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Valuable Tips for Marketing Your Freelance Design Business

When you’re working as a freelancer you know that the clients and projects rarely come by themselves. You have to work for them. In a market with competing designers all over the globe, it’s important to use your creativity and skills to land deals with as many potential clients as possible.

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In this article I’ve listed 10 tips that should help you get closer to make a living as a freelance designer. I’m aware that not necessarily all these tips will fit everyone, but use your imagination and try to fit them to your business. Maybe these tips can also inspire you to come up with some tips of your own as well!

I’m not reinventing the wheel with this list, rather trying to make a good guide on things to remember.

SPEND TIME/MONEY ON YOUR WEBSITE

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A website can (almost) market itself once you’ve made a good one. Take the time needed to get a unique website that’s easy to navigate through. This can in many cases be new clients first meeting with your business, don’t forget that!
If you have a look into SEO and also include a blog and portfolio, your website can be quite attractive. Make sure to have contact info easily available and show flexibility from the first minute.

PREPARE A GOOD PORTFOLIO

A good portfolio can make or break a deal. Spend enough time making a portfolio that shows the versatility and best quality of your previous work. Check out my previous article on how to make a good portfolio here: Making A Great Portfolio – Best Tips and Tutorials. The reasons for having a good portfolio are many, and it’s a great way of marketing yourself. Include a link to the online version on your business-cards and in emails. Mention it to potential clients you chat to, invite them to go check out your portfolio. If it’s strong and shows your best work, it can be what tips the client your way

CREATE A GOOD LOGO

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Your logo will be a big part of your face towards the rest of the world. This means that you shouldn’t underestimate it. Make sure to spend enough time and/or money on your logo for it to be done properly. A good logo helps you look professional.

USE YOUR LOGO

No use making an awesome logo unless you actually use it. Insert it into your email signature, make business-cards, have it visible on your website and maybe even get a t-shirt or two. Be creative. You market yourself if you go to the grocery store wearing a t-shirt with the address of your website on it. Many smaller things can make a huge difference.

BE PRESENT IN SOCIAL MEDIA

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The way things are today, it’s extremely important to be present in social media. This way you can get in touch with new contacts, clients and so on. Twitter is a must have and there are many, many more alternatives out there. Just make sure to don’t pick too many to be able to be properly present. Read up on news related to your field, look for like-minded to share experiences with, advertise your website and give special offers. Marketing yourself through social media has endless possibilities. But make sure to never spam. It’s a thin line, so think through how you act.

BE PREPARED TO SPEND MONEY ON MARKETING

When you’re running a business you have to realize that you usually have to spend some money to make money. If you’re smart and creative you can do a whole lot of good marketing through word of mouth, social media, attending events and such. Even though you use these things you will most likely have to pay for advertising at some point to get your brand out there. There are many possible ways of doing so, like for example Google AdWords. It doesn’t necessarily have to be very expensive either. Just spend some time reading up on your options, and maybe you have some friends in the business that can share their experiences as well.

ALWAYS BE POLITE, HUMBLE AND FLEXIBLE

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By always trying to hold on to these abilities, you will stand out. People will tell others about the great service you give and you will get great “word of mouth”- marketing. This is very valuable and usually weighs heavier than paid marketing. Not only can you gain new clients through a good reputation but it also helps you keep the clients you already have.

DARE TO BE DIFFERENT

Use your creativity in order to get your name out there. There are hundreds and thousands of other creatives out there, just like you. You have to dare to stand out to make people remember you. Use your creativity to come up with special offers and make a personal style. Don’t be afraid of finding new and different ways to market yourself. This can be anything from giving out flyers to doing unusual things like sending potential clients candy wrapped in paper with your logo on. Some things may sound a bit odd, but to be remembered and noticed you need to think different.

ENGAGE IN COMMUNITIES AND CONTESTS

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Being active in social media, like I’ve just mentioned, is a must. Remember that there are also many creative communities where you can display your work through galleries and contests. These often get noticed by many, and even if you don’t necessarily get a new client from this right away, it’s a great way to get new contacts and expand your portfolio.

NETWORK OFFLINE

Last but not least it’s important to remember to also network offline. This can be taking part in local business pools, contacting possible clients in your local area and making sure you are visible where you live. Make sure your friends and family know what you do and can help spread the word as well!

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These were my tips on what you should remember when it comes to marketing your freelance business. Depending on the resources you have available you can customize the marketing to fit the services and products you are trying to sell.
Good luck!

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