There’s a survey that’s been circulating around Facebook that states most freelance writers only earn $10,000 a year. They say it’s because there isn’t enough work, but I’m willing to bet it’s because they can’t close freelance clients.
Additionally, the same survey states that the top tier earners are only earning around $40,000. Most of my colleagues and I earn far more than that as writers and bloggers. Upon further investigation, I realized it’s because we have recognizable brands.
The truth is having a solid brand will inevitably help you close freelance clients more easily. In this article, I’m explaining how.
You’ve already established yourself as an expert.
Most of the freelancers I know who are making money are an expert in something. Usually, that “something” is a topic like health, relationships, finances, etc.
So how do you actually establish yourself as an expert in your field? In the online world, it’s by putting content out there all the time. This helps show that you know what you’re talking about. It also increases your visibility and your chances of making money.
Once you become a go-to person in your field, it becomes easier to close freelance clients. If prospects are already familiar with you, it’s easier to get paid.
You have a following.
When you build a recognizable brand, you inevitably start to build a following online. While this is certainly not a pre-requisite to closing freelance clients, it does help.
Think about it. If you’re already known and have social media followers, it makes them look good to hire you. There’s also probably a hope that you will share the content you write for them with your audience.
(Note: I’ve learned from designer and photographer friends that it’s a little different in their fields. Make sure to double check with your client to see if you can share the work you’ve done for them on social channels.)
So if you haven’t considered building a social media following around your area of expertise, get on it. Aside from helping you close freelance clients, it’s also a goldmine for business ideas.
It helps you grow your network.
I’m pretty sure that part of the reason I’m able to easily close freelance clients is because I know a lot of experts I can quote. In the world of writing, that’s a pretty big deal.
I got to know these experts through the process of building my own brand. Many of them already followed my work before I ever actually met them. Or, in many cases, I was fans of their work for years before I started reaching out for quotes.
Even if you’re not a writer, knowing influential people can help you close freelance clients. There have been many times in my career when I’ve been referred for a gig through my network. The same can be true for you.
Final Thoughts
In the age of internet, it’s not enough to just have a skill if you want to close freelance clients. You also need to have a brand to back up the skills you possess.
