Article by Guest Blogger Cherie Mclaughlin of CouchBasedBiz.com
Getting out there and making a name for yourself as a freelancer or small business can be incredibly challenging—believe me, I know. As a small business owner myself I can also say that it is undeniably rewarding, as well. But if people don’t know who you are and how you can benefit them, you’ll find yourself simply stuck at the challenging part.
Marketing, when strategic and thoughtful, can be a powerful way to amplify your business. Jasleni Brito, Founder of Jasleni Art & Design wants to help your company grow and thrive, so here are 8 ideas that you can use to elevate your freelance, small business or consultant career.
1. Create a Profile on a Remote Work Platform
For people just starting out as a freelancer or consultant, figuring out where to start can be really intimidating. Start simple by signing up with a remote work platform like FlexJobs, Freelancer, Nomads, Fiverr, or Guru. Once you create your profile you can start connecting with opportunities right away.
2. Build an Eye-Catching Website
A user-friendly, informative and engaging website is your digital billboard for potential clients. Be sure to include your bio, picture, links to your social media, videos and a blog that gives people free, but useful tips and techniques from your industry.
3. Form a Limited Liability Company (LLC)
Take advantage of financial opportunities—like tax breaks, small business grants and loans, business line of credit, and simpler paperwork—by forming a limited liability company. You can then shell out the money you need for high quality marketing strategy and designs. Every state has slightly different regulations when it comes to forming an LLC, so be sure to do your research before you file the paperwork.
4. Work Your Network
Call up your references, reach out to former coworkers on social media and get chatty with your college or grad school classmates. Everyone has a lead—it’s up to you to hunt them down. You can offer to take on small projects that can lead to much bigger opportunities. If your network is small, Huffington Post suggests that you expand it by joining professional organizations, attending in-person and virtual networking events and follow up with everyone you connect with.
5. Build Your Social Media Presence
The majority of customers out there say they are more likely to trust a business if their friends do. BigCommerce explains this “social proof” is crucial for small business owners and entrepreneurs trying to stand out from the crowd. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, and Tik Tok all have their own audiences—find where your customers are and join the conversation.
6. Do Some Good for Your Community
Get out there and volunteer some of your professional expertise and time to make a positive impact in your community. Not only can this work be a portfolio and resume booster, but it can also make you some powerful allies when it comes to expanding your network or submitting bids for proposals.
7. Create a Solid Brand
Your business or freelance identity can truly benefit from the cohesive storytelling of a brand. From logos to colors to marketing materials, a brand tells customers who you are and why they need you. Successful small business owners know that the more care they put into the overall presentation of their business, the more customers they attract and retain.
8. Participate in Trade Shows and Conferences
Whether in-person or virtual, showing up at a trade show or conference is a great way to showcase your industry leadership while also making new connections. Small businesses with niche ideas or innovative tech solutions can really benefit from booths at trade shows and professional conferences.
Whether you are freelancing, consulting or starting your own company, you don’t have to embark on this new journey alone. Jasleni Art & Design specializes in high quality marketing and design for professionals who want a more personalized touch. Reach out today to discover what partnership opportunities await.
#jasleni #jaslenidesigns #business #smallbusiness #entrepreneur #businessgoals #businesstips *Photo by Unsplash