Proven Freelance Marketing Techniques

Getting Ahead Using Profitable

Freelance Marketing Techniques

As an entrepreneur, I think the hardest thing I ever do is to determine the right marketing approaches. There are just so many marketing options.

I'm out there all by myself, alone needing to figure out how to get myself known to the proper decision makers so that I can get work.

Or, more accurately, to get profitable work "on my terms."

The first thing I learned a long time ago in the business world is if I don't market myself then I don't make any money!

Pure and simple, this is the nut.

So, I learned this indispensable truth: Everything I do is Marketing!"

I hardily recommend this be your mantel as well. This focus will lead to prosperity...and that's the truth.

By relaying my experiences outlined below, my hope is that you can capture the central theme of each experience and incorporate that effort into your marketing effort.

If you have a question or two concerning your marketing efforts and want my two cents worth opinion, and the opinions from others across the world, please ask away by clicking on Paying It Forward.

Freelance Marketing Techniques

Here is a real life experience.

• I set my sights on starting a leisure travel agency in a Kroger Store (supermarket).

  Kroger had never done this before. I found out through research that one independent supermarket in California had leased space to a travel agency about the same time I had this initial idea. I contacted them and learned all I could.

  Afterward, I called Kroger to find out who was in charge of their non-foods products.

  Having his name (but never meeting him), I started sending him clippings every 3-4 weeks from newspapers, travel agency trade magazines, yellow page directory ads from major city phone books, etc.

  Anything having to do with “non-traditional” travel agency locations I sent him, along with a brief marketing note to say I knew a travel agency would work in a Kroger store.

  After 15 months, out of the blue, I received a telephone call from him asking to meet. I did. I opened the first travel agency in all of Kroger-land.

  The moral of the story is prospect for business. I tried something different from the norm and the chance paid off.

  In your business marketing effort, you may wish to identify 10, 15, 20 or more freelance decision-makers in a variety of companies and send each of them "brief" info about yourself, highlights of positive client comments about your services, etc. every 3 or 4 weeks. Persistence may well pay off for you.

• Developing an elevator speech is another freelance marketing technique.

  Write down, revise and then revise again, a 15 second (no more than this, please) introduction of yourself and your services.

  The punch-line is what you can do to make the proposed client “more” money.

  Practice this brief intro so that it becomes second nature. Deliver it as often as you can to everyone you meet. You just never know where this can lead.

  At the same time hand out your "quality" designed business card. Your card should be as high class as you can afford. That is excellent card stock, raised printing and a meaningful logo.

  When I was comfortable with this freelance marketing technique, I was giving my spiel and handing out nearly 500 business cards a month. I felt that I needed to be "all in" and make the leap to continuous marketing.

• Allocate time each day…even when you are “up to your alligators” in busy. You need to be trying to get the next deal to avoid down time.

  Even if this is only 15 minutes a day, you must do it. Never stop marketing!

  This could be making phone calls to past clients, your social and business contacts and prospective clients.

  A mentor of mine once told me that I will only be successful when I'm comfortable asking friends and contacts for money/business. She was so right!!

• When you get wind of a lead…act fast.

  “The early bird get the worm.”

  Build your business reputation for doing great work, on time and at the agreed-to price.

• Always, always follow up! Do so prior to getting the job and after the job is completed.

  A written note, not an e-mail, is always appreciated.

  Send a note to your previous clients every 3-4 months, telling them what you’re now doing and that you want more of their business.

  Communication, communication, communication...

• When you go to Burger King don’t you get asked to “super size” your order?

  Think of an extra value you could bring to the client and ask her for the business…for an additional fee, of course.

• Work to get listed as an approved supplier.

  Many large firms require this. Different department/divisions within the company then know that a listed supplier will do quality work at a fair price.

• Keep trying to get work for a “Named Client.” Not only does this get you in the door but what a winner this is to be seen on your list of clients.

The Bottom Line

After all is said and done, the best freelance marketing techniques the pros can give you are:

• Everything You Do Is Marketing…never stop…get focused to do it daily (if not every hour)…get creative…exceed client expectations…finish that client job early…and do Quality Work!!
• Keep on Keeping on. Personal motivation and staying positive keep you focused toward the goal…Make $$$.

If you want help with pricing your expertise correctly, please go to how much should I charge.

THE #1 Freelance Marketing Technique

Your freelance marketing reach is global. The more opportunities you have the more money you'll make.

Therefore, it is imperative that you develop a great "business" Internet site and not just a regular, but beautiful website.

A "business" website is so designed to get found. You do not want to spend dollars and time developing a site that can not be found by Web searchers.

And yes, 99% of all websites are just lucky if anyone finds them.

Want Proof?

When was the last time you went to pages 3, 4 or 5 through 16,829,183 when you search the Web?

Pledge to make this the First Day of the Rest of Your Life. Make a website that draws business to your business.

If your website does not market your business to the thousands of folks who are looking for your services but do not know your URL, then you have wasted your time and money. Period.

Thousands of entrepreneurs have used Site Build It (SBI) tools to build and market their freelance business.

With SBI everything is included.

With SBI you may either build your site yourself or have the best website builders on the planet do it for you. Either way you'll be blessed.

There are never any up charges and no surprises with SBI.

In fact, if you want to build your site yourself no experience is needed and your hand is held every step of the way. Yes, every step of the way.

You owe it to yourself to thoroughly check out SBI.

SBI has changed my life forever. It may change yours too!

All the best to your success.

Again, if I may be of assistance in giving you my experiences, please just ask. There is never a charge to you.


Related Articles:


Where to go...to get "Online freelance Jobs"

Why Consider Freelancing as a Business

Simple "Time Management Techniques" that work

The BIG Freelance Question: How Much Should I Charge

How to Start Your Freelance Career

How to Write the Perfect Freelance Resume

Additional help may be found at the Assoc. of Independent Businesses


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