For your offline freelance marketing, remember that you may be asked to submit documentation in relation to your services. Do not be intimidated, although initially when you are new, it may happen, do not show it ever. Be professional to the core.
Do your homework before meeting a prospective client. Get as much information about them as you possibly can. Proper preparation and presentation is the key. Write down the information about what you want the client to know about you and why they should use your services. What is different about you? Do you think just telling them that you are going to do a great job is going to help? NO. Ask questions about their needs and get them to ask you the right questions. Definitely takes some smartness. Use the word ‘help’, whether online or offline. Make them feel that you are willing to help them and once they understand that, then get the ball rolling.
Whatever method you choose to use, the first and foremost marketing technique that will land you projects is to be able to differentiate yourself from competition. Your clients should begin to see you as their preferred choice. Remember, it’s never about what you do, it’s always about what you do different that sets you apart from your competition.
Work on writing the greatest copy so that your message gets into the minds of your prospective clients.
If you do not taste success in the beginning, persist, and persistence pays off. If you give up, you would never know what could have been. Let your services speak of you, let them bring forth your personality. Aping will not get you anywhere and clients cannot associate you with a particular style.
Focus remains the one most crucial aspect that will take you to great heights in your freelancing career. You have to market in such a way that your clients understand they are going to save money and get quality by hiring your services.
Important aspects of marketing are public relations, direct mail, newsletters, discounts, sponsorship, word of mouth and other tactics of communication.
Have a vision and a goal and center your marketing around that. Do not go in a hundred different directions and confusing yourself as well as others.
Once you ensure you have a proper plan on what you are going to be marketing and how you are going about it, and what benefits you are showing your prospective clients, it will be extremely effortless to sell yourself and in turn your services, because people will understand your message loud and clear.
Finally, remember that your reputation is your best marketing manager. Good reputation stands the test of time. You may come across erratic and unreasonable clients, but it is up to you to maintain your calm and take it in your stride. Establish trust in your prospect’s mind and you are halfway inside the door. The more people trust you, the more popular you become and offers will come to you knocking at your door.
Freelancing is all about attracting more business with very less effort.
Click here to read part 1 of this article.
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