{"id":11572,"date":"2016-10-10T08:49:28","date_gmt":"2016-10-10T13:49:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hostgator.com\/blog\/?p=11572"},"modified":"2017-05-09T14:25:57","modified_gmt":"2017-05-09T19:25:57","slug":"personal-branding-strategies-freelancer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hostgator.com\/blog\/personal-branding-strategies-freelancer\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Personal Branding Strategies Every Freelancer Needs to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Personal<\/p>\n

As a freelancer, your success depends on your personal brand. <\/span><\/p>\n

You may very well have the skills to get the job done. But without effective branding, clients won\u2019t trust you. <\/span><\/p>\n

Develop a personal brand that stands out. Become familiar with the client\u2019s needs. And set yourself apart from the competition. <\/span><\/p>\n

'All of us need to understand the importance of branding. We are CEOs of our own companies: Me, Inc. To be in business today, our most important job is to be head marketer for the brand called You,'\u009d says Tom Peters<\/span><\/a>, a well-known author and speaker.<\/span><\/p>\n

[bctt tweet=”‘We are CEOs of our companies: Me, Inc.’ – @Tom_Peters #PersonalBranding #QuoteOfTheDay” username=”hostgator”]<\/p>\n

On the road to success, your personal brand drives and you ride shotgun. Here are five ways to get your personal brand heading in the right direction.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

1. Deliver on your promises<\/span><\/h2>\n

Above all else, deliver on your promises. <\/span><\/p>\n

You can\u2019t build brand credibility based on words-only actions. Clients have high expectations. And when you commit to certain standards, they will hold you accountable.<\/span><\/p>\n

Completing your commitments is a sign of professionalism. It shows people you can be trusted.<\/span><\/p>\n

Be mindful of quality when fulfilling your clients\u2019 promises. Subpar work will only diminish your brand\u2019s value. Create a quality control checklist to ensure you\u2019re producing excellent work. <\/span><\/p>\n

Consistency is the ultimate brand-builder. Clients don\u2019t want freelancers who deliver good work sometimes. They desire individuals who will provide quality every single time.<\/span><\/p>\n

To remain consistent, never stop improving. Invest time in learning new skills, as well as honing your old ones. <\/span><\/p>\n

Daniel Bliley<\/a><\/span>, Marketing Director for Passport says, 'Branding today is as much about consistently delivering on your promise as it is about differentiation. You have to position yourself in unique ways in order to stand out from others. You have to meet all of the subconscious expectations and go beyond the mundane to truly impress.'\u009d<\/span><\/p>\n

Differentiate yourself from the competition by understanding your clients\u2019 goals. Learn the reasoning behind their projects. This will help you provide a better work product. <\/span><\/p>\n

Personal branding hinges on you delivering quality work in a consistent manner. Be prepared to make the commitment.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Create<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

2. Build a website or portfolio<\/span><\/h2>\n

Show clients who you are and what you do. Create a website<\/a> or portfolio to promote your brand. <\/span><\/p>\n

A personal website is an effective tool to give clients an inside perspective. It provides a visual representation of your brand\u2019s values and your work experience.<\/span><\/p>\n

Develop a website that will showcase your talents. Add case studies about previous clients. Mention notable awards and recognitions. And highlight how your work makes a difference. <\/span><\/p>\n

You may even want to include a blog or have prospects sign up for a newsletter. The key is to underline your strengths. Below is a website example from freelance writer Kaleigh Moore<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Personal<\/p>\n

Moreover, focus your website on how you can solve your client\u2019s problems.<\/span><\/p>\n

'Don\u2019t use your website to tell people what YOU do, use it to tell people what you can do for THEM,'\u009d writes Leah Kalamakis<\/span><\/a>, founder of The Freelance To Freedom Project.<\/span><\/p>\n

Create a website that exudes professionalism and makes a good first impression. Based on eye-tracking research<\/span><\/a> conducted at Missouri University of Science and Technology, 'when viewing a website, it takes [visitors] less than two-tenths of a second to form a first impression.'\u009d<\/span><\/p>\n

So, avoid adding a multitude of colors, splashed with various stock photos. Clients will leave and go to your competitors. <\/span><\/p>\n

Develop a website worth visiting. Give prospective clients a reason to contact you.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

3. Maintain a social media presence<\/span><\/h2>\n

We live in a tech-savvy society. And social media is helping individuals connect with people all over the world. <\/span><\/p>\n

Expand your reach. Use social media to gain more exposure<\/a> for your freelance services.<\/span><\/p>\n

'[A] big part of being recognized as a distinctive, successful brand is the ability to reach consumers through multiple channels,'\u009d says Forbes contributor Jayson DeMers<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Research where your clients hang out online. Is it Facebook? Twitter? Or, maybe Instagram? <\/span><\/p>\n

Then, start creating content on those social networks. Follow your clients\u2019 profiles. Comment on their posts. And curate helpful information under your account. <\/span><\/p>\n

Here\u2019s a tweet from freelance designer and developer Jonnie Hallman. He\u2019s announcing an update about his latest project.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u00f0\u0178\u0161\u20ac Launch Day! Introducing Retainers in @cushionapp<\/a>! https:\/\/t.co\/W7D0D1pB5f<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/hVNlF4OEYq<\/a><\/p>\n

- Jonnie Hallman (@destroytoday) June 29, 2016<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n