In terms of marketing, people usually refer to promoting, selling and/or distributing a product or service. When it comes to freelance marketing, however, things are a tad different. Well, not really that different, as quite specific. When you are looking to improve your online presence as a freelancer, you are looking at the same level of promotion, sales and distribution, the only difference being: you are looking to do this inwards. In layman’s terms, you’re promoting and selling your own self on the market. This is why it is vital that every freelancer obtains at least the basic marketing knowledge.
Freelancers Pitching a Service
When you’re trying to sell a service, you need to think along the lines of originality and talk. Keep in mind that you don’t really have a certain exact product to show, so your name of the game is basically previous user experience and style, in general. Additionally, focus on the following:
Build a community by reaching out and making connections
Find those that either specialize in that which you do, or are professionally related to your business. Comment on their blogs, but not without reading them first – no one likes filler, generic comments, they are both unprofessional and generally greatly despised. In addition to blogging sites, you may well find Twitter a perfect ground for not only making connections, but perhaps even learning a new thing or two. Of course, ignoring them once you’ve achieved success is something greatly advised against – friends and connections are a thing that any business in any stage of development greatly craves and needs.
Personal code and style
Although the freelance community is somewhat free-spirited (to an extent, naturally) and it doesn’t really have a dress code and a set of rules, this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t incorporate some. On the contrary, you should definitely consider coming up with your personal code, to compliment your own style. First of all, never tweet inebriated. Secondly, refrain from tweeting about yourself – be magnanimous instead – humble and lofty – you should let your customers and your deeds do the marketing for you. Keep in mind that no one likes a boaster.
Freelancers Pitching a Product
When it comes to marketing a product, rather than a service, you need to think about making a name for yourself. The pros of this kind of freelancing are outlined in the fact that you are trying to promote something material, virtually in existence.
Originality
When coming up with a product, however, you need to keep in mind that it needs to be original and unique. Authenticity is, more often than not, the key towards achieving success, even if there are countless similar products on the market.
Multi-Level Marketing
Otherwise known as network marketing, this advertising tactic is often confused with scams and housewife side jobs. This, however, couldn’t be further from truth, seeing as how real Multi-Level Marketing requires dedication and skill. It is greatly advised to obtain MLM training, with regards to this, as this way of advertising is practiced by small businesses and large corporations alike – and there surely is a good reason behind this.
Develop a brand
Perhaps the most important part of advertising is coming up with a catchy and memorable brand. An example that I always find helpful is that of Shark energy drink, who have come up with a neat idea combining their brand name itself with the shape of a vicious shark.
It is vital, nowadays, that you learn how to properly boost your online presence. The art of doing so isn’t simply outlined in appearing a lot out there, but making quality appearances as well. For you, as a freelancer, this is especially important.
