You hop from one blog to the other to promote your post only to find familiar faces everywhere. You wonder how they run their freelance business and are never short of time.

Are they following you or is it the other way round?

You wonder how some people are everywhere, they manage to write awesome posts and even have continuous freelancing work.

As a freelancer – either as a writer, designer or developer, marketing is important to be noticed and to ensure that you are visible to your community and your prospective clients. How can you manage to do this?

Here are 8 ways which can help you spread the word about yourself and your work.

1. Reach out to at least 2 people per day in your niche

Working in isolation can make you feel left out from the entire buzz seen in an office, people chatting away at the water cooler, sharing their problems with others and getting solutions from their colleagues.

While you may not have the buzz, you can still engage in meaningful conversation with other people online either on Twitter, LinkedIn or Facebook or where ever your online community exists.

Start with 1 a day or maybe even 1 every alternate day if that works for you.

2. Chat with a fellow freelancer or someone in your industry who you know even if it is for 5 minutes

At times, you’re going to go through a phase when you really need to know if you’re right on track or need help.

That’s when you can quickly chat with a fellow freelancer, even if it is for 5 minutes.

It will not only help share your issues, but might also get a new gig.

3. Improve one thing on your website

Having a website is a lot of work!

Not only do you have to keep it updated with fresh content but also having the backend up and running all the time.

While you could outsource the backend part the writing has to engage your audience every time.

You could take one step at a time and try something new like learning a thing a two about Google Analytics or even the basics of how WordPress works.                                              

Alicia Rades has explained it in this post on Be A Freelace Blogger on how to create a custom logo for WordPress users that will make their website stand out.

For self hosted sites like mine, there is the option of going to favicon.cc. and uploading your own image (blavatar or also known as favicon) or even creating your image and then uploading it.

It looks complicated, but it’s quite simple

Go to favicon.cc

You could import an image or create your own image on the site

Once it is done download the favicon on your system and then upload it in your webserver directory.

On the left bottom corner of the above page the way to upload favicon on your website is mentioned.

I initially had the default icon which did not lend a unique identity to my site.

But once I uploaded the 16X16 simple Blavatar with a single letter that represents my name (Patricia) it helped my site stand out, especially when a user opens multiple tabs and would be confused where’s your site after 15-20 minutes and would ultimately close the window.

If you don’t have a website then even updating your bio on a social network where you have a profile could work wonders.

John Clark on Social Media Examiner gives a handy reference guide to update you bio with.

Image Source: Social Media Examiner

4. Comment on 5 blogs per day

Comments on at least one blog and then increase the count as you go.

Try to add value in your comments through your own experience or some more points that could act as a value-add for the post.

5. Prepare a guest post

If you want to get the word out on your work, you would need a credible platform to showcase your expertise.

Guest posting is one way to get to share your knowledge, know people in your niche and also network with like minded people

Start by looking at your inbox to see if you subscribe to any sites which are open to guest posting. You can also do a quick search on Google in your niche to know which are the credible sites who could help you guest post.

6. Identify 1 market you know you have an expertise in

When you’re starting out it can be difficult to know which area is most suitable to your kind of writing.

Choose 5 of the subjects your passionate about and narrow it down to the 1 which is easy to do, you have the current knowledge about and could also be a potential area to grow in the future.

Search for the potential market which accepts new comers. It is easier to get accepted from such websites.

7. Share a link that you found useful and would help others

I use Twitter to share whatever interests me – social media, digital marketing and everything on writing.

It helps build credibility and also learn what others are sharing.

At the same time, there are many ways in which sharing can be done on Twitter for maximum visibility.

E.g. Use . before @mention (eg .@mention instead of @mention) helps make your tweet visible to everyone. Without it, only the concerned person and those who follow them can view your tweet

8. Keep pace with new trends.

According to HubSpot “video will have taken 57% of consumer internet traffic in 2015 and this will rise to 69% in 2017.”

A 12% rise in the next 2 years.

To add to the data of visual content being consumed, HubSpot also mentions that “96% of B2B companies are planning to use content marketing in the next year. “

Considering this, these trends have to slowly become a part of your freelance work either for your clients or your own website.

I’ve shared 8 tips, but doing one thing at a time will help you complete it, instead of trying to complete all of them.

Try this out!

And let me know in the comments what tips to promote yourself have helped you grow from 1 action a day to many more and how do you manage them in a short time?

Here’s a handy infographic of this post.

Are you low on confidence? Think you cannot keep with the million things in blogging and your freelance writing business?

I often feel the same way, but I have found a way to be motivated enough.

Sometime back.

“I can do that,” I said to myself. After all, it’s not that difficult. With a background in working in a 9-5 job, how can something be more difficult than that? I only had to work on my freelance writing business from my laptop!

But I was so wrong!

I started pitching to get my name out.

Those were long hours, and nobody would get it!

After all, nobody sees you slogging on your PC. It is all play for people who know us.

But it isn’t! It often leads to low self-confidence.

As moms and stay at home freelancers, this can be demotivating. It can also impact our writing and the ideas that are so important.

How do you break away from negative thoughts and get your lost confidence back?

Through trial and error, I have learned some easy ways in which you can bring back the lost confidence. Sit back relax and try these 14 ways to get back your confidence.

1.Create a to-do-list

Yes, we have all heard about it. Did you know that it helps your brain to create a to-do-list whether you finish it or not!

As a newbie freelance writer, it can be difficult to know where to focus. There is so much to do! Create a portfolio, reach out to prospects, service existing clients and promote your work.

Creating a to-do-list narrows to what you need to focus on every day.

2. Have a plan for everything

It is easier said than done but trust me it can help control your time. Working from home is not as easy as it seems. Planning can reduce the time spent on thinking what can be done at that moment.

3. Don’t wait for perfection. Do what you have planned

Believe in yourself. You might want to focus on your blog, your writing, social media, clients or your tasks at home. There is so much to be done and not enough time. I know it may not always be perfect.

That’s ok.

Done is better than perfect.

4. Focus on one task at a time

As a freelance writer, you have many things to do! However, focusing on one task at a time has many benefits

• It makes you laser focused on the task
• Helps complete the task at hand
• You are not left wondering where the time went by without doing any meaningful work

5. Remember moments when you were at the peak of confidence

We all work for results, right?

But it’s not always possible to keep up with the same energy throughout the day.

You could be a morning, afternoon or evening person. Try what works for you. When you are feeling a bit low, do what works best for your rhythm. It works in your favor. It creates a flow of ideas you never knew you had!

6. It’s ok to fail at times

When you join most blogging groups, there are success stories that give you the confidence. But, how do you reach that same success? Their stories make you wish you were in their place. But how is it even possible.

Is there any shortcut to success?

Not really!

You have to keep going at what you feel will take your online business forward. There could be some failures. That’s ok. Some successes have come from repeated failures.

7. Network to build your confidence

While working in a company, it is important to make your presence felt. Blogging is no different. If you blog as a hobby or blog to get more freelancing clients, making your presence felt is so important.

It’s great to network with other bloggers and freelancers since it

• It helps you to reach out to others
• Create long-term connections
• Opens up ways to interact with others
• Prepares you for long-term partnerships

Some ways to network are:

a. As a newbie freelance writer, you must have subscribed to many newsletters. The first step is to make it a two-way interaction and reach out to bloggers you follow or relate. Most are very helpful, and they DO reply to emails. Go ahead. Try it out!

b. Even if you are new to the freelance writing business, you will have some skills that you are very good at.

Use them to express your opinions on a topic that interests you.

Say for example you are excellent at planning, then search for blog posts in your niche and comment on the blog posts.

Social media can be a game changer. It can help connect with many prospective clients and also create connections. Start small. Instead of asking for a freelancing work suggests ways in which you can add value to their existing work.

8. Ignite your interests/passion or even your hobby

Over the years, working at home has made me realize that you need to have some interests that can get your creative juices flowing.

For me it’s reading a book, cleaning or simply taking a short break from work. It sparks my creativity and helps me think clearly and come up with new ideas!

What makes your creative juices flowing?

9. Take few moments for yourself at the start of the day

Lately, I’ve stopped rushing around to complete each task at hand. It has allowed me the luxury of a few minutes at the start of the day to think what I can achieve out of it. It is the completion of some work or pitching to X prospects.

Giving yourself few moments takes the guesswork out of knowing what you want to achieve out of the day.

10. Set goals for your freelance business

Confidence does not build up suddenly out of the blue.

Taking small steps gives you the confidence to take the next positive action for yourself. Let’s make goal setting a bit easier.

1. Think what you would like to achieve in the next 6 months.
2. Make a plan or create a strategy how you will achieve it.
3. Have clear tasks and allocate it to each month, week and day.

Tasks might change depending on what you achieve at the end of the week.

11. It’s ok if goals change direction

Having a plan does not mean it will happen for sure. There could be times when something comes up; someone’s sick at home or time flies.

Don’t panic and let your confidence go down. Take it in your stride and see what you can do to make it happen. It might not happen on the exact date, but if you are focused on getting it done, it will happen soon!

At times, what you are working on might not shape up the way you wanted. Looking into the reason for the delay helps understand your mistakes and avoid it in the future.

12. Avoid procrastination

You sit on your laptop to begin writing and all the hours fly by without doing anything. Does it happen to you? It happens to me all the time. At the end of the day, I am not sure what I did!

To avoid getting into the trap of procrastination try these:

• Always keep your goal in front of you. Print it, keep it on a whiteboard or write it where you will see it every day.
• Avoid distractions
• Know why completing the task is so important. Link it to your goals
• Follow Pomodoro technique

13. Indulge in self-talk

As freelancers or stay at home moms it is assumed you have the luxury of being at home all the time. But I know it’s not all that fancy as it seems!

As women, we are bound by emotions of being perfect and weighed by the opinions of family and friends. It might not always be rosy and might have its challenges.

If you have even one person that supports your cause, stick with them more often. Ask their opinion. Share your failures. Their insights will help you refocus.

If not, take some time and indulge in self-talk.

Okay, I know you must be thinking – is she crazy! But hold onto it for a second. Self-talk here isn’t about just talking to your self. It’s about feeding your mind with positive affirmations about yourself. It goes a long way in feeling good about yourself.

14. Take care of yourself

Do you often ignore yourself at the cost of work? Yes, I know we work on projects with multiple deadlines!. There are pitches, client work, social media and so many other things to do but don’t neglect your health.

Taking care of yourself should feature as the top-most thing you do.

If you are not well, will you be able to perform to your best?

Not really!

Whether it is midnight snacking, less sleep or even high anxiety levels, take time to relax and

• Have a fixed schedule
• Use automation tools
• Outsource
• Avoid last minute work

These are some ways in which you can get your back your self-confidence.

I have tried each of these, and they have helped me go from someone who knew nothing to set up my blog and business.

Are there any ways in which you increased your self-confidence after a low? Share it with me in the comments.

I’m Patricia Vaz, freelance writer making a living working from home. I have been able to convert my love for writing into a business.

Follow me on Twitter, Instagram or Pinterest to say hi or reach out to work together!

You’ve got your freelancing client and want to give your best shot.

But how do you create an impression on the client with that one project?

Quality of work is a key ingredient in writing a client’s work.

My experience in ghost writing has helped me realize, that quality has to be developed over a period of time through consistent work and by practicing the following proven strategies.

1. Ask Relevant Questions

Ever been in a situation where you’re not quite sure which way your freelance project will go?

You had many doubts, which you wished the client could clarify as and when you want.

But going back every now and then will not reflect well on your credibility.

So what’s the solution?

Be clear on the project deliverables at the start of the project.

What – What is the scope of the project? Is it an elaborate project that requires an expert opinion or a quick write-up supported by adequate research will do the job?

Why – Why is the project being done? Is it to generate more views, build a new or existing subscriber base or promote a product?

When – Clearly specify the deadline for the project outlining when it has to be delivered. Take a step ahead and specify the time, specially taking into consideration the time difference, if the client resides in a different time zone.

Where – Where will it be published? Will it be on their blog, website, magazine or local publication? This will help you have a clear idea of the format, structure and whether it requires specific keywords that need to be used in that context.

Who – Who will read your article? Is it their clients or their internal employees?

How – How will it impact the company? Is it through a spike in sales, customer retention or promotion of their product or service?

Through these seven points you can get a clear picture of your freelancing work and how it will shape up as you finish.

Try to keep it short and summarize your questions in a sentence for each point, so you don’t put off the client.

2. Finish 20% work first

The pay was lucrative and you took the project in a rush without anticipating the actual time required.

Since you’re not in a position to negotiate the time, the best thing to do is follow the 80/20 principle. This principle says that 20% of your work can contribute to 80% of your output results. In other words

• Try to identify the 20% (this can vary depending on your project but it is a fair ballpark figure) of the project that will take more time and research it well.
• For the 80% of the project, that you have a fair idea of, that will not need extensive research, it can be kept aside for the time being and worked on towards the end of the project. E.g. definition, terms, general information you’re aware of or are an expert and hence have the knowledge.
• This leaves you with more time to focus on the essentials and avoid creating mistakes while writing.

Thus you will cover the most important 20% first that will make your work stand out and still excel without getting frantic about the rest of the project.

3. Add value

Recollect the post you read yesterday which could add value to your work through facts or insightful information?

Go back to it.

Understand and see how it fits in your work and adapt it to your situation

Never pick up any information as it is, without giving due credit to the original creator, since it may put you in a spot and may not work well to reflect your writing skills.

Try to make it a perfect fit for your situation and experiment with different angles. Pick the one most suitable for your project that not only adds value but will demonstrate your expertise.

4. Stick to deadlines

Let your work shine not just through your words but also through your actions!

Keep a buffer time before you commit to your client. This way you’ll be able to plan and think in advance on the way to tackle your freelancing work.

It will not only help you avoid last-minute changes but will help bring out the best quality writing in your work.

Best part about this is you’re not going to be stressed on the deadlines and will, on the contrary enjoy and look forward to meeting deadlines for your next freelancing work.

5. Be nice

Your client may not always be in a perfect situation. He/she might be sick, have tight deadlines or maybe going through some personal or professional problem.

Even though, it may not concern you directly, being nice and accommodating as and when the situation arises can go a long way in building relationships.

There you go!

Follow these 5 easy steps and you may well be on your way to getting your next recurring client

Wish your friend or your community knew these tips? Join in and share it on your favorite social network below.