Why and how to build your credibility as a freelancer?

Are you struggling to find new freelance gigs and stand out from the competition? With the rise of independent workers, freelancing is a booming gig. But as with any career, it also comes with its own set of challenges. 

If you’re new to being a freelancer, it can be tricky to get started and build a strong business. You may find it hard to land gigs, or even if you do, there might be scepticism about your abilities. If you’re already freelancing and are looking for ways to grow your business further, you might feel stuck in terms of how best to make that happen.

Even if you have been freelancing for some time now and are at ease with how things are going, maybe it's time to take things up a notch!  Whatever your current place as a freelancer, read on for some advice on how to build your credibility and advance your career even further:

Why is Credibility Important?

If you’re just starting out as a freelancer or trying to take your freelancing career to the next level, building your credibility can help you increase your hourly rate, land better gigs, and get more referrals. 

You have to prove to your high-paying clients that you can do what you say you can do. And to do that, you need experience, expertise, and the right tools. Regardless of the ups and downs in your career, building your cred as a freelancer will help you make more money and have a more rewarding career.

‍

Build Your Freelancing Brand:

Freelancers are often referred to as "solopreneurs," -- but businesses are brands, too. And just like a company needs a brand, so do you. Your brand is how you communicate who you are to the world through your website, social media, and more. If you haven’t already tried, now may be a good time to look at your branding. Here are a few quick tips: 

Define Your Brand - Decide what you want your freelancing brand to be and how you want to be perceived.

‍Choose a Wise Name - Your name is the first thing people see; it can either draw people in or push them away.

‍Set up a Website - Your website is your online home, where people can learn about you and your services. 

‍Create Social Media Profiles - Social media is a great way to network and get your name out there. 

‍Write Blog Posts - Writing blog posts about your freelance experiences and knowledge can help bring clients to you.

‍

Networking and Self-Promotion:

Networking is one of the best and most important ways to grow your freelance business. By networking, you can find potential clients and new friends and colleagues who can offer you advice and help you grow as a freelancer. 

-Network with people who are either in your industry or related to it -- they can be a good source of referrals and new business. 

-Join networking groups on websites like LinkedIn and start interacting with others in your field. 

-Stay active on social media and use it to network with people. You can join groups and speak out about your field -- but be careful not to come across as spammy.

-Find a mentor that can be a source of advice and help as you grow your business and navigate your path as a freelancer.

Testimonials:

A testimonial is a brief written endorsement of your product or service from an existing customer or someone who has benefitted from your work. When you post positive work shoutouts, clients are likely to want those results for their businesses as well. 

Having a strong testimonial section on your website is important, but not just any testimonials will do. Testimonials should be relevant to your target audience, honest, and, most importantly, authentic. 

When someone sees that you’re offering real value, they’re more likely to hire you or discuss potential opportunities. It’s not just about having those testimonials; it’s about having them in the right places, at the right time, and for the right reasons.

‍

Final Thoughts

Remember that you’ll have to market yourself as a freelancer if you want to grow your business. You might be worried that this will appear unprofessional and give potential clients the impression that you can’t be trusted. But with the right approach, marketing yourself in a positive light can lead to more trust among your potential clients and make you appear more credible. 

Building trust is crucial in any business situation, especially when working remotely as a freelancer. Marketing yourself effectively will help you gain new clients and continue relationships with existing ones. These tips will help you build your credibility and increase your freelance earnings.

‍