At the start of your career as a creative freelancer, you’re likely asking yourself many questions.
I felt the same way when I began my journey over eight years ago. To make your start a bit easier, I’ve outlined the three key factors that were most crucial to the success of my freelance career in this article.
With these tips and consistent hard work, your freelance career can be successful too.
1. Specialize in One Area and Become an Expert
Specialization is a hallmark of successful creative freelancers for two key reasons:
1. As an expert, you can charge higher rates.
By focusing on one topic and mastering it, potential clients will see you as an authority in that area. This allows you to deliver greater value and command higher prices for your services. Additionally, if you provide excellent work, your clients will be more likely to recommend you to others.
2. Experts are more likely to be recommended.
When I started my freelance career, I was known as a social media expert because I had specialized in this field at my agency. Former colleagues, friends, and acquaintances knew I had deep knowledge of social media marketing. So, whenever someone asked if they knew someone who worked in social media, I was the first name they thought of.
Later, I specialized further in Facebook Ads, becoming an expert in that area as well. Word spread, and before long, I became the go-to recommendation for Facebook Ads expertise.
By specializing, you not only enhance your reputation but also increase your chances of building a sustainable and lucrative freelance career.
2. Wrap Your USP in a Story
People love stories, which is why storytelling is such an effective marketing strategy. You should also aim to present your strengths through a personal story to leave a lasting impression on potential clients.
When I started freelancing as an online marketer, my story was about my five-and-a-half years working at a renowned advertising agency. There, I developed and implemented social media strategies for major clients like Drei, Heineken, Red Bull MOBILE, and TUI. This highlighted my expertise in the field.
That was the first part of my story.
The second part was about how, as a freelancer, I could now offer this same expertise at a much lower cost compared to big agencies.
This story, which I shared with everyone I knew, gave me a competitive edge—not only over less experienced freelancers but also over larger agencies. It helped me win many clients.
Take time to reflect on your unique selling points (USP) and think about how you can reinforce them with a compelling personal story. Stories resonate and can be a powerful tool to differentiate yourself from the competition.
3. Build a Network of Partners and Other Skilled Freelancers
As a creative freelancer, you often work alone, which can sometimes feel isolating. That’s why it’s crucial to start building a network of other freelancers and partners early on. This brings several key benefits:
- Support and Collaboration:
You can exchange ideas, discuss challenges, get advice, motivate each other, and even vent about difficult clients. Meeting up to work together, especially if you usually work from home, can help combat feelings of isolation. - Tackling Bigger Projects:
Not every client request will be something you can handle alone. Partnering with other freelancers whose skills complement yours allows you to take on larger, more complex projects as a team. - Sharing Opportunities:
Sometimes, you’ll receive client inquiries that don’t match your expertise, aren’t a good fit for your workload, or simply don’t interest you. Recommending a trusted freelancer for these opportunities leaves a positive impression on the client and strengthens your network. Plus, freelancers you recommend are more likely to refer clients to you in the future.
A network of freelance friends and collaborators not only supports your business growth but also makes your work more enjoyable and keeps you motivated.
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