She Strengthens

The Power of Free Work: How Giving Away Your Time Can Boost Your Career

As a freelancer, finding the right balance between working for free and asserting your value is crucial. While it may seem counterintuitive, doing some work for free can have enormous benefits in the long run. In fact, it can be the difference between obscurity and recognition, or a one-time client and a repeat, loyal customer.

Building Your Portfolio and Audience

Creating a body of work, whether through a blog or portfolio, is essential for establishing yourself as a professional. This “home base” allows you to test out different material, build a core base of followers, and connect with fellow writers, designers, or industry professionals. Many of my current writing friends were met through online platforms, and our connections have led to amazing conversations, support, and potential collaborations for paid work.

Syndication: Getting More Mileage from Your Work

Syndication is the process of re-publishing content from one platform to another, often for free or for a fee. By doing work for free with the mindset that it could serve double duty elsewhere, you can increase your reach and potential earnings. I’ve had pieces syndicated from my personal blog to other sites, earning everything from “exposure” to $100 per article.

Adding Value to Paid Packages

Including “freebies” in paid packages can make clients more likely to stay loyal and feel like they got their money’s worth. This could be extra rounds of edits, alternative copy, or design elements. While it may seem like free labor, these extras can lead to long-term, prosperous relationships with clients.

The Benefits of Writing for Big Names

Writing for well-known publications or brands can be beneficial, even if it’s for free. The byline and exposure can be leveraged to secure better-paying gigs in the future. If you can clearly see how writing for a big name will benefit your career, it may be worth doing for free.

Ingratiating Yourself to Industry Insiders

Offering to help industry professionals you admire can be an effective way to carve out your own career. By becoming an assistant or doing menial tasks, you can build relationships and gain valuable experience. This strategy has paid off for me in the past, leading to paying jobs and valuable connections.

Getting Your Name Out There

Getting quoted or featured in publications, even if it’s not a byline, can increase your visibility and credibility. Every piece of press, whether paid or unpaid, can be used to your advantage. It’s a chance to build buzz and establish yourself as an expert in your field.

The Importance of Personal Projects

No matter how successful you become, it’s essential to keep working on personal projects for creative satisfaction and experimentation. This allows you to try new things, remind yourself why you love your medium, and potentially stumble upon your next big, paying gig. By doing work for free, you can maintain the freedom to do exactly what you want, which can lead to immense fulfillment and success.