A Note On Freelancing
Over the past few months you may have noticed that my website has changed in terms of what I post, Steph Writes Stuff used to be a space full of random ramblings and a sandbox for me to develop my marketing skills and research my interests. Now it’s more industry focused, less about my own story, and more about things that can benefit my readers. My previous blogs felt a bit selfish, like I was using the site as my own personal diary entry instead of a space that could genuinely bring value to people.
So I took a step back, thought about how could I evolve what I do and to some extent I think I've achieved that. I’m more confident putting my blog on my CV, sharing it online, and ultimately opening my writing up to scrutiny in a way I never really have before. As a result of this change I’ve started to scale my freelance business dramatically.
But growth still isn’t done, I’ve still got a variety of things to work on before I consider my freelance business fully streamlined…which is what I kind of want to talk about today.
When you start your own business, regardless of if you’re a freelance marketer, yoga coach, or accountant… you never get to devote your energy entirely on what you want to do. You become your own account, marketer, intern, and sales team, you do everything for at least the first few years of becoming a business owner. We just never talk about it enough!
So how about we start? If you’re thinking of starting your own freelance business (marketing or otherwise), make sure you consider everything that comes alongside that.
Things to consider as a freelancer
As a freelancer, you can enjoy freedom and flexibility while pursuing your passion and being your own boss. However, managing various aspects of your business can be challenging. You must deliver exceptional work, manage finances, handle marketing and sales, and effectively promote your services to succeed. This blog explores the art of balancing these crucial elements and provides strategies to help you thrive as a freelancer.
Financial Management is crucial for freelancers. Consider these key points:
Budgeting: Create a budget to track your income and expenses. Set aside money for taxes, savings, and business-related costs.
Invoicing and Payment: Establish clear invoicing procedures and ensure timely client payments. Consider using online invoicing platforms to streamline the process.
Emergency Fund: Building an emergency fund to handle unexpected expenses or periods of low income is essential. Aim to save a percentage of your earnings each month.
Freelancing requires effective marketing to succeed. Here are some essential strategies to consider:
Define Your Target Audience: Identify your ideal clients and tailor your marketing efforts to their needs and preferences.
Online Presence: Build a professional website or portfolio to showcase your work. Leverage social media platforms to reach a wider audience and engage with potential clients.
Networking: Attend industry events, join professional groups, and establish connections within your niche. Collaborate with other freelancers or professionals to expand your reach.
Sales Techniques are essential for converting leads into paying clients:
Value Proposition: Clearly communicate the unique value you provide to clients. Focus on the benefits and outcomes they can expect by working with you.
Clear Communication: Respond promptly to inquiries, be transparent about pricing, and address potential clients' concerns or objections.
Upselling and Cross-selling: Once you have an existing client base, offer additional services or products that complement their needs. This can increase your revenue and strengthen client relationships.
Productivity and Time Management are crucial for maximizing your freelancing business:
Set Goals: Establish short-term and long-term goals for your business. Break them down into actionable steps to stay focused and motivated.
Prioritise Tasks: Create a daily or weekly to-do list to ensure you tackle essential tasks first. Use time management techniques such as the Pomodoro Technique to enhance productivity.
Delegate and Outsource: Consider outsourcing tasks that are not your core competency or consume excessive time. This allows you to focus on your expertise and essential business activities.
To be a successful freelancer, it's essential to balance finances, marketing, sales, and productivity. You can achieve stability and growth in your career by managing finances effectively, implementing targeted marketing strategies, refining sales techniques, and optimizing productivity.