Market yourself online

Anyone who's anyone has a website! That doesn't mean to say your business can be perfectly successful without the use of the internet, however if you want to make yourself most accessible to potential customers, it's certainly worth having an online presence. 

Having a website will help prospective clients can find information about you, your services and contact details. In order to create a ‘professional look’ and brand identity, the website should reflect who you are and what your business is all about! If you know a web developer, you’ll be able to negotiate a competitive rate however, if you don’t then there are a number of low-cost packages out there to get you online. A few things to consider when designing your website include:

KIS (Keep it Simple)

Don’t complicate your site with too many pictures (search engines can struggle with these so prefer text copy when searching your site) and keep your messages and information clear and concise with simple navigation.

SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) - Certain things on your website can help search engines like Google to find and rank it highly:

• Keywords - think of the words that potential clients would type into Google and include these in your webpage’s, include them in the URL (web address name), the code behind the page (meta titles and meta descriptions) and article headings.
• Content - make sure that your content is relevant to those you’re targeting it at and have links throughout that connect to other pages on your website. Google is very clever and seems to know if you’ve written quality relevant copy, if you try and short cut the process Google will spot this and not list you on the vital first page.

URL’s - Choose your URL carefully – make sure it clearly indicates what your freelance services are about. You can buy and check the availability of certain URL’s online at getdotted.com

Testimonials - Once you’ve worked for a couple of clients, get them to write you a testimonial to put on your website. If prospects know you’ve done a great job for someone else, it’s more likely you’ll do a good job for them.

Data collection - Get peoples contact details – if someone’s interested in the services you offer, get them to fill out some details (name, email, phone number). You can use these to send them more information about the services you offer. Even if they don’t use your business immediately, if you stay in contact they may become clients in the future.

Become an industry expert - If you write authoritative pieces on your website, there’s a good chance people will find them. For example, if you’re a copywriter write a page like ‘how to find a good copywriter’, there’s a fair chance a potential client will type this search term in and find your site.

Getting online might not get you direct sales but it increases your profile and means that people can find you when they need your goods or services!

Along with a website, creating a formal email address (for example joe.bloggs@photography.com) rather than a hotmail/Google email can give a professional look to clients creating the impression that the business is bigger than it actually is!

Forums, blogging and social networking

A new revelation to marketing, forum entries and blogging has become one of the cheapest and best ways to acquire new clients. To appeal to clients you need to appear as an expert in your field – through writing a blog you gain credibility within your industry. Make sure you keep the content of your blog relevant and interesting – keep up with changes in your industry and development in the skills that you can offer.

You’ll find that if you’re interested in the services you offer, so will others! There are lots of forums out there talking about everything from financial advice to your crisp flavour preference. Chances are, people are talking about the goods or services that you offer. Get online, search for these forums and start posting away! Don’t just market your services – offer advice and helpful tips. This will build you a name in the industry.

Furthering this, increasing your social networking presence can get people to your website. Set up a facebook account dedicated to your freelance services and promote away! Twitter about your services making sure to Tweet links to your website – you’ll be surprised how many people will be interested in your business.

If you'd like to speak to Easy Accountancy about your freelance business, Ask us a Question, call us on 0500 234111 / 01442 275767.