Top 5 ways of growing your freelance business

Recently started your freelancing career and want to grow your business? Or do you want to take your current business to the next level? Here are the top 5 ways of growing your freelancing business.

1. Marketing

Marketing is key to promoting and growing your freelance business – the use of websites, social media and business cards are essential.

Your website will be the main source of information; here you can add your contact details, your services and prices, and add any case studies from previous clients to show off your work.

With social media, make sure you have a professional headshot as this will make you look more trustworthy, confident and approachable. Hashtag’s in particular are a good way to engage with keywords relevant to you, and can be added to your posts to promote your freelance business – this will make it easier for people to search for you.

Paper business cards are more traditional but you also have the option to go digital and even add as a QR code to your email. This will allow for you to add contacts quickly.

Remember to have a clear and memorable brand image too so clients can easily find you, this can be prepared through a variety of marketing tools. The client perception of your freelance business is vital as this leaves room for reviews and promotion through word of mouth.

2. Ask for reviews/testimonials

There is no harm in asking for your clients to leave a review – good or bad. This can help you see what you did well and what you can improve on. By reaching out to your client once you’ve completed their project, it can build the relationship further and increase your credibility. Testimonials are a great way to build your reputation as you will be seen as reliable, efficient and be able to show off your past work.

Building a portfolio can solidify clients and be a great way to keep track of your work.

3. Networking

Networking is an essential skill when growing your business; this can be done either online or in person. By networking online, you can engage with different communities relevant to you through social media such as LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook. LinkedIn in particular is used for professional networking and career development. This is a great way to keep in touch and grow your connections, and also engage with professional content.

Networking in person is a great way to see the face behind the business. You can build a stronger relationship and reach out to their connections too. By attending networking events, you will be able to meet with prominent speakers and gain insight into the latest freelancing news and tips. Meet with other freelancers to further your knowledge and even potentially collaborate where relevant.

Read tips on networking for freelancers here.

4. Advertise your services

Advertising your services on a freelancing website gives clients the chance to find the right person while also putting yourself out there. On the majority of freelancing websites you can be searched by skill, location, experience and keywords so make sure your CV, skills and services are all up to date. As a member of the Freelance Directory you can also display your portfolio of work, and have the opportunity to appear as a featured freelancer which will make you stand out and allow people to connect with you for current or future jobs.

Why not advertise your services where clients can find you.

5. Upskill and expand your services

Expanding your skills is a great way to offer other services to your clients. If you don’t have the particular skills required to offer any additional services, why not take up training.

If you freelance in graphic design for example, you must be able to collaborate efficiently with copywriters and photographers. Taking up courses to make you an expert in either of these fields too would therefore be a great new service to offer to your clients on top of your current skillset. Photographers can also work with marketers so having an understanding of social media and web design would be another bonus.

Upskill and take on courses to develop your knowledge in areas you aren’t familiar with to build a more attractive offering for clients and grow your freelance business.

By following these 5 top tips, you will be on your way to growing your freelance business with these essential tools provided.

For more information on how to get clients, read here.