In recent years, demand for expertise in digital marketing has risen dramatically as companies realize the importance of having an online presence. This growth has led to many opportunities for digital marketers who are freelance. The field of digital marketing allows for flexible hours of work as well as the opportunity to work with a variety of clients, and the possibility to earn unlimited income.
Here we’ll look into the world of freelance digital marketing jobs and give guidelines on how to be successful in this exciting and lucrative business.
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What is freelance digital marketing?
Terms used in careers can get confused and confusing, so let’s clarify what it means.
A digital marketer who is freelance is an independent contractor who helps and supports businesses, organizations or individuals in achieving their goals in marketing, strategies and duties.
Digital marketers who are freelance can take on various roles, based on their expertise, clients’ products and their previous experience. The majority of independent digital marketing professionals work from home often in collaboration with the marketing department of the company.
What is a freelance digital marketing professional actually do?
The day-to-day activities of a freelance digital marketing professional could be quite different. That’s the reason it’s an attractive career choice.
Here are some examples of the tasks freelance digital marketers can perform:
- Develop an SEO strategy for seeking more customers from Google
- Create and send an email marketing campaign
- Respond to comments posted on the business’s TikTok page (as as part of social media management)
- Create your own blog post, YouTube video or a podcast
- Study leads, traffic and conversions by using Marketing analytics software
Pros and Cons
There are two areas to take into consideration: freelancing itself, and digital marketing. Let’s take a look at both.
The pros and cons of freelancers
When you look at it from a superficial perspective, freelance work may seem like a great way to enjoy freedom, and indeed it is in a few ways. But, based on my own personal experience, I can assure to you there’s many other factors to consider first. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of freelance work.
Pros
- You are free to pick your work-related projects, specialization and clients according to your personal preferences
- A flexible work schedule
- The ability to grow your business and pay as required
- You receive all the credit for your efforts
- The profits of your business are all yours to you
Cons
- Unpredictable income
- You’ll have to be able to do everything and advertise your company
- The balance between work and life can be difficult to attain
- There are no health or other benefits
You’re now aware of the advantages and disadvantages of working as a freelancer Let’s take a closer look at marketing.
Things to consider when becoming an freelance digital marketer
Before you begin your journey into the world of marketing as a freelancer your self these concerns:
- Do I have the ability to devise marketing strategies for multiple media and platforms?
- How good are my writing and editing abilities?
- Do I like analyzing the outcomes of my campaigns and making adjustments until I find the best solution?
- What do I know about SEO? Are I interested in learning more about SEO?
- Are I tech-savvy?
- Do I have a keen eye for style?
- How do I improve my abilities to build communities?
While not every skill is required to be a success in all aspects of digital marketing however, you’ll require a basic understanding of these and why they’re essential for the overall strategic and marketing the efforts.
How can you become a freelancing digital marketer
Since the field is constantly changing Digital marketing can be a bit daunting. Even if you’ve had experience on the subject, establishing yourself as a freelancer may seem overwhelming.
This step-by-step guide will help you on the right track.
Do you have a tendency to be an visual learner? Check out the video below with the digital marketing expert Ed Wood, who goes through these steps as well as other helpful tips for beginners:
Step 1: Research the different areas of digital marketing.
Digital marketers on the freelance market typically specialize in one of the many digital marketing areas.
If you’re unsure it’s best to get some experience in all the domains prior to starting.
In 2024, the majority of digital marketers need to be aware of all. An excellent option for gaining knowledge in every field is to complete an digital marketing course .
Writing, marketing, and copywriting
Freelance content marketers help brands increase their awareness through written content. Content marketing encompasses content strategy, copywriting (e.g. web page copy) as well as long-form content written (like the blog article that you’re reading! ).
In many cases, content marketing functions alongside other marketing channels on the internet including SEO and social media.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
SEO is about organising and optimizing websites in order they can be indexed by Google and other search engines recognize them as being useful and rank them top in results for search.
Freelance Digital marketers are usually required to possess at minimum an understanding of SEO basics when they are working on creating content or marketing.
Social Media Management
Social media has gone from being a thing “for the interns” to an entire field with specificizations within it.
Freelance Digital marketers manage brand accounts, try out efficient strategies, and track the development of platforms.
Search Engine Marketing
While similar in appearance, SEM is different from SEO. In SEM the freelance digital marketer concentrates on putting together, distributing and monitoring the performance of paid advertisements on search engine results in order to help promote a business.
SEM is all about studying keywords and monitoring effectiveness of the pay-per-click (PPC) advertisements.
Videos for marketing via YouTube, Tiktok and Reels
A series or video that is successful can help launch and sustain a business for a long time. Video marketing is an enormous area that is growing every year.
Video marketers from freelance design, script and oversee the production of video.
Step 2: Choose your specialization
After you’ve selected your field of study It’s time to think about expanding your expertise to certain industries, groups tools, or purposes.
Try different careers and fields before you settle on one to take a step. Don’t be afraid to make a change and move on in the future.
The ideal situation should lie located at the intersection of your skills, interests and the demand for high-paying jobs.
For instance: If you’re interested in marketing on social media Perhaps you would prefer an Instagram strategy over Pinterest management.
Step 3: Design and display your portfolio
Whatever your field of work and field of expertise, you’ll need an online presence which showcases your marketing expertise. A professional LinkedIn profile could also be useful.
There are a lot of cheap web hosts as well as easy to set up options.
Your website is the best evidence that you are tech-savvy and know how to advertise yourself. Create a website that hosts your work or testimonials, as well as a listing of your expertise in one location.
Do you have a portfolio or testimonials? Be your first client. Write blog posts, develop your individual brand and build a social media followers. Be aware that specialization is the key. Create your first successful story and watch the other clients come into.
Step 4. Find an organization
HR managers and marketing leads are more likely to rely on recommendations from trusted sources more than job ads.
You can establish your network using:
- actively taking part in discussions about marketing and your client’s business actively participating in conversations about marketing and your clients’ industry on LinkedIn as well as X (Twitter)
- Joining freelancing communities
- Participating in the meetups
- slowly establishing relationships with other freelance digital marketers
The Peak Freelance study mentioned earlier in the report shows that 42 percent of freelancers land lucrative work through word-of mouth referrals.
Connecting with other freelance digital marketers who can also assist you in determining the best way to set your rates.
On social media platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn, be curious about other freelancers–especially those in your niche or industry. Connect with them, tell them about what you’re working on in your business, and also let them know you’re seeking jobs! Candor can lead you to new opportunities.
Step 5. Advertise your company
Being an effective freelance digital marketing expert demands sales expertise. It’s a good idea to practice marketing businesses owned by others. Don’t be scared to pitch businesses or marketing leads, or even take on work for no cost in the beginning of your career.
Check out these two successful marketing strategies to get new customers:
- Cold pitching: This is the process of reaching out to entrepreneurs or marketing leads from your desired sectors and pitching your services. A lot of marketing leads require a digital marketer on a contract basis, however, they may not know or aren’t sure where to look for one. Before submitting your pitch, research the ways your skills could aid them specifically.Can you help your site get ranked in search results?
Have you got a plan to help them expand their social media channels? Let them know. Make use of stats from your site or your social media accounts (hello portfolio! ).
- Free to use: This may be contentious however for some this is one of the best ways to get knowledge on the job. The way it is done differs for every field. For instance, writers are able to write guest posts for major companies within their fields. Social media managers can present themselves for internships that are not paid, and even budding SEO experts can offer their services to a freelancer, who will offer an opportunity to earn a commission. Win-win!
Step 6. Legalize it
If your company begins to expand (it can!) it’s the time to make legal the process.
Create a business account, apply for an tax ID, if required for your state, and begin recording your earnings and expenses before tax time.
Before you even begin to register your company, you must master the basics of business such as sending invoices–yes even before you start your first job.
Another thing to do as early as possible is to create an agreement for each business relationship (you could send one to your client even if your client does not send one) which will include the terms of payment.
What are the qualifications I require?
Digital marketing doesn’t require any specific education requirements. A master’s degree in media production, marketing and data analysis or journalism may be beneficial even if you already have one.
The truth is that the world of digital marketing is constantly changing. Single. Day. However, this is exciting because it implies that is always room to fresh faces.
There are numerous digital marketing certifications and courses available.
Freelance digital marketing tips and tricks
1. Treat it as you would a business
You’re not onlya freelancer. You’re an owner of a company.
There are ways to treat your freelance work as the business you run are:
- opening a bank account that is separate from the one you have created.
- making sure you are paying your bills (set prices that are competitive)
- being at work regardless of regardless of whether or not you’re inspired (as as long as you’re physically and mentally fit)
2. Continue to learn
Make sure you are learning about your profession and updating your skills as often as you can.
It’s tempting to concentrate on the next gig or gig you can get It’s important to make time to invest in yourself.
Digital marketing requires creativity and you cannot draw inspiration from a void.
3. Set boundaries
Being your own boss can be an enigma. You can work from 9 to 5 however, you also have the option of overworking yourself and work around the clock without having any colleagues to take up the pieces.
It’s simple to locate yourself connected to your email answering client inquiries throughout the day and night.
Set clear guidelines for the hours you work, and when you can set aside time for your leisure and family ones.
4. Raise your rates regularly
You can be a great boss to yourself by increasing your fees often. This demonstrates that you are awed by your work and the work you provide to your customers. It also helps you increase the size of your business (you aren’t able to scale by imposing the same prices throughout the years).
I increase my prices every year and when I started out, I increased my rates with each new client. The way you decide to increase your rates is entirely up to you.
5. Make sure you take breaks regularly
Also, take care to ensure that you are eating well. The success of your freelance job depends on the way you take care of yourself. You are the driving force behind your company.
Inducing yourself to burnout is the fastest way to destroy all the hard work. Therefore, schedule breaks each quarter or even every week! I work four days per week, and I try to have one week off in each quarter. It’s always worthwhile.
The most important lessons to take away
Finding the best way to start a freelance career in Digital Marketing can prove difficult. We’ve all been through it! However, I’m also able to assure you that it’s possible. Following these steps to get started on your own digital marketing freelance career:
- Explore the various areas that are digitally oriented
- Select a specialty: Which marketing channel would you prefer to focus on? What industry would you prefer to work in?
- Make a portfolio You can accomplish this by working for no cost or by being an initial client or attempting an internship. What is the most important thing to do is Make an online presence.
- Create networks: Build a referral engine by interacting with other freelancers and joining groups both on or off social networks.
- Promote your company: Tell people what you do on social media, and by cold-pitching.
- Legalize it: Make sure your business is in compliance with the law. Make your work look like the real thing by opening an account for your business and presenting on
