Personal Branding for Freelancers: How to set yourself apart and get more clients
I started my freelance career from zero. I didn’t have money, connections, nor even the “right” degree to guide me in this particular line of work. I truly knew nothing at first, but I just jumped in and learned what I needed on the go! And of course, I had the Internet. The web is the single most powerful tool that was (and still is) at my disposal since it has made it possible for me to get my name out there, freelance full-time, and finally build my own company.
Now I usually talk about makeup and skincare here, but this time I’d like to tackle something that’s key in our journey to success: personal branding. Here’s how it can help you make that jump from a part-time to full-time freelancer, and what you need to do to establish your brand online!
What is branding and why is it important?
Your brand is basically your identity - who you are, what you can do, and your promise to your client. It’s what creates the distinction between Freelancer X and yourself; both of you may offer the same services, but your personal brand should be able to clearly explain why yours is better and worth investing in.
In a competitive freelance market, having your own brand and promoting it online can spell the difference between having a regular income and being dead in the water. It was challenging for me at first but once I was able to establish my brand, I started getting more referrals and paying clients! So there’s really no excuse.
Get all your ducks in a row
Creating your personal brand should be organic and authentic. It’s best if you have something unique to offer, but if you haven’t determined what that is for yourself yet, the next best thing is to be honest. A healthy relationship is based on trust! Here’s what to include when weaving your brand story:
- Your “why”. Your mission and vision matter because it will help your clients appreciate what drives you. Explain why you’re passionate about your craft, and how this helps you accomplish amazing work.
- Your best skills and assets. This is the time to be specific. List down the top three things you do best, and your background as well as projects that showcase these skills (if any).
- Share testimonials. If you already have past and existing clients, make sure to get their feedback so that you can share it on your platforms. Testimonials are powerful; what you say about yourself is one thing, but what others say about you can close that deal.
Create your identity online
Most people think that their name/ logo is their brand; it’s really just a part of the bigger picture. A logo is the visual representation of your brand. Online, you still have to build a whole visual aesthetic and story around yourself. There is no wrong way to do this because the process is quite personal, so create a mood board first to get a clearer idea! You might also consider hiring a graphic designer to create your brand collaterals instead of DIY-ing it.
Once you have your written “brand bible” and your marketing collaterals, you can now populate your website, blog, and social media platforms (LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook page, and Twitter) with content. Remember to be consistent with your brand and to have a regular posting schedule.
Protect your reputation and always provide high-quality work
Branding is just like choosing an outfit or a flattering fabulous lipstick - it can get you noticed, but what truly matters is how well you can deliver what you promise. Make sure that your carefully crafted facade is more than just a front, as your work must always speak for itself! No amount of marketing can sell a bad product, so make sure that you deliver great work on time. This will retain your clients and even get you more referrals via word of mouth.
When working with clients overseas, one way to establish your reputation is to have a PayPal account. It’s more than payment convenience and safety on their end. PayPal offers both Seller Protection and Buyer Protection features that covers your eligible payments. PayPal helps create that element of trust - crucial when you’re working with people you’ve never met halfway across the world. If you haven't yet, you should definitely sign up for a PayPal account ASAP.
I started out as a freelancer writer but it was my personal brand that really helped me go farther than what I thought was possible. I hope you found my tips useful! I would love to know if you have any advice as well for fellow freelancers!
This story is brought to you by PayPal.
