Strategies to Start Selling Your Skills as a Freelancer

 

In today's highly competitive job market, freelancing has become a popular choice for professionals; whether seeking for flexibility, autonomy, or opportunity to monetize their unique skills. 

After six months back in freelancing, I have a hindsight that there is significant rise in competition. You can see at some platforms like Upwork and Fiverr that freelancers offer their services at very low prices to attract clients. While this might work for immediate projects, it's important to remember the long-term impact. Undervaluing your skills can be detrimental to your sustainable growth and financial well-being.

While competition exists, I believe there are always ways to showcase our unique value and attract clients seeking high-quality work. So, the key question becomes: how can I effectively sell my skills and stand out in this marketplace? 

A couple days ago, I tried to ask “YouTube” about how to start freelancing services in 2024. I found there are two main paths, those are, build their brand through content and social media, or directly connect with clients through cold emails and sales calls. Both options empower you to actively market your skills and find the right clients.

As we all know, content creation and personal branding can help us show our expertise by creating engaging content, building a personal brand, and providing thought leadership that resonates with target audiences. By doing so, we can position ourselves as authorities in our respective fields, attracting clients who value our knowledge and skills.

Another uncommon strategy for freelancers is cold emailing and sales calls. It involves a more proactive approach by reaching out directly to potential clients and initiating conversations. However, you need to carefully research and target specific companies or individuals to send your offer. This method requires strategic planning, effective communication skills, and a tenacious attitude to navigate potential rejections and turn them into opportunities.

Ideas on how to start selling your skills as a freelancer 

In an effort to understand the advantages and disadvantages of both methods, I compared the two approaches mentioned above. 

Content Creation & Personal Branding 

There are so many posts at LinkedIn suggesting this strategy to land a job or freelance opportunity. Content creation and personal branding can help you to: 

1. Attracting clients naturally through valuable content: On one of YouTube videos, Ali Abdal said, social media is the best way to showcase your expertises, knowledge and skills. You can organically attract clients by creating informative blog posts, engaging videos, insightful podcasts, or educational online courses. 
2. Building trust and authority in your field: Content creation and personal branding allows you to establish a trusted authority in your industry. When potential clients recognize you as knowledgeable and reliable, they are more likely to choose your services over others. With the benefit of hindsight, I realize how this method helped me land numerous clients when I first started freelancing. 
3. Establishing long-term relationships with potential clients: Through content creation, you can cultivate a loyal community of potential clients who are more inclined to work with you in the long run. 

Below are some methods I collected on how to effectively implement content creation and personal branding to start selling your skills. 

1. Social media: Turn social media into a client magnet! You can attract your ideal clients and establish yourself as an expert in your field. For example, on LinkedIn, showcase your professional expertise with insightful articles and industry analyses. 

Share behind-the-scenes glimpses of your work on Instagram Stories. Inspire viewers with client success stories on TikTok. And use YouTube to delve deeper with educational tutorials and case studies. However, content creation is a time-consuming work, thus focusing your efforts on the platform(s) where your ideal clients are most likely to be active. 

2. Blogging and content writing: Maintain a blog or contribute guest posts to reputable websites in your niche. This allows you to showcase your expertise, share valuable insights, and drive traffic to your website or portfolio. 

3. Podcasts and online courses: Hosting a podcast or creating online courses allows you to share your knowledge in a more interactive and in-depth manner. This not only positions you as an expert but also opens up opportunities for collaborations and partnerships. 

When creating content, keep these tips in mind: 

• Be true to yourself and maintain your brand voice while maintaining a consistent posting schedule - Address the pain points of your target audience and offer practical solutions 
• Foster deep connections by sharing personal stories and experiences 
• Offer free consultations or resources, ie. e-book, consultations,or other valuable resources 

Cold emailing and sales calls

While it is not a common strategy, it allows you to take more control of your offer and clients. But, in my opinion, there are two benefits of adopting this approach: 

1. Targeted outreach to specific clients: Cold emailing and sales calls allow you to identify and target specific clients or companies that align with your skills and expertise. 

2. Potential for high-value clients and quick leads: By directly reaching out to potential clients, you have the opportunity to secure high-value projects and quick leads. This method bypasses the competition and allows you to make a direct impact on decision-makers. 

To successfully implement cold emailing and sales calls, consider the following strategies: 

1. Researching and targeting the right audience: Before sending a cold email, conduct thorough research to identify potential clients who can benefit from your services. Understand their needs, challenges, and goals to tailor your approach accordingly. 
2. Craft a concise and compelling subject line that entices them to open the email. In the introduction, personalize your message and clearly communicate the value you can bring to their business. 
3. Focus on providing value in your cold emails. Highlight specific ways in which your skills can solve their problems or enhance their operations. Avoid generic, spammy tactics that may turn off potential clients. 
4. Personalization is key to increasing response rates. Address the recipient by name, reference their company or recent achievements, and tailor the content of your email to their specific needs. 

 As a freelancer, preparing for client calls can make a big difference. Here are some helpful tips. 

• Craft a persuasive sales script that clearly communicates your unique value proposition. Outline the benefits and outcomes your clients can expect by working with you. 
• Ask insightful questions to understand client needs: Engage in active listening and ask thoughtful questions to uncover the client's pain points, goals, and expectations. This demonstrates your genuine interest in their business and allows you to tailor your pitch accordingly. 
• Be prepared to discuss your pricing structure and confidently state your rates. Anticipate potential objections and have well-prepared responses to address them. 

While cold emailing and sales calls might seem daunting, consider the long-term benefits. Not only can you connect with potential clients directly, but you'll also master persuasive email marketing, a valuable skill in today's market. 

If it feels overwhelming, start small! Focus on a few targeted emails each week alongside your daily tasks. Consistency is key to unlocking the full potential of this strategy.