This blog is part of a two-part series, read Part 1: From amateur to professional freelancer.
The move from amateur to professional may have negative connotations attached to it as it labels you as a ‘beginner’ or ‘first-timer’, but experience gathered from past projects can quickly brush off any doubt clients may have. The first step to building an online reputation is to create a website that is a reflection of you – it will be the first impression that you make.
Secondly, it’s time to seek testimonials. We’ve rounded up methods that you can use to gather reviews, as well as some top tips which will help market yourself as accomplished in your field.
1) Ditch the ‘enthusiast’ strategy
First things first, by painting yourself as a ‘hobbyist’, it communicates that you’re passionate, but it’s your side-line career. It shows that you’re enthusiastic, but that you’re not a pro. It’s time to market yourself as a seasoned expert in your field, but how? That takes us to the next step”¦
2) Prove your track record
An aspect which speaks for itself and shouts that you’re the freelancer for the job is the testimonials section of your portfolio, it’s how you can prove your track record. By featuring this on your site, it’s an accessible way to inform prospects of your past experience.
It’s becoming standard practise to double social media platforms as a home for reviews. There’s the LinkedIn recommendations feature which could work to your advantage when connecting with industry business figures.
You can use FB reviews, Google Reviews, and even set-up google alerts or use specialist software to keep track of mentions of your brand name, such as through Mention.
3) Your website is a reflection of you
The quality of your work should be showcased through your website, and in terms of first impressions – your website will be the main contributor towards this.
In relation to website copy, it’s important to triple check this as the first judgement made against/or in favour of you will typically be made through your website.
The Nielsen Norman Group found that “users often leave web pages in 10-20 seconds, but pages with a clear value proposition can hold people’s attention for much longer.”
“To gain several minutes of user attention, you must clearly communicate your value proposition within 10 seconds.”
This shows that in order to effectively communicate with clients, give them the essential information that they need within the first 10 seconds of accessing your website.
In terms of building your online presence which can help fuel traffic to your website, it could be worth establishing a business profile. Read our guest blog for Startacus on how start-ups can generate business through Facebook.
At Gorilla Accounting,we offer anall-inclusive accountancypackage for Contractors and Freelancersfor just £85 plus vat per month.If you have any questions, get in touch with a member of our New Business Team by calling 0330 024 0406 or emailinfo@gorillaaccounting.com.
