Freelancing has become the dream job anywhere. With the economy still stinking and good jobs become harder to find, many have turned over to freelancing to keep their income streams flowing.
But just because you can declare yourself as a freelancer doesn’t mean it will work out for you. You have to be able to do a lot of things and make some tough decisions. Freelancing is a great job, but it requires more effort at first so you can get your name out there.
How does one get their name out there on the Internet? You can either make an embarrassing YouTube video that goes viral (not an ideal move for a freelancer), or learn how to market themselves. Not everyone can market, I know I still have ways to go before I call myself an “Internet marketer.” But I do know one great marketing plan for my freelance business that has gotten me a steady stream of clients since April 2008. And that one little technique is having a blog.
I will bet you didn’t know that your blog and your readers are the key to starting your freelance business. I had no idea myself, until I started Blogussion. Usually when making money from blogs are in mind, you think of selling advertisements, doing paid review or something else crazy.
If you can get clients to see your blog and want to work with you, then you will be earning money indirectly from your blog. I talked about this topic back in May, creating a reputation to earn money from your blog.
Setting goals on your blog that tie into freelancing
We all have goals for ourselves on our blog. To get 1,000 pageviews a day, or 100 comments on a post for example. These are all goals that effect the future of your blog. These are not goals that have an underlying impact on your business.
To really get where you want your business to be, like your blog, you need to set goals for yourself. Whether you set long term goals, or short term goals, have a clear vision where you want your freelance business to be.
These are a few goals I set for my freelance business, and I have made them all come true so far:
- Earn high $xxx a week
- Earn mid $xxxx a month
- Create recurring clients
- Set a fair rate for work, and always deliver my best
There are so many other things that you need to do for your business, but these are a few highlights from my experience.
Goals are set to motivate you and give you a great sense of accomplishment when you complete a goal. Keep these goals for your freelance business in mind always. I write mine down somewhere, and every time I look at them, I really feel motivated to get to work and earn my money for the day.
Setting up a freelancer friendly blog
Now that the basic ideas for how a blog can set you up for freelancing, I want to get into the fun stuff and talk about how to set your blog up for freelancing.
It’s harder than it seems to make your readers aware that you are a freelancer and blogger without getting too intrusive. But follow these tips I am about to talk about below. These are the ones I use, and I am earning pretty well for my age!
- Introduce yourself
- Get your name out there
- Make your blog your best work
- Show off your work, and even brag about it
- Promote yourself non-intrusively
This is standard for any blog to have an about page introducing yourself. The trick here is to really go in-depth and be as open as you can be, within your own limits. Usually clients will want to know who they are working with, and if they can find information about you easily, they may be more inclined to work with you. Provided you don’t go too far and tell about your embarrassing moments in grade school.
Again, just sticking to the regular blogging routine. Market your blog, and let your blog do all of the talking for you. Be as consistent as possible and never stop blogging. If you have been reading this blog for a while, then you will know that I say all the time to never give up on your blog.
This is the part where having a blog really will make or break your freelance business. When you start your blog, whatever your talent is — make it show! If you design, make your blog your best work. If you are an SEO Consultant, get your blog at the top of all your keywords!
In about 90% of the emails I get for freelance design, the first sentence is always something like “I love the work you have done for Blogussion, and I want to get a design like it.” My client base has been so consistent to the point where I am creating a career for myself. All because I had a blog portraying my best work.
I have made some pretty great designs for people in these last few months, some that I didn’t want to give away! But, I still think none of them top the design here on Blogussion.
Basically, create a portfolio. Some people actually start a whole other blog to display their portfolio, and others will do things a little differently. I have done this method in this post already, and that’s bragging about my business. I want you guys to know that I am having a successful freelance journey, and I don’t feel egotistical for doing it. If I can prove to you that I am really doing a good job with my freelancing business, then maybe one day we will work together on a project.
Don’t be afraid to do this on your own blog either. It can make a different just wait and see.
Most of my promotion for my business is done at my other blog, and that’s where most of my emails get sent off. However, I do show off my talent a little bit at the end of each post here. Here are a couple examples:
A simple little message in the header is shown that I am available for freelance work
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Find spots on your blog that will be noticed if you advertised your service on your blog. But don’t lose focus, your blog is still meant for blogging, don’t go overboard with promoting yourself as a freelancer.
What do you say?
So, I have gone over ways in this article to help you start a freelance business on an existing blog. What do you think of this topic, and how has your blog effected you as a freelancer? Let me know, I would love to hear from people in different freelance fields!
I am very excited as this is my 100th post on Blogussion. I have never hit this milestone before, and I want to thank all of you for sticking with the blog and reading my posts for all this time!
33 Discussions
In my opinion, people won’t be able to have a competitive freelance business without their own blog or being a part of another blog. I have a much less impressive design on my site, but I’ve still had three web-development clients this summer.
You should post your portfolio here too, Alex! Your readers can learn a lot from what you’ve done. I’d also be interested in reading how you set a price for a web development/design project. Congrats on 100!
Nick Tart | JuniorBiz´s last blog ..3 Simple Ways to Make Your Customers Happy
I’m actually developing my blog at my site, Kolakube (link is in the footer). I am thinking of covering the pricing issues on Asnio though!
Alex´s last blog ..Hello world!
Hi Alex. I would like to add another layer to the idea of using a blog to do freelance promotion — having a “chipper” disposition and writing tone that shines through during blog posts and through email correspondence. Writing disposition and word choice translates into a non-verbal communication that is understood on some kind of subjective or emotional level.
Being a customer myself, I really appreciate it when people are enthusiastic to have me as their paying customer. Rarely do people say, “I’m GLAD to have you as a client.” Instead, I interpret the behavior of my vendors over time that helps me conclude that I am valued. The ability for freelancers to help make their potential clients feel important and special adds in a human element that translates into more word-of-mouth business.
When a freelancer has a blog or a demo site, a certain technical knowledge is revealed. It says, “Hello. This site demonstrates my competency with topic X, Y, or Z. And I can bring this competency to work for you.” However, technical knowledge is necessary but not sufficient to stand out from competitors. Having a special connection with clients — creating a special atmosphere with clients where the client reflexively knows where to go when they need some kind of need met is one way of creating new business while maintaining repeat business.
And I think all of this begins whenever the first “reply” email is sent to the potential customer.
Tony´s last blog ..Depeche Mode – Ultra
Awesome insight Tony, glad to see you here after that great blog redesign!
The one thing that I struggle with sometimes is email replying, as you know I guess from the beginning of our work together. Like, I try not to overbook myself, so I leave some emails unreplied to for a few hours before I start working to see if I can clear my schedule up a little. Then sometimes I will forget to go back to these emails, and that’s a horrible thing a freelancer can do! But I am working on it.
This was really a rocking Post.. very well written.
As the above commentator said “Nick”.. you should write on setting prices for your work, etc.. I’d love to read about that too.
Great going.. Good luck !
Enk.´s last blog ..40+ Awesome Mac Workspaces
Thanks Enk! Glad you like it. How has your freelancing business been?
Alex´s last blog ..Young Blogger Interviews #2: Liane from Better Blogging for Bloggers
It’s going great.. just like every new freelancer it goes idle for a short period of time.. But its back and its rocking !
Enk.´s last blog ..40+ Awesome Mac Workspaces
Freelance is an amazing way to make money. The key is to get private offers(not through a site like constant-content which take commission) like you said. Private offers will allow you to generate a huge amount of income.
BTW, when I have successfully completed both of the goals that you mentioned in this post. It made me feel pretty good considering that I’m currently in a blogging slump.
Jake, what kind of freelancing are you in?
Alex´s last blog ..Young Blogger Interviews #2: Liane from Better Blogging for Bloggers
I guess he is a Freelance Writer ?
Enk.´s last blog ..40+ Awesome Mac Workspaces
Yea, as Enk said I am a freelance writer.
Jake | Web Journey´s last blog ..Selling Your Blog is Not a Good Thing
I think having a blog is a very good marketing strategy for a freelancer as long as you keep it within its purpose. I find that blogging can become a distraction from your actual freelancing work. Before you start a blog, I would suggest writing down the purpose that you hope the blog accomplish.. i.e. bring in new clients or help educate existing ones. Then make sure you remember this larger purpose every single time you post a new article. Ask the question, “is this article or action I’m about to do serving my purpose?”
Also, I think another good idea before starting your own blog is to guest post on everyone elses. Your reaching existing audiences without having the hassle to create your own. Once you’ve generated a lil buzz for yourself, then bam, start your own blog.
antique engagement ring advice – Stephen´s last blog ..Antique Engagement Ring Styles
You’re right, you need to treat your blog like a blog. As I said in the article, eventually your blog will start promoting you if you take care of the blog.
Alex´s last blog ..Young Blogger Interviews #2: Liane from Better Blogging for Bloggers
Excellent points! I have long back understood the link between Blogging and Freelancing. You have put everything verbally in your post.
I also suggest to have a “Services” section of your blog, make the link prominently visible on your blog home page and clearly display all “Services” on offer, your best points and achievements. Don’t forget a contact form on Services page. Place stuff where they matter!
I think this goes a long way.
Ashwin / Thoughts Unlimited´s last blog ..BackType to Manage Comments across the web
A services page is great! I am actually putting together a whole blog dedicated to my freelance services. That may be more effective than just a services page.
Alex´s last blog ..Young Blogger Interviews #2: Liane from Better Blogging for Bloggers
I’m definitely focusing right now to blog coaching/criticquing. I do hope it will work out and I may exercise my knowledge to others who’ll e needing it
Liane YoungBlogger´s last blog ..Running Out of Ideas? 50 Ideas For Your Next 50 Posts
Well good luck to you Liane, I’m sure you’ll make a great coach!
Alex´s last blog ..Young Blogger Interviews #2: Liane from Better Blogging for Bloggers
Excellent article and congrats on 100 articles! Your design work is pretty incredible and you’ve produced another awesome post for Blogussion’s readers.
Seth´s last blog ..How A Blog Can Kick Start Your Freelance Business
After reading your post, I actually forgot 1 important thing that I had not done and that is an “About Me” page, for so long I never realize and now you talk about it, it just kicks me in my ass to really go create one.
As for freelancing, I wanted to write reviews for online marketing products which they can use the article to actually promote their products in other advertising media. I had receive two online marketing products for review and both clients run away after I had finished for them.
I actually ask them to write a testimonial for me, and will do it for free, but after I send them the article that I wrote for their product review…. they never reply.
So I had learn my lesson… Now I will only send their product review until they either send me a testimonial or pay me or else I won’t do anything.
As for the testimonial part, I will send them half of what I wrote and ask for it.
The Bad Blogger´s last blog ..The Bad Blogger New Changes And New Threaded Comment Section Installed !
An about page is very important! The one here is pretty messy and boring, but I am revamping it currently.
You should always get a deposit in the beginning so at least if they decided to stop working with you, you have something!
Alex´s last blog ..Young Blogger Interviews #2: Liane from Better Blogging for Bloggers
I agree! I think a blog is a great way to promote your freelance business because there are people following you and all you would have to do is have a great design to show them or release a free theme showing your visitors what you’re capable of.
Great post!.
Marcell´s last blog ..Create a clean Navigation menu
Thanks Marcell, I agree with your points. Blogging can create a good reputation for yourself, and your freelance business which is exactly the point of this article.
Alex´s last blog ..Young Blogger Interviews #2: Liane from Better Blogging for Bloggers
I think blogging should be the persona of a website. It’s the equivalent to a face to face meeting with the customer that would happen in the real world.
Hubtonomy´s last blog ..How To Determine If A Niche Is Profitable
Nice comparison! I never thought about it like that.
Alex´s last blog ..Young Blogger Interviews #2: Liane from Better Blogging for Bloggers
you are right .. anyone can promote himself through blogs and can get benefits
Ejaz Ahmad´s last blog ..120 THINGS YOU NEVER KNEW ABOUT PHOTOSHOP
I think that the advice you gave was really helpful. A lot of people would say that it’s a little shady to promote yourself, but when you’re freelancing you need to get yourself out into the public eye as much as possible and anyway you can. So, I think you had some great advice.
I’m not afraid to promote myself. Freelancers should never be afraid to advertise themselves, especially if freelancing is the only source of income they have to rely on!
Alex´s last blog ..Young Blogger Interviews #2: Liane from Better Blogging for Bloggers
I agree with most of the tips here. However, I think that it is very important for readers to be realistic with themselves when it comes to blogging. Turning your blog into a revenue machine is something that takes lots of time (even years), and only comes through hard work (if at all).
I’m not trying to knock it, as I think you’re dead on when you say never to give up on it. If you keep blogging, you can not only potentially make money off of it but establish a reputation as an respected industry-leader in your field. So the benefits are many, if you can stick it out
Jacob Stoops´s last blog ..How Search Engines Work
No, I hear you Jacob! Just because you can promote your business on your blog doesn’t mean you should turn your blog into a place where you just try and make a dollar from.
Alex´s last blog ..Young Blogger Interviews #2: Liane from Better Blogging for Bloggers
Good stuff. I totally agree, I started blogging recently, and now I am getting much more visits to my site. As a result, a lot more people are contacting me for work.
Tanay | TJDzine´s last blog ..Web Design Trends: Mascots – Examples, Tips and Tutorials
Hi Alex! I am a freelance Graphic Designer. I still consider myself new to freelancing and this article really helped me to get my priorities in order concerning my business. It also motivated me to “just do it already.” I have been wanting to start a blog for a while now and your insight just showed me what I am missing out on.
I read a lot of articles about but never comment on them. The reason I commented on yours was because I noticed that you responded to EVERY comment someone left on your article. Your attention to detail really stood out to me and motivated me to do the same thing when I start mine.
Raven – good luck on your new blog. If you need help from Blogussion then let me or Alex know! We would love to help you get your blog up and running at its best!
Even though I write tons of words each day for clients, I’m terrible when it comes to my own blog. I think one of my resolutions for 2010 will be to be more attentive about updating my blog. Thanks for the inspiration.
BTW Jake, even though Constant-Content takes a commission, it’s still an awesome site
Just keep the percentage in mind when pricing your work and you’ll never miss it. For example, if you need to make $65 for an article, price it at $100. CC gets their percentage and you get exactly what you wanted from the beginning.
Celeste Stewart´s last blog ..Posted an Article on Several Article Directories
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