We’ve all heard about personal branding. Social media influencers and YouTubers have harnessed it. Celebrities cash in on their success by marketing products. Big box stores have slogans, logos, and even catchy jingles to cement themselves in our brains.
So how can we apply this technique to something as mundane as freelance writing? More importantly, why would this matter to you?
As a freelance writer, you’re marketing your writing ability. Whether you have experience creating compelling copy, crafting engaging blog posts, or have a flair for filling your work with your personality and voice, these can pale when drowned out by the noise of your competitors.
Just as with any other industry, you need to be able to stand out amongst the crowd. A great work ethic only works in your favour when you’ve caught the eye of a potential client. Having a solid personal brand will go a long way to better your odds of catching the spotlight.
As a freelance writer, you build your brand by being active and present online, with social media channels and a website to showcase your work.
4 Ways to Build Your Freelance Brand
1. Freelance Website
Although it may seem an obvious choice to some: having a website to showcase your portfolio, work, and contact information will go a long way to establishing your professionalism.
Gathering all of this information into a single location makes it simpler for you to showcase yourself to prospective clients. The bonus to this? Your brand gets a chance to sparkle.
Additionally, you may be considering going with a hosted website to cut back on fees, but be aware that that can make you look like a hobbyist. To ensure you are taken seriously as a freelancer, spring for owning your domain. (Example: petrabudzak.com)
2. Email
And on that note, make sure to get an email address to go with your domain. (Example: petra@petrabudzak.com) Having an owned email further cements your professionalism as a freelance writer.
If you’re concerned about costs during the beginning, Zoho has a free plan. As your business grows, you can upgrade or migrate your domain to match your needs.
3. Blog
While having a blog isn’t necessary to establish your brand and professionalism, it can certainly help your writing.
Making a practice of writing each day helps to hone your ability, keeps your creative juices flowing, and can be a place to showcase your work. Plus, it enforces a habit of writing daily.
And if you’re just starting, you can use your blog posts as examples of your published writing.
4. Social Media
Having an active online presence can be very beneficial to your business. You can connect with future clients, spread the word about your business, and find work through contacts.
This method can become a passive means of marketing yourself with the proper setup (and personal perseverance).
There’s no need to use every form of social media available, but choosing 1-3 to focus on can work effectively in your favour.
Conclusion
Establishing a solid personal brand can benefit anyone in any industry, so why not apply this to your own business?
Owning your domain with associated email creates a professional way for clients to connect with you. Taking the time to build a website will allow you to gather your work and portfolio in one place, and choosing a social media channel to be active in can help you to connect and market yourself.
There are countless rewards from putting in the extra effort to shine, with nearly limitless potential at your fingertips. With time, these steps can even create passive and organic traffic, which will, in turn, lead to less job hunting and more time writing!
Let me know what steps you’ve already worked on!