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9 min
Sitting in an office all day under fluorescent lights isn’t really everyone’s – or anyone’s – cup of tea. If the thought of going into an office and doing the same thing day in and day out bores you, then this article is for you.
Jobs are pretty readily available everywhere nowadays. However, if you are looking for some flexibility and freedom to work on your terms and in your time frame, you might want to consider digital marketing freelancing.
Freelancing is the opportunity for a lifestyle that offers freedom, flexibility, and unlimited potential. If you’re passionate about marketing and dream of being your own boss, becoming a digital marketing freelancer might be the perfect fit for you.
In this step-by-step guide, we’ll explore how to become an awesome digital marketing freelancer and start living your best life today.
Alt text: A funny meme about freelancing vs. office jobs. Source
It’s understandable to be a little nervous about taking the plunge into the freelancing life. However, look at these statistics, and you might just change your mind.
Did you know…
Did any of those surprise you? Hopefully, they have motivated you to go for the freelancing life.
Let’s learn how!
The digital marketing landscape is infinite, so the first step is to find your niche. Ask yourself: What aspect of digital marketing are you most passionate about? Do you excel at social media marketing, SEO, content marketing, email marketing, or paid advertising? Your niche will define your expertise and target clientele.
Remember that the key to success as a digital marketing freelancer is to choose a niche that aligns with your skills, interests, and the demand in the market. As you gain experience and build your reputation, you can expand your services or target multiple niches if desired.
Alt text: Statistics on freelancing Source
Here are some different niche areas you can consider for digital marketing freelancers:
Specialize in optimizing websites to improve their search engine rankings. SEO freelancers can work on anything from keyword research, on-page and off-page optimization, to monitoring website performance.
If you’re looking for a SEO niche to really take off, follow Law Rank’s example. The brand shares free guides on Google ranking factors but uses this as an opportunity to reel clients in for their SEO services. It is certainly a win-win situation for all and something to take note of, strategy-wise.
Content marketing is all about creating and sharing content that people genuinely love and find valuable. It’s the art of standing out by being helpful, entertaining, and informative.
As a freelancer, you can focus on creating and promoting high-quality content, including blog posts, articles, videos, and infographics. Content marketing freelancers often develop content and email marketing strategies and help clients engage their target audience.
Become a social media expert in managing and growing social media profiles. This can include creating content, running paid ad campaigns, and analyzing social media metrics. This avenue is quite popular in 2023, with more than 27,243 social media managers, plus those working under them, currently employed in the United States.
Alt text: Statistics on daily time spent with media. Source
Master the art of managing paid advertising campaigns, such as Google Ads or Facebook Ads. PPC freelancers help clients optimize ad spend and achieve specific goals, like lead generation or e-commerce sales.
This option is especially effective for those who wish to track their marketing spending down to the penny.
Specialize in setting up and managing affiliate marketing programs. You may have seen this in action with social media influencers who always have affiliate links to their products. As a freelancer, you can help businesses partner with affiliates to drive sales and leads.
Work on influencer collaborations and partnerships. Freelancers in this niche help clients identify and connect with relevant influencers in their industry. This will help boost their engagement and following and reach new levels of marketing success.
Become an expert in creating and promoting video content. With 91% of businesses using video as a marketing tool, chances are that businesses are in high need of some help with video.
Video marketing freelancers can help clients with YouTube channel management, video SEO, and video ad campaigns on a wide array of social media platforms.
Once you’ve chosen your niche, it’s time to build your skills. Invest in courses, certifications, and workshops to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices.
Being an expert in your niche will make you more attractive to potential clients.
A strong online presence is vital for attracting clients. Create a professional website that showcases your skills, experience, and portfolio.
Use social media platforms to share your knowledge and engage with your target audience. Consider using QR codes to link potential clients to your brand. To make things easier, consider using a QR code generator to add a QR code on flyers and graphics so prospects can log in. In some cases, social media sites have even started to let users log in that way and have seen quite the success.
Alt text: A screenshot of TikTok login with a QR code. Source
Building your personal brand and linking prospects to it is key to success in the digital marketing freelance world.
Networking is a crucial aspect of freelancing. Attend industry events, join relevant online communities, and connect with fellow freelancers and potential clients.
Word of mouth still stands strong as an effective marketing method. Building a strong network can lead to referrals and collaborations, helping you grow your freelance business.
Fact: people want to see what you have to offer. As a digital marketing freelancer, your portfolio is your calling card.
Create case studies that showcase your past work and results. Make sure to highlight your niche expertise and your positive impact on clients’ businesses.
Setting your rates can definitely be one of the most nerve-wracking parts of becoming a freelancer. Pricing can sometimes be tricky.
Be sure to research the market rates in your niche and set competitive prices. Remember that your rates should reflect your expertise and the value you provide to clients.
Be transparent about your pricing on your website to avoid any misunderstandings.
Alt text: Statistics on freelancers. Source
As icky as it sounds, freelancing involves managing your finances and legal matters. Consult a lawyer, insurance agent, and accountant to set up your business structure, handle taxes, insurance, and create contracts for your clients.
Be sure to find a law firm that specializes in your niche and is easily accessible.
Being organized in these areas will protect both you and your clients.
Now is the time to shout your digital freelance business from the rooftops. Use your digital marketing skills to market yourself effectively.
Create a content marketing strategy to regularly publish valuable content that showcases your expertise.
Use paid advertising, email marketing, and SEO to reach a wider audience and attract potential clients.
Building strong relationships with clients is key to long-term success. Communicate effectively, meet deadlines, and exceed expectations.
Alt text: A screenshot of Content Snare’s send request feature. Source
Have easy ways to give and request files from your clients. Make the process as seamless and easy as possible. Happy clients are more likely to provide referrals and become repeat customers.
Digital marketing is a rapidly evolving field, so never stop learning. Prospects and customers want to know that they have a highly qualified digital marketing freelancing working on their projects.
Stay updated on industry trends, new tools, and technologies. Get as many classes and digital marketing certifications as you can. Do anything and everything you can do to ascertain your subject matter authority and let your clients rest assured that you will produce high-quality work.
Investing in your knowledge will keep you competitive and allow you to offer the best solutions to your clients.
Becoming an awesome digital marketing freelancer is a journey that requires dedication, continuous learning, and a passion for the digital world. With a lot of dedication and a zest of passion, you can certainly succeed in the world of digital marketing freelancing.
By following these 10 steps and staying committed to your craft, you can create a thriving freelance career that offers both personal and professional fulfillment.
Embrace the freedom and creativity freelancing offers, work from home, the beach, or even another country. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to becoming an awesome digital marketing freelancer.
Author: Freya Laskowski
Freya is an SEO consultant who helps brands scale their organic traffic with content creation and distribution. She is a quoted contributor in several online publications, including Business Insider, Fox Business, Yahoo Finance, and the Huffington Post. She also owns CollectingCents- a personal finance blog that she grew from the ground up.
