If you’re a freelancer looking to scale then you know how important it is to reach your audience. And how do you do that? Marketing.
I know, I know. I’m a broken record. But the cold, hard truth is marketing is one of the most important aspects of running a business.
And yes, I did say business. Because that is what you’re doing, if you write for money (even if it’s a side hustle) then you’re running a business. So act like it!
How to reach your audience with marketing
Yeah, you may get by for a while pitching outlets or responding to calls for pitches on Twitter. But without developing an inbound marketing strategy, you’re going to continually have to go out to find work rather than attracting it to you.
Here are seven inbound marketing ideas to help you reach reach your audience. YOUR audience. AKA, your ideal clients.
Email marketing
Remember the time Facebook and Instagram went down FOR A WHOLE DAY? Good thing you own your email list! Not only is this a great way to stay in touch with existing clisents and warm leads, but you can get to know new people as well, if you’re doing it right. Use email marketing software like Mailchimp or SendFox (affiliate link) to send emails about new products, sales, and any other news you want subscribers to know.
Bonus: How to Get Your Email List Started (and What to Send)
Networking events (in person or virtual)
While you may FEEL like you’re alone, on an island, no freelancer should actually be alone. We need each other. You need the support of likeminded peers who can encourage you and offer advice when you need it. And you need to actually meet people who you can talk about your business with, even if you don’t think they’d make a good client. Even if you don’t think they’ll need your services. Who cares, meet people and tell them what you do. Who knows, they may know someone who needs exactly what you offer. Guess what? They’ll refer you, and referral clients are, in general, an excellent thing.
Blogging and content marketing
Like, yeah, OK, the blogging craze has passed. I know, it’s not 2012 anymore. But! Blogging is still a fabulous way to develop an inbound marketing strategy and draw people to you through your fantastic (and SEO optimized) content. Blogging helps people learn from you, get to know you, and learn what you’re all about. Really, I can’t recommend it enough.
When people become familiar with you and your brand, they’re more likely to hire you or buy from you (as your blog stays consistent and on topic).
Bonus: 10 Reasons to Start a Blog
Digital ads
Advertising can definitely work. BUT you do need to reach the right people with the right message at the right time. That’s when it all comes together. Social media has become such an essential part of our lives so it just makes sense to advertise where the people are.
In addition to targeting the right audience with the right message is using the right keywords. For example, if you’re looking for clients or selling products in the skincare niche, then using words and phrases your audience would use in the title and the description is critical.
Billboards
This is a tricky tip because billboards are HIGHLY visible and yet SUPER expensive. Also, your have to absolutely nail your graphics and messaging. And it doesn’t suit every niche. However, don’t discount billboards. They’re a powerful force and are a unique way to reach your audience. Plus a lot of other people. Allvision is just one of the companies you can partner with to reach an audience at scale. Larger than life, even.
Modern digital billboards allow for even more options, since you can integrate video, motion graphics or even animation. Something to consider, although it’s not for everyone.
One more thing. You may be interested in my free resource library. This is where I keep my files, downloads, ebooks, worksheets and whatever else I manage to create. I love sharing what I learn and want to keep adding to this library so it becomes a wealth of helpful goodness.
This is a free resource but I do require a password to access the library itself. You can get access by popping your email address into the form below.
