If you’ve done any research, you’re aware that there are THOUSANDS of creative freelancers available. Actually, there are so many that it’s tough to stand out as a freelance. Well, guess what? It is possible!
Let’s face it, there is an excess of advice available to creative freelancers on how to distinguish their freelance businesses. Some of it is excellent advice, while others are wishy-washy.
It’s exceedingly difficult to stand out as a freelancer in today’s world, simply because the competition is so intense.
Everyone and his mother appears to be venturing out on their own, and the industry appears to be saturated on the surface.
While this is not true and there is enough of a job available if you know where to look, it can still be pretty daunting when you’re about to walk through the door further into the self-employed world.
While standing out can be challenging, it is crucial and, more importantly, totally doable.
It is not some mysterious unicorn frolicking beneath the rainbow near the pot of gold.
It is, in fact, something that can be practiced endlessly until it becomes part of the routine. Who knows, perhaps you’re already doing a few of these things, or perhaps you just need a little encouragement.
I’m here to provide you with that gentle nudge. You’ve got this!
💻 5 Strategies for Standing Out in a Sea of Freelancers and Landing Work
1. Make an Impressive Resume
A strong resume can help you stand out among other freelancers no matter what profession you’re in.
There are too many freelancers that ignore their resumes in favor of portfolios when looking for new clients.
Most clients, however, would need you to provide a resume, so make sure yours is professional, thorough, and up-to-date.
Make the effort to produce a memorable resume before applying for a job.
However little professional experience you may have, you may still illustrate how you can assist a potential client in solving their most pressing problems by emphasizing your hard, soft, and transferrable abilities.
2. Be Serious About Your Cover Letter
Cover letters provide you the chance to show off your credentials and explain why you’d be a suitable fit for the company’s needs even more thoroughly.
Unfortunately, if a freelancer submits a cover letter at all, it’s usually a generic one.
By putting in the effort to craft an effective cover letter, you demonstrate to prospective clients that you aren’t like the other freelancers who choose to neglect the cover letter requirement.
Instead, you’re among the selected number of independent contractors who take the cover letter seriously.
A template can help you organize a cover letter, but the information you provide in it should be specific to the role and client for which you are writing it.
3. Expand Your Skill Set
It takes a lot of work to keep up with the ever-changing skillsets in demand.
For many freelancers, running a business takes up all of their energy, so they put off learning new skills until much later since they simply don’t have the time.
People who prioritize honing their skills, however, stand out from the crowd.
Maintaining your relevance in this increasingly digital world involves keeping up with the latest events, learning a new language, or learning new tech or social media skills.
Make sure you’re taking advantage of upskilling programs.
Increasing your skill set can lead to a thriving freelancing career, resulting in impressive work samples, amazing testimonials, and a growing body of knowledge.
All three of these aspects of your business can and should be displayed in a well-rounded online presence.
4. Establish Your Branding in the Digital World
There are many freelancers in the digital world.
Prospective clients will have a difficult time finding you if you don’t establish yourself as a freelancer and stand out from the rest of the market.
Contrary to popular belief, most freelancers haven’t given any effort to building their freelancer branding or online presence.
Set yourself apart from other freelancers in your field by creating a professional website where you can display your work, tell people about yourself as an individual and a freelancer, and describe the services you provide.
After that, you may take your website to the next level by starting a blog to establish yourself as an industry authority.
Increase the size of your digital platform through social media networking with other professionals in your field and by sharing your freelancing experiences.
You could also consider expanding your freelancer brand physically.
5. Consider Relocating to a Location That Attracts Your Ideal Clients
Many of your tasks as a freelancer will be performed from a distance, and you may never see some of your clients face to face.
While many of your clients may be fine with you working remotely, others may want to meet you as often as possible.
If your ideal customers are those that enjoy face-to-face encounters, you may want to consider moving closer to them.
Even if they’re currently working with a remote freelancer, they’re still most likely looking for someone close by. Being that one gives you a unique opportunity to stand out from the crowd.
📌 Bottom Line
Standing out as a freelancer requires you to be consistent while displaying some creativity in your strategy.
Make an exceptional resume no matter what business or niche you’re in. When contacting potential customers, be sure to use formal letterhead and a well-written cover letter.
To be more valuable, expand your skillset on purpose. The best way to market yourself as a freelancer is to have a website that showcases what you do and how well you do it.
Finally, if you really want to stand out, you might consider moving to the area where your target customers are.
❓ You Might Ask
1. How much should freelancers charge per hour?
As a starting point, you could need to charge $20 per hour. Your rate will go up without any pushback after two to three years of experience. According to the Editorial Freelancers Association, seasoned writers can expect to get paid $30 to $100 per hour.
2. What does it mean when someone works freelance?
An independent contractor, often known as a freelancer, is someone who works for themselves and is paid on a project or task-by-project basis. This type of work is usually temporary in nature. When you freelancing, you get to work at home, have flexible work hours, and have more time for your family.
3. Can you survive as a freelancer?
It’s not enough for freelancers to be diligent and resourceful to be successful. They’re adaptable and strong, too. If you’re flexible, you’ll do well in this demanding profession.
