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Going the freelance route in relation to a career is a step filled with uncertainties, especially in relation to consistent paydays. That being said, there’s definitely a sense of reward from being your own boss, a considerable amount, in fact, if you’re a successful freelancer. With that in mind, staying in tune with the various methods of self-promotion — a requirement in today’s highly competitive age — is a crucial element some may overlook or discount.

Because today’s tools for self-promotion include extensive use of Twitter and Facebook — it’s hard to build a reliable word-of-mouth campaign without these platforms — is practically a requirement. Yes, the signal-to-noise ratio with both of these services is a concern, but then again, if you’re associating with like-minded individuals, the signal reception will improve.

Over at the Freelance Folder blog, Laura Spencer introduces five tips any freelancer involved with social media should consider. While these techniques may be basic in their approach, the value of following them will be shown as your social media footprint improves.

The tips in question:

1. An Image. Although studies show that most people react most favorably to personal photographs, it’s also acceptable to use a logo or design. Whatever you do, don’t set up a social media profile and leave the default image in place. Using the default image for your social media profile shows that you’re uncomfortable online or even worse, a spammer.
2. A description of your freelancing business. Your social media contacts shouldn’t have to guess what type of business you are in. It’s okay to include some personal information in your profile as well (after all, these sites are meant to be social), but don’t exclude your professional information.
3. A link to your site. All freelancers should maintain a blog and/or a professional portfolio and naturally, your profile should link to them. This lets prospective clients find more information about your business easily.
4. A way to contact you. Whether it be through direct message, or an email address, prospective clients need a way to communicate directly with you. Be sure to include contact information in your social media profile and keep that information up to date.
5. Some activity. This element is last, but not least. Your social media profile is most valuable and most effective when you are actively participating. A social media profile that sits dormant for months is unlikely to yield any professional contacts.

Spencer also warns against being a spammer, which is valuable advice in its own right. You could be capable of producing some of the best freelance work around, but if you are overbearing in your approach, that is, mass use of unsolicited messages to potential clients, or even previous ones, it will only damage your reputation.

Be thorough, but not overbearing. While that may seem elementary in its explanation, there is definitely a difference between the two. Creating a successful social media profile isn’t hard, per se, but it does take work, and it takes the recognition of being able to separate an overzealous approach and an aggressive one.

This entry was posted on Friday, October 14th, 2011 at 3:26 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

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