Why You Need A Freelancer Branding Strategy
Brand awareness has become a crucial component of any business marketing strategy. Some people might think that freelancing doesn’t require as much strategy or organisation, but those with experience in that area would beg to differ.
When you’re a freelancer, you are your brand.
You can’t get by on charm and expertise alone. Some serious marketing tactics are needed to put your work out there and find the jobs you’re looking for.
What makes this reality even harsher is the rapidly expanding pool of freelancers now searching for work online. The freelance market is busier and more competitive than ever before. This means that using smarter strategies for attracting clients is the only way to stand out from the ever-growing crowd.
Innovative, effective personal branding is one way to communicate value to potential clients. There are plenty of freelancers out there with great resumes and proof of experience. But few have cottoned on to the strategy of cultivating a compelling personal brand.
Why Is Branding So Important For Freelancers?
Freelancers typically only have a few seconds to make an impression on clients. As the digital world continues to expand and cement its position on our social, cultural, and technological landscapes, the luxury of having options grows ever familiar.
As uncomfortable as it might be to admit, even freelancers are becoming ubiquitous goods, a dime by the dozen. In 2022, freelancers need to step up their game and start advocating their skills a little louder.
We have every reason to believe that despite growing numbers and fears of oversaturation, the freelancing market will remain strong for the next few decades (at least). So don’t worry. You aren’t going anywhere. But you might need to pick up some new skills along the way.
How Great Branding Elevates Your Freelancing Career
If you follow business news and trends, you’ll have seen the word “branding” a lot over the past few years. That’s because it has become one of the most important parts of marketing in the 2020s.
Why?
Well, because it provides onlookers with a deeper, more succinct idea of who you are and what you do before they even check out your relevant data. And if you can make a positive impression faster than other freelancers do, you’re far more likely to get hired by clients.
Here are some other reasons to invest in personal branding right now:
- Communicates professionalism
Professionalism is something that freelancers need to attract clients. If your brand identity comes across as clear and professional, it will signal to clients that you take your work seriously and will deliver a high standard of work.
- Helps you find the jobs you want
You can angle your brand identity to fit the mould of what a certain client type is looking for. In doing so, you can aim to attract exactly the kind of jobs you prefer to take on. Score!
- Gives you a competitive edge
In an already competitive industry, having an edge on other freelancers is extremely valuable. If your brand is concise and attractive, it will set you apart from the norm and give you the boost of quality representation that big clients are looking for.
- Allows you to increase your rates
Higher standards equal higher rates. You can mark up your services to align with your brand identity. When clients see how thorough and professional you are in cultivating a strong personal brand, they’re a lot more likely to accept a higher rate.
The Takeaway
When it comes down to it, branding is a bit like peacocking. You pull out all the stops to dazzle onlookers and hint at how much value you could add to their lives. Fortunately, in the freelance world, a better profile does tend to mean better work opportunities—and this is one reliable way to find them.
