As a freelancer, it’s super important that you stand out from other independent workers when trying to land jobs on freelance websites. But where do you start? How can you embody all of your amazing experience effectively? And what may potentially turn off future clients?
Setting yourself apart from hundreds of other qualified applicants can seem like an impossible feat, but don’t get discouraged! Below, we’ve outlined ten ways to stand out from the crowd and get one step closer to closing a new client in your freelance business.
1. Clearly Identify What Makes You Stand Apart
First, think about of all your past employment experience, as both a freelancer and an employee. The great news is that the likelihood of someone else having your exact job experience is incredibly slim, so you’re off to a great start!
Next, within each past job you’ve held, think about what you did really well in the position. Were you awesome at mastering a British-esque voice for your international client’s blog? Or perhaps you had an uncanny ability to ghostwrite like the tech startup CEO, with all the requisite tech jargon and in the voice of super heroes like Steve Jobs or Elon Musk?
Whatever it is that you excelled at in each position, be sure to highlight that in your freelance website profile and pitch. The more unique the strength, the better!
2. Cut the Fluff and Use Human Speak
Remember that whoever is looking to hire a freelancer is going to be potentially looking through tons of resumes and pitches on a freelance website. The clearer you can be about your job experience, strengths and expertise, the better. But cut the BS!
Potential clients want to know who you are and what you do, it’s as simple as that.
Saying “helping businesses streamline their processes and communications via implementation of internal project management processes and tools” doesn’t tell people what you actually did and how it affected the company’s bottom line.
However, “helping companies slash overhead costs by 10% and increase employee productivity thereby increasing sales by 10% in 3 months” is a lot clearer.
3. Don’t Be Afraid to Toot Your Own Horn
This tip is really simple, but also very important.
It can feel a little awkward to brag about our accomplishments, especially to complete strangers.
However, the more ways you can communicate your worth to potential clients, the more likely you’ll stand out in a sea of headshots and 200-character profiles on that freelance websites.
Own your incredible accomplishments with pride! Chances are, in every part-time, full-time or freelance job you’ve had, you left some positive mark on the role and your client’s business. Don’t be afraid to be your own hype.
4. Research Other People’s Profiles and Learn from Them
As you’re putting together your profile on one or several (hey – don’t be afraid to get out there) freelance websites, scope out what other people included in theirs – especially those people who are rockstars in your industry and/or are getting the types of jobs you want.
This is an easy way to get ideas on which information you’ll want to include. Just be sure to make it your own. You can also begin to get a feel for what you don’t want to include and what to be sure not to do.
For example, if you’re researching other freelancer’s profiles and come across several grammatical errors and typos, it serves as a great reminder to triple check your own profile before setting it live.
5. Treat Your Profile as an Extension of Your Brand
As an independent contractor, your online brand online is vital. It’s the face of your company!
So, be sure to treat any profile, resume or job proposal with the utmost importance. These things should all act as an extension of your brand and a way to showcase who you are.
Here are some things to keep in mind, when applicable:
- Try to use the same profile photo, or one that’s similar in style and feel, on both your professional website(s) and freelance website profiles.
- Stick to your company’s branding, font and website colors whenever possible.
- Don’t be afraid to be include links to your other professional websites, online profiles and portfolios.
6. Think Outside of the (Boring) Box with Formatting
Just because you’re confined to the restraints of a freelance job portal’s profile, doesn’t mean your information has to be boring or overly simple.
Try to think of ways that your info can be interesting without appearing too busy.
This may include using bullet points for certain areas or including a ‘top 5’ list for something like your ‘Top 5 Professional Strengths’ or ‘Top Client Results.’ Remember, professional doesn’t have to mean stale… get unique!
7. Leverage Your Strong Endorsements and Recommendations
As a freelancer, one of the biggest ways we often get new clients is by recommendations from others.
Whether they’re from your family members, friends or professional acquaintances, endorsements can be a powerful way to let people know you’re awesome at your job. Some freelance websites have their own way of showing client reviews, but you should be sure to include at least one strong professional recommendation in your own profile.
PS: If you’re not currently soliciting your clients for professional recommendations, it’s time to start doing so as soon as possible! These are great for your own freelance website and portfolio. Plus, it gives you the opportunity to touch base with your clients and make sure they are happy with your services.
8. Include Numbers and Metrics Where Applicable
It’s no secret that metrics are often important to business owners when hiring via a freelance website. Especially relevant for consultants, marketing experts or PPC gurus, including statistics and impressive metrics shows business owners that a company’s success (i.e. sales, profitability, etc.) is important to you.
Here are a few metrics to consider including in your job profile, if applicable:
- Increase in sales volume while you were working with the client or company.
- Increase in social media numbers such as likes, reach and engagement.
- Change in the client’s overall profitability.
- Saved funds or decreased overall budget.
- Increase in number of new staff members.
9. Address What Clients Want to Know Most
It’s important to put yourself in the shoes of your potential client. What are they really looking for in a contract worker?
If you’re new to freelancing, or you’re simply not sure, explore our blog on five traits you need to succeed as a Digital Nomad to get started. Chances are, a potential client wants to know about:
1). Your past experience freelancing (number of years, number of clients, types of industries you’ve worked with),
2). Your professional strengths (which may include time management and quick response time) and
3). Your capacity and/or availability (are you free for only 5 hours a month, or 40?)
10. Play Up Your Strongest Personality Strengths
Don’t be scared to let your personality shine in your freelance website profile!
Think about what excites you or makes you tick, and then form those into professional positives.
For example, are you really outgoing? Then you’re probably a great communicator. Are you a fantastic traveler? Let people know you’re available for in-person meetings when needed. Do you enjoy meeting new people? Include the fact that you’re a team player and work well with others in your job profile.
When you are a solopreneur or freelancer, you want to attract the clients and people that share your ideals, work philosophy and business goals. Being upfront with these traits will help you stand out as an individual and find clients that are interested in lasting (profitable) relationships.
Freelancing allows you to be innovative, create work that you love and work in the way that you prefer. In fact, nearly 9 in 10 independent workers would keep freelancing even if they were offered a full-time job, according to the Freelancers Union.
You likely want to keep doing what you’re doing, so it’s important to help yourself stand out on freelance websites and nab your next gig more easily. Explore the ten helpful tips above to begin booking more clients and building your freelance business.
