How To Sell Yourself As A Freelancer
It’s an extremely rare day when you talk to a freelancer who loves selling themselves. One or more of the following five reasons are usually given:
A reluctance to be ‘salesy’.
Not having decided exactly what it is they do best or offer.
Feeling caught between being a business and an individual.
Being unable to find one’s voice.
Not having the time.
The good news is...
The majority of people feel like this, so with a little commitment to getting better at selling yourself, you can stand out.
You do have to know what you do best and offer. If you don’t, no one else will. But this can change, as often as you want it to.
Don’t delay telling people what you do because you’re worried you might change your mind later. Change is all part of the process. It’s all part of the journey.
Reframe selling yourself
It’s all about you. You can do it how you want. There are no client changes to make or sign off to wait for.
Think of yourself as a business. Could you imagine if your local restaurant didn’t have a sign or menu out because they didn’t like selling themselves?
Listen to what problems your target market are having and what questions they’re asking. Help them.
Have some fun making your own things.
Find your crew. Support other people and they will support you.
If you’re running low on inspiration, listen to a podcast or read a book and write down everything that resonates with you.
Don’t feel you have to do what others do. Do it your way.
Take the advice you would give to other people.
Show off what you do best on social
Use social media as your own publishing platform.
If you’re a writer, write.
If you’re a photographer, share photos.
If you’re a designer, design things.
If you’re a marketer, market something.
If you’re an expert, share your expertise.
“You can get everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want.”
