As a new freelancer on the scene, it’s imperative that you know how to set yourself apart from your peers, especially in today’s competitive market. In order to succeed and establish yourself as an authority, you want to be able stand out from the crowd and attract a loyal customer base. By focusing on your brand, you’ll be able to do so.
In our latest video series, ‘The Freelancer Lounge’, Jon Younger, author of the Forbes blog, Freelance Revolution, shares why personal branding is so important and why it’s crucial for success. He also shares how to define your niche, and which channels you should be maximizing in order to promote your freelance brand.
Watch the full episode below!
Let’s get started with how to establish your freelance business and the five fundamental steps of branding.
As a starting point, it’s extremely important to ask yourself, what’s my business? Sometimes the way you may talk about your business doesn’t always reflect the way you want others to see it, especially in competitive terms. For example, if you’re a PR freelancer, you’re most likely competing with other larger PR agencies, and not necessarily with other freelancers. Note that you are actually competing with three different populations such as consulting firms, other independents and client staff that would like to lead a project themselves. So as you start to define your business, it’s important that you ask yourself what is your business and who is your competition.
What specific quality do you own that can help you stand out in today’s competitive market? Perhaps you offer a more affordable rate, you can complete the project quicker than others or you’re able to provide superb quality to your clients. Whatever it may be, make sure that your superpower is visible online and that you’re able to offer or guarantee something that others can’t.
Remember, a brand is a sort of promise and commitment to a client, meaning they hired you according to the way you brand yourself and they’re expecting a certain outcome. Whatever you propose as a brand, you need to deliver. For example, if you’re offering high quality service, make sure that you’re attentive to the service you’re providing them. If your client is not experiencing the branding you offered them, then that means your brand isn’t credible enough. Live up to what you offer clients and you’ll be establishing great relationships with them in no time.
People are constantly innovating and changing the world around us, so it’s extremely important that you watch what’s going on in your area of specialization and keep an eye out for your competitors. Pay attention to who your competitors are and what they’re doing so that you also stay afloat.
Are your existing clients and potential prospects joining webinars or virtual summits where you can get the opportunity to network with them and promote your brand? If yes, then go for it. Finally, review your track record and really check that what you promise in your brand is actually being turned into action. Remember, a brand is a promise between you and your client to deliver a result in a certain way and a certain competency or superpower.
Your brand showcases what makes you unique and clearly portrays how you differ from others in the market. Own who you are, know who your competitors are and make sure to pay attention to what they’re doing, and always take advantage of opportunities where you’re able to promote yourself. Remember, good branding can make any business memorable and that’s exactly what you want, for everyone to be familiar with YOUR freelance business.
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