn’t such a farfetched idea thanks to the StumbleUpon Toolbar.

photo credit: fugitive247

What are one of the key things that EVERY business and solopreneur needs?

Exposure.

We’re all after it, right?

Whether you’re a real estate agent, a VA, a musician, a designer, a salesperson, etc., you need exposure.  If no one can find you, or you’re so far buried under your competition’s exposure, how can your talent be utilized?  You have to put yourself in front of them, and the Internet has paved endless roads to the success of your exposure.

We recently talked about Word of Mouth Advertising and a few ways you can guide your WOM campaign but it’s a must that you utilize the Internet’s many avenues.  There are many tried-and-true, oldies-but-goodies, Internet marketing tactics and Web 2.0 has opened up many new interstates for your travel to Destination Exposure.

As social media marketing has developed, there have been many skeptics but a lot of those skeptics have been jumping on the train in recent months.  And there are many businesses who are still becoming familiar with Internet marketing and social media marketing; and, many others who still don’t even know it exists much less realize the impact it can have on their business – no matter what they’re business is.

We’re in a day and age where people turn to the Internet more and more, rather than traditional phone books.  I’m not even sure why they still deliver me one.  I can’t tell you the last time I used an actual, paper, phone book.  First, I have to flip through it.  Second, the listings don’t tell me much about a business except for their phone number and address.  Third, I can’t see what others are saying about the business.  I know, some of it might seem lazy but the Internet is much faster and I can gather so much more information on the business/service I’m seeking.

You know the saying, “Google it”…and that’s exactly what people are doing.  If I can’t find you on the Internet, I’ll end up using another business/service that I can find on the Internet.

And there are many social avenues that pique my interest in something I wasn’t even thinking about.  I frequently veer off of whatever I was originally doing online because something catches my eye. It might be a service, some goods, information or something else but because it was exposed online, it attracted my interest and I followed the link to see where it led.  if it didn’t have any exposure I may have never found it, whether I was looking for it or not.

There are two main components to online exposure.

1) Build links to your site, which will increase your rankings in the search engines, and
2) Drive organic traffic

Tying in these components will expose you!

And what’s fabulous is that most of it, if not all of it, can technically be done for free.  It takes a lot of time so you can always pay someone to do it for you, or you can do it yourself without spending much money at all.  All it takes is the knowledge of what to do, how to do it, where to do it and a bit of dedication.

What are your thoughts on businesses benefiting from online marketing?

photo credit: lejoe