
As freelancers, most of our business takes place online.
It's where we house our portfolios, do research, and submit work. It's also how we find clients and send documents like invoices, proposals, and contracts.
More importantly, it's the #1 way to market yourself for freelance work and grow your online business. But, when it comes to marketing your online business, knowing where to start can be difficult. Or, maybe you've been working hard on your digital marketing efforts but aren't achieving the results you want.
Putting a lot of time and energy into your online marketing strategies and having nothing to show for it is less than ideal. After all, time is money—especially when you're a business of one.
Either way, developing an online marketing strategy that works is an essential piece of starting and growing an online business. The sooner you improve your digital marketing skills, the better.
Easier said than done, right?
While it may take time to find the strategy that works best for promoting your freelance business, it can be done. The following tips will help you improve how you market your business online.
Let's dive in!
01. Do Your Research
The last thing you want is to devote all your time to something that won't benefit your business. With that in mind, it's crucial that you do as much research as you can.
- Read about digital marketing best practices
- Follow experts like Neil Patel or HubSpot
- Take courses on Skillshare
- Listen to podcasts like Amy Porterfield's
- Refer to online guides like a guide to marketing publications you should be reading
- Invest in books about digital marketing and content market such as:
Regardless of your preferred method, the more you understand about different online marketing strategies, the easier it will be to identify the ones that may benefit your business.
In addition to learning as much as possible about different marketing methods, you should also learn how to utilize Search Engine Optimization (SEO).
Incorporating strategic keywords and keyword phrases in your copy will help your website show up in Google search results.
Part of using SEO is identifying which keywords and phrases to use. Free tools like Moz's Keyword Explorer and Neil Patel's Uber Suggest will help you figure out which keywords to use.
02. Hire a Digital Marketing Expert
Raise your hand if you never thought running a freelance business would take so much work.
One of the biggest surprises as an entrepreneur is just how much work it takes to keep your business running smoothly.
While you may have thought it's as simple as doing the work and calling it a day, it's definitely not. There are day-to-day operations that need to be handled like admin work, pitching clients, and yes, online marketing.
With so many tasks on your plate, it's understandable that marketing may take a backseat to everything else. But, that doesn't mean it should be forgotten altogether.
If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed or feel out of your depth when it comes to marketing your online business, it may be time to outsource.
Hiring a freelance marketing consultant takes the task off your plate, leaving you to focus on the money-making aspects of your business.
The best part?
With a digital marketing expert on your side, your business has a better chance of getting in front of your target audience. Whether hiring someone full-time or for a few hours a month can make a difference in online marketing efforts. And, as an added bonus, you can feel good about hiring a fellow freelancer. Win-win!
Not sure how to start outsourcing work as a freelancer? Check out this quick guide. Marketing guru, Neil Patel also has a guide to outsourcing work as an entrepreneur that's super helpful.
03. Consider Working With An Agency
Unsure if outsourcing to a digital marketing freelancer is going to cut it? Consider working with a full-scale digital marketing agency instead.
Established agencies often have more resources to tackle business marketing and can help you reach your goals much faster.
An internet marketing company can ensure your freelance business is reaching the intended audience and give you more time to focus on the profitable parts of your business.
Just be aware that full-scale agencies tend to be more expensive than outsourcing to a freelancer.
04. Take Online Courses
Last but not least, courses are an excellent (and flexible) way to improve your marketing skills
A lot of well-known marketing experts offer courses and the occasional free webinar. You can also sign up for Skillshare, which gives you access to over 26,000 courses for just $8.25 per month.
When you sign up using this link, you can get your first two months for free.
Here are a few reasons to invest in an online course:
- Online courses are often more affordable than outsourcing or hiring an agency
- You can learn new skills for your growing your business
- Online courses take the guesswork out of marketing your business
- You can take the course at your own pace
Check out this list from Inc.com for 5 of the best free online courses for digital marketers.
Find What Works Best for Marketing Your Online Business
There are many ways to market yourself and your freelance business. However, not every strategy works for every business.
Discovering which platforms and channels are right for your business can take time. So, it's important to be patient and willing to test out different methods.
Eventually, you'll find what resonates the most with your audience and helps you achieve the results you want.
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