You started from scratch. You built your freelance business up from nothing. You’re doing well and you’re proud of your accomplishments. However, you want more. You want to build a bigger business – one that supports all of your personal and financial goals. Here are five top tips to take your freelancing business further.
#1 Publish – Publishing e-books, books and reports on pertinent and relevant topics in your industry will make you a household name. When you meet prospects you can say, “Here, let me give you a copy of my book.” Perhaps more importantly, people will start coming to you for your services because they’ve heard of you through your book. Publishing enhances your authority and credibility. It also makes it possible to justify higher rates. You are, after all, a published author and expert.
#2 Blog – Okay, so you’re probably blogging already. But are you blogging on other industry blogs? Are you guest blogging for those movers and shakers in your industry? Perhaps not. Blogging, like publishing, is a fantastic way to get your name out there and to establish credibility.
Find those key blogs in your industry, the ones your target audience frequent, and contact the host or site owner. Offer to write a guest blog post. In fact, if you have a few ideas on topics, pitch them right away. Get them hooked on your idea and you’re in.
#3 Referrals – One of the best ways to grow a freelance business is to create a referral program. There are two ways to go about it. You can create an informal program whereby you occasionally ask your top clients for referrals and offer a discount or a reward if they send people to you. Or you can create a formal referral program with incentives for each referral. The latter requires a bit more maintenance. However, it may also produce more consistent results.
#4 Network – Networking, both online and off, offers some truly exceptional results. You will make contacts through your networking that will undoubtedly turn into clients. However, you will also learn from others, provide value to others and take your business to the next level by tapping into the inspiration and motivation networking can provide.
In this life, half of a person’s success is often determined by being in the right place at the right time. Networking opens you up to more opportunities.
#5 Enhance your credentials – Education helps you provide more to your customers. It can also help you become more specialized in your niche. The more specialized you are, the more valuable you are and the more money you can charge. Take a look at what you can do to offer more to your customers and prospects. If you’re a freelance writer but don’t write sales copy, can you take an online course in sales copy or find a mentor?
Finally, instead of offering more, look at offering less. Sometimes specializing in one niche product or topic will help you reach a larger audience. For example, a freelance writer who writes everything may not be as valuable as an expert e-book ghostwriter for the health and wellness industry.
It takes courage and hard work to start a freelance business. You’ve proven you have both. Now, dig in and realize your dreams. Take strategic steps to really grow your freelance business.
