This might seem obvious but it’s important: no one knows you’re a web design expert before you tell them. Like I pointed out earlier, you have to be outgoing, and willing to talk about the services you are offering. Here are some tools that will help spread awareness of your freelance website design business:
Elevator pitch
If you only had 30 seconds to a minute to describe that which you do, could you get it done? The elevator pitch, named for that practice of pitching company execs while riding together about the elevator, is the most basic explanation of how you can help a person’s business. Practice selling yourself, and timing it, you’ll also find a quick and easy method to introduce what it’s that you can do for individuals.
Business card printing
Obvious, but extremely necessary. Once you have adopted your brain set that you’re indeed an expert, you’ll learn how to tell everyone you meet that you are a freelance web design service. Once you’ve introduced yourself and given them your spiel, you’ll want to leave them you’re card. Guarantee the design of your card reflects your individual brand. Have you been easy and clean? fun and retro? grungy and edgy? Anything, remain consistent. And also have them printed somewhere like Vistaprint or Overnight Prints.
Portfolio site
Whether you utilize a totally free service, professional help, or your personal custom site, you’ll want an online portfolio with screenshots and links to your work. Your company card should point there, as well as your email signature. If possible, provide details about each project, describing the situation and how your design helped overcome the issue.
Blog
Being an expert, you should have a place of view about web design an internet-based marketing in general. Your blog is the best way for you to demonstrate your understanding from the field and to convince potential clients that you do indeed know what you’re talking about. Get started with a totally free service like Blogger or Tumblr to develop your look, and move to a custom WordPress blog, especially if you actually want to learn WP programming and design. Using a blog has got the added advantage of encouraging you to stay on surface of industry trends, and in addition it gives you content to promote on Twitter and LinkedIn
Again, you’re a freelance web design expert, so hanging out on Twitter can help reinforce that notion. Create and account with a custom background. Look for people in your area within Twitter itself or with a tool like Twello. Tweet relevant industry news and tips of your own. Once you have your blog up and running, you can provide links out of your Twitter account for your articles. Follow industry leaders and learn what’s going on.
This social network is essential among professionals, and having an up-to-date profile can help give you credibility in those circles. It shows that you’re aware of this avenue, and it provides more traditional professionals, including people who avoid using Twitter, the opportunity to get to know you and vet your experience before connecting in person. Keep your profile current, and solicit recommendations from clients you’ve successfully completed projects for. And when times are slow, watch the LinkedIn answers section to see if you are able to help a person with their web designer challenges.
Facebook?
Facebook could be a decent place for sharing recent site launches and new portfolio work, however the tone of Facebook is much more personal intimate, and self-promotion is less welcome here. Use with caution when promoting your freelance website design business.