Crafting a Freelance Career: 5 Digital Strategies for Success
My journey as a freelancer began unexpectedly, thanks to a chance conversation in my college writing center. This led to a steady two-year stint of copyediting conference papers for a professor, which then opened doors to a long-term gig doing format editing for a textbook publisher. I didn’t realize how fortunate I was to have had such an easy entry into paid writing and editing.
The Reality Check
After graduating, I started a job at a small arts nonprofit, doing work I loved, but with a paycheck that didn’t quite match my expectations. Like many people my age, I started looking for extra work. I thought jumping back into freelancing would be easy, but that summer, I sent over 90 pitch emails, with only a handful of pieces accepted. It was a humbling experience, but I didn’t give up. I reached out to each rejected pitch and asked for feedback, which proved to be empowering.
The Power of Online Connections
In the time since, being online has helped me land new clients, grow existing contracts, and maintain a reliable client pool. Here are five digital strategies that have contributed to my success:
1. Building a Support Network
One of the biggest mistakes I made when I first started freelancing was being afraid to ask for help. Joining virtual media resource groups and following industry leaders has connected me with communities of freelancers across the world who can offer valuable advice, critique, and context. I’ve received tips on pitches, referrals to clients, and even tax help.
2. Creating a Digital Portfolio
Having a portfolio is essential for freelancers, particularly those without personal connections in the industry. With Squarespace, I was able to build a beautiful, engaging digital portfolio that showcases my work and skills. The platform offers hundreds of customizable templates, easy-to-leverage SEO, social media integration, and creative visuals.
3. Reading Widely and Pitching Smarter
Instead of pitching frequently and randomly, I focus on reading widely and understanding my audience. I read at least ten pieces a week from different sources, which helps me craft pitches that are tailored to the client’s needs. This approach has increased my chances of landing projects that align with my skills and interests.
4. Leveraging Social Media
Social media can be a powerful tool for freelancers. By integrating my social media accounts with my portfolio, I can cross-pollinate audiences and showcase skills that don’t have a place on professional networking sites like LinkedIn. With Squarespace’s social media tools, I can populate my social media feeds directly onto my website and push new site content to my social accounts in real-time.
5. Working with What You Have and Drafting What You Don’t
When I first started sending out my portfolio, I only had academic work samples. But with a portfolio site, I was able to include detailed project briefs and even draft mockup samples to fit clients’ needs. This approach has allowed me to demonstrate my skills and flexibility to potential clients.
Conclusion
As a freelancer, it’s easy to feel like you’re shouting into the void. But digital spaces offer many creative ways to make room to celebrate the personal, offer and ask for help, and find connections and build community. With these five digital strategies, you can take your freelance career to the next level.
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