In the globalized and digital world in which we live, we will always have in mind the marketing of products and services. Therefore, working as a freelancer in digital marketing is an excellent option as it offers a very broad field of work with many opportunities.
In this article, we will talk about how to develop as a freelancer in digital marketing. In the same way, we will discuss how you can offer your services as a freelance digital marketer and the different marketing channels available, let us take a look:
- What does a freelance digital marketer do?
- Freelance digital marketing fields
- Web design
- Content marketing
- Is a freelance digital marketing career right for you?
- Getting started in freelance digital marketing
- Strategies to find new clients
- Tips to help you succeed in your freelance digital marketing career
- How can we help you develop as a freelancer in digital marketing?
1. What does a freelance digital marketer do?
A freelance digital marketer is a person who is self-employed and uses one or more marketing channels and techniques to help businesses promote their products and services. Freelance digital marketers generally specialize in one of the many digital marketing channels available.
Learn more about how to develop as a freelancer in digital marketing on Connect Freelance.
2. Freelance digital marketing fields
There is a wide variety of options to which you can dedicate as a freelancer in digital marketing:
- Online store
Creation of online stores that adapt to all devices
- Email and SMS marketing
Sending emails and SMS to specific contacts based on an advertising campaign.
- Graphic design
Creation of company business cards, promotional posters, flyers…
- Maintenance
Web maintenance tasks such as updates, backups, data changes, etc.
- Optimization
Study and optimization of the web to incorporate the latest news.
You can also get more specialized information about the different sectors that digital marketing offers; please contact us for more.
3. Web design
A world of possibilities to show your product/business.
In the process of creating your website, we will carry out a careful study of your idea and based on this prototype design and development of the website.
- Responsive web design
We use the most modern and updated tools in the industry to work with a website adapted to all types of devices.
- Study of the sector
In order to reach all users in your industry through your website, before a study of the industry and competition will be conducted.
- Large and small budgets
We carry out projects for large companies as well as for small companies or entrepreneurs.
4. Content marketing
Freelance digital marketing specialists who excel in content marketing promote brand awareness using written content. Content marketing encompasses content strategy, copywriting (writing website copy), and writing long-form content. Often, content marketing works in conjunction with other digital marketing channels such as social media and SEO.
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO).
SEO refers to the organization and optimization of content so that search engines (such as Google and Bing) recognize it as useful and rank it high in search results. Freelance digital marketers who specialize in SEO generally work closely with the content team to optimize content for search engines using industry best practices.
- Social media management
Social media platforms have become a marketing mainstay in many industries. Whether it is Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, or LinkedIn, freelance digital marketers who specialize in social media management work to improve engagement and growth on social networks. They manage branded accounts, experiment with effective strategies, and monitor growth across all platforms.
- Search Engine Marketing (SEM)
Although it sounds similar, SEM is different from SEO. In SEM, the independent digital marketer focuses on creating, placing, and monitoring ads in search engine results to promote a business.
- Video marketing
Videos can be used across all marketing channels and can be shared on platforms such as YouTube for increased engagement. Independent digital marketing specialists in video marketing conceptualize, write and oversee video production.
We have outlined just a few of the areas a freelance digital marketer might focus on. You could also end up as a digital marketing consultant, helping companies develop their digital marketing strategy. Essentially, any type of marketing work that can be done in-house can also be done as a freelancer. We have gathered some of the most in-demand digital marketing skills and professions here.
5. Is a freelance digital marketing career right for you?
Let us look at both aspects and help you determine if this is the best path for you.
5.1 Advantages and challenges of freelance work
On a cursory assessment, freelancing may seem like abundant freedom, and in some ways it is. These are the pros and cons of freelancing.
Advantages:
- A flexible work schedule.
- Ability to scale your business and salary as you wish.
- You take all the credit for your work.
Challenges:
- Unpredictable income
- You will have to wear all the hats and market your business
- No health benefits or other employer benefits
5.2 How much can you earn?
Freelance earnings, in general, vary widely, depending on industry and years of experience. This also applies to freelance digital marketers. Your annual income will depend primarily on your specialization and your niche within that specialty.
For example, a recent survey showed that more than 50% of freelance writers (content marketing) earn less than $30,000 per year. However, the same survey showed that more than 20% of writers earn more than $50,000 per year. It also highlighted that all freelancers earning more than $100K have been writing for at least two years, demonstrating how experience influences annual earnings.
Now that you know some of the pros and cons of a freelance career, let us take a closer look at the skills and qualifications you need to master before becoming a digital marketer. If you are convinced that this is the job for you, perhaps a look at your potential income will seal the deal.
6. Getting started in freelance digital marketing
Digital marketing can be intimidating if you are a complete newbie. And even if you have worked in the field, getting started as a freelancer can be daunting.
6.1. Establish your niche
Digital marketing is a broad industry, therefore finding niches is key to your career success. Try to do everything, and you may find yourself scattered and constantly feeling like a newbie starting from scratch with every project.
Ideally, your niche should be at the intersection of your interests, skills, and high availability of well-paying jobs. For example, maybe you are interested in social media marketing. You will quickly learn that you enjoy some industries or jobs within that niche more. Maybe you prefer Instagram strategy to Pinterest management, for example. You will also learn that some jobs pay better than others.
6.2. Create a portfolio
Regardless of your industry and specialty, you need a website as an independent digital marketer. Digital marketers work online, making your website your online office or storefront. Also, you can find on web inexpensive site hosts and simple setup options.
Your website is the most important proof that you have the know-how and experience to promote yourself. On your site, you can showcase various skills, from SEO to copywriting, design, video production, and content writing. You can also host your portfolio and testimonials all in one place.
6.3. Find a network
Networking with other freelance digital marketers will also help you determine how to set rates based on the market and your expertise.
6.4. Promote your business
Self-promotion is the key to finding new clients, especially high-paying ones. However, self-promotion can be tricky when you are new to the business and do not have many contacts or a large portfolio.
7. Strategies to find new clients:
- Cold pitching: This involves reaching out to business owners or marketing leads in your preferred industries and introducing them to your services. Many marketing leads need a freelance digital marketing specialist but do not know or have no idea where to find one. Before you pitch, research how your skills can help. Can you help their site rank in search engines? Use statistics from your website or social media profiles.
- Work for free: This can be controversial, but for some people, it is the only way to gain experience in the field. It also looks different for each specialty. For example, writers may submit guest posts to big brands in their industries. Social media managers can apply for unpaid internships, and budding SEO experts can trade their services with another freelancer who can offer them a service in return.
- Go legit: As your business starts to take off, it is time to legalize things. Register your business (either as a sole proprietorship or LLC), get a tax ID if applicable in your country, and start tracking your income and expenses before tax filing season.
Another thing to implement from day one is to use a contract for every business engagement (you can send your own if your client does not send one) and include payment terms inside.
8. Tips to help you succeed in your freelance digital marketing career
8.1. Treat it like a business
You are not just a freelancer; you are a business owner. Some ways to treat your freelance career like a business include setting up a separate bank account, paying yourself well (set competitive rates), and showing up to work regardless of whether you feel “motivated” or not (as long as you are mentally and mentally prepared)
8.2. Keep learning
Your best investment is in yourself, filling yourself with knowledge related to your area. It is tempting to focus on scoring gig after gig, but it is vital to set aside time in your schedule to dedicate to yourself. Digital marketing requires creativity and you cannot draw from an empty well.
8.3. Set boundaries
Being your boss is a double-edged sword. You have the flexibility to work 9 to 5 hours, but also overwork and work around the clock with no co-workers to take over. It is easy to overbook or find yourself tied to your inbox, responding to client requests at all hours. Set firm boundaries on when you will work and what time to set aside for hobbies and loved ones.
8.4. Increase your rates regularly
You can be a good boss to yourself by raising your pay regularly. In this way, you will show how much you value your work and your customers. It also allows you to grow your business (you cannot scale by charging the same rates for years and years).
8.5. Take frequent breaks
Finally, nurture yourself. Creating a sustainable freelance career depends a lot on how you take care of yourself. You are the engine of your business. Pushing yourself to exhaustion is the fastest way to ruin all your hard work.
9. How can we help you develop as a freelancer in digital marketing?
Every business must be closely related to digital marketing, especially nowadays, when everything is globalized and electronic. Therefore, if you take advantage of the great expansion of the digital world, you will have as a result a very wide field to work in.
If you need help to develop as a freelancer in digital marketing, and wish our guidance, count on our support. We cal help you with obtaining a permit to work independently in the UAE, as well as a suitable visa. In addition to helping you, we can offer additional ideas related to finding the most suitable freelance activity you are looking for.
To learn more about the services we offer to freelances looking for work in the UAE, contact us. You can do it right now by calling us at +971 43 316 688. Let us know your professional profile and aspirations; send us an email at contact@connectfreelance.ae.
Visit thetalentpoint.com to find many job opportunities you can apply for. You can also send your application via email through contact@thetalentpoint.com. Count on us for your professional growth.