What are some effective ways to build credibility as a freelancer?
Note: These answers are meant to be short / simplified, just to give you a basic idea. In reality, there’s a lot more to cover about these topics.
So you want to know how to build credibility as a freelancer? Here are some tips that will make you the talk of the town:
Establish your brand: You need to have a brand identity that’s as strong as your morning coffee. Get yourself a professional website, social media presence, and business cards. And don’t forget to add some pizzazz to your portfolio of work.
Identify your niche: You need to be the Beyoncé of your field. Identify your niche and let everyone know that you’re the expert in that area. You’ll be turning heads in no time. As stated in another question, it’s entirely possible to be a jack of all trades, but you’ll be much stronger by providing a laser-focused service.
Network with other freelancers: You need to be the life of the party! Join online communities, attend industry events, or even collaborate on projects with other freelancers. Who knows? You might even make some new friends.
Provide high-quality work: Not to sound like Captain Obvious, but always over-deliver or at least surpass others in your field. Exceed client expectations whenever possible, your clients will be singing your praises in no time.
Get testimonials and reviews: Ask clients for feedback after completing a project or include testimonials on your website. The more positive reviews you have, the more clients you’ll attract.
Stay up-to-date with industry trends: Stay ahead of the competition by staying up-to-date with industry trends and best practices. If there’s a new technology you despise, or anything clients are starting to love, go ahead and embrace it. This is why many people are using AI with success instead of pretending the whole thing is useless.
Now go out there and show them what you’re made of.