How to Build a Successful Personal Brand as a Freelancer

Freelancing has gained notable participation over the past few years especially due to its flexibility and the vast options it presents. By all indications, this participation will grow even further in coming years. Going by recent research by statista, the U.S. alone currently has about 64.8 millions freelancers — a number which is projected to reach 86.5 million by 2028.

This largely implies that competition within this gig economy will intensify as the years progress. The growing number of freelancers will open multiple doors of options (which may not necessarily be better ones though) to employers. Since there will be more freelancers available to take the same projects for probably less charges, inadequately established freelancers may not get enough jobs going forward. It, therefore, becomes important for freelancers to position themselves for the looming reality by implementing relevant strategies.

One way to effectively secure a profiting market share for yourself in the envisioned future of freelancing is personal branding. Personal branding isn’t so much of a new concept; you have probably heard it a hundred times. However, note that creating a personal brand is not just about you but about peoples’ perception of you.

Here are a few ways to start building a personal brand:

Create and Manage the Feel

“…people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou

Going forward, you should deliberately manage what emotions come alive in people when your name (as a brand) is mentioned. This feeling will form their perception of you.

Given you have a clientele you already service, begin from here. Ask them how they felt interacting with your ‘brand’. Then, identify and note frequently mentioned value-adds. If you do not have a clientele you already service, write out what experience you want to create for your customers.

One this is done, determine if these appeal(s) capture the whole experience you intend to create for your customers and include intended value-adds if they don’t.

Afterwards, become more deliberate in incorporating identified value-adds into your service delivery moving forward. However, ensure these appeals are really important to potential customers.

If managed well, the right perception will usually result in recurrent customers and referrals.

Carve Good Positioning Statements

Although you will earn valuable referrals from creating quality experience for your customers, you may not earn new customers directly. Hence, the need to position yourself to attract new customers.

Asides putting your brand story online, which will be discussed further on, you need to first carve your positioning statements. This essentially helps attract new customers.

Your positioning statements should confidently and succinctly communicate what customers can expect to experience from choosing to interact with your brand. And, this should be captured in your brand’s statement and story, bio as well as job portfolio.

Get the Work Done Well

There will usually be many people doing what you do but there won’t be as many doing it the way you do. Always get the job done, done well and quickly delivered.

Position Online

Digital technology has made information seeking habit easier. Your clients will usually seek information about you online even before contacting you. Hence, your information must be readily online. And, it should be effectively carved to generate conversion.

Major digital technologies you should leverage in building a personal brand include your profile on a freelancing platform, social media platforms, and a personal website.

Very importantly, integrate quality visuals into the process.

Consistently Post Valuable Content

As part of your content strategy, be sure to include content that establishes you as a thought leader in the field. Particularly if you’re focused on a niche in your field, you should publish contents (like ‘how-to’ videos) that teach other how to do what you do. This positions you as a master in that niche.

Becoming a thought leader in your field generates confidence about your ability in your potential customers.

Help, with Your Content

Solve simple problems for your customers. Research what problem(s) your potential customers typically face and develop a content strategy to address them. However, be sure those problems are not irrelevant to the service you provide.

Branded content helps you relate on a rather intimate than sales level with your clientele. It also makes customers know you’re not merely concerned about making money for yourself.

Show Your Personality

Beyond relating with a brand, people want to know the humans behind the brand. Create an avenue for your customers to relate with you beyond just business. Give them some access to you beyond business. This might just earn you the keys to their hearts forever.

Hopefully you will find this helpful in building your personal brand.