Why Freelancers Should Care About Branding

Why Freelancers Should Care About Branding

by | Nov 30, 2023 | Blog, Resources

Nowadays, given the competition in nearly every industry, it’s essential for freelancers and companies to put extra effort in to stand out in a crowd. Branding helps you carve a unique identity and perception in the minds of consumers through visual elements, intentional content, and messaging.

This is why companies invest heavily in branding-related efforts. Case in point, many companies rely on brand managers. These professionals provide expertise and guidance to help create a distinct identity and build credibility. Their ability to understand the market, create effective marketing strategies, and maintain a consistent image is essential for long-term success.

But branding is not only limited to larger companies. It’s also helpful for solopreneurs in light of the freelance sector’s growth. To date, there are over 70 million freelancers in the U.S., and this number is expected to exceed 90 million by 2028. While that might sound daunting, investing in a freelance career is sure to reap plenty of benefits. Here are the most important ways branding can help you succeed with your freelance business.

Make your online presence stand out

First and foremost, branding helps you create a unique identity and differentiate yourself from your competition. A consistent and visually appealing brand image makes you easily recognizable and memorable. Plus, it enhances your professionalism and credibility. In today’s freelancing landscape, clients are seeking professionals who can deliver high-quality work consistently, and good branding helps showcase your best and most relevant work.

Moreover, branding helps you communicate your values and humanize yourself. Often, clients aren’t just looking for someone to complete a task — they also want to connect with you as a person. According to a study on consumer shopping habits by Stackla, 83% of consumers consider authenticity in brands they decide to support. By leveraging authentic branding and sharing your story, you can foster a genuine connection with your audience.

Attract your ideal client

Using targeted messaging and niche positioning is a powerful strategy if you’re seeking specific clients. By developing a brand that speaks directly to the needs, interests, and values of a particular niche, you can effectively draw in your target audience.

Tapping into cultural and societal trends helps with this too. That might mean speaking up about social issues that are important to both you and your audience. This is particularly important, as 64% of consumers around the world say that knowing a brand’s stance on current issues helps them decide between buying and boycotting, according to a survey by Edelman.

Justify setting higher rates

Good branding can help you demonstrate a consistent track record of success and satisfied clients, which in turn creates a strong argument for higher rates. When you portray a solid reputation, it enhances your perceived value. You can do this, in part, through careful attention to detail — a well-designed logo, a professional website, and compelling market materials. These all contribute to a cohesive and polished brand image, suggesting professionalism, reliability, and a commitment to quality. With consumers now seeing the value of quality over quantity, according to WGSN’s Future Consumer 2025 report, clients are more likely to be willing to pay a premium for the perceived quality and expertise that a brand represents.

Because pricing can be difficult for many freelancers, reporting by financial analysts can be helpful when developing a brand. Consider factors such as market demand, inflation, and competitor pricing when setting your rates.

Great branding isn’t just about appearances. It’s how you communicate your identity, your values, and your worth. Be sure to put some extra love and attention into yours. You won’t regret it.

 

5 Ways to Find Freelance HR Jobs

5 Ways to Find Freelance HR Jobs

by | Oct 31, 2022 | Blog, Resources

This is a guest post contributed by Jase Bluemontt. Jase has been a business consultant for over 3 years now. She teaches other entrepreneurs how to promote their businesses efficiently and find new gigs.

HR freelancing is a large and growing industry. The jobs are abundant and range from HR planning and policy, talent acquisition and recruitment, employee and leadership development, and more. And like many other freelance specialties, freelance HR work isn’t always discovered through online marketplaces, but rather through local relationships. One example that Forbes highlights is how business school professors often find freelance work as consultants or corporate educators through their industry contacts — not through a job website.

If you’re looking to land any of these positions, keep reading for our five tips on finding freelance HR jobs.

 

Understand the basics of networking

Networking is always helpful, but having connections is especially necessary for HR professionals because the industry is large and local. Return to the basics and mine contacts from past jobs or interactions. These contacts will become the foundation on which you can build your career going forward.

Don’t limit yourself to job fairs. Transform every business conference, training seminar, or university lecture into networking events by making contacts and spotting potential future clients. Starting a conversation is easier when you have prepared a basic elevator pitch, but always lead in by discussing common ground such as the event, location, or industry demands.

Study trends on modern recruiting

In a heavily competitive field, freelance HR workers have to stand out. They can do that by demonstrating a clear understanding of what HR managers do. Study the emerging trends in human resources — from the increasing usage of social media for vetting potential employees, to the adoption of software platforms for automating data entry and analysis processes.

Don’t be afraid to discuss these in detail by networking or offering your services. Despite the abundance of HR consulting businesses, many still hesitate to outsource HR, worried that an outsider’s perspective cannot provide tailored solutions. Displaying your expertise in the field reassures clients that freelancing isn’t a difficulty, but an advantage that gives you a keener and more objective analysis of the industry.

Learn how to cold pitch

Networking online is important too. Cold pitches are a necessary tool to connect with companies you want to work with. Pattern this after your basic elevator pitch and don’t forget to uniquely appeal to clients by highlighting common grounds and interests.

Here, it’s essential to do your homework. Discover your target clients’ mission and principles, as well as any recent launches or campaigns, to which you genuinely believe you can add value. Personalizing your cold pitch around a clear proposal will help you cut through the clutter of an overflowing inbox.

Build a personalized website

Whether you’re cold pitching or networking in person, it helps to have a portfolio to showcase your skills and accomplishments. A simple freelance website that showcases your services, including a profile and testimonials, is a great place to start.

This is a cost-efficient way to show off your professionalism and talents. However, websites require regular updates, so you need to look into a user-friendly website builder.

Explore talent marketplaces

Finally, work can be found in online marketplaces if you know where to look. Because an estimated 36% of American workers are involved in the gig economy, there are several websites for finding freelance HR jobs. These can range from Guru for experienced freelancers to Fiverr for beginners. Beyond websites, there are even social media groups on Facebook or threads on Reddit that serve as networking platforms while providing job opportunities.

Solely utilizing online talent marketplaces isn’t enough, though. Combining the above strategies could allow freelancers to find HR work more efficiently, and solidify the field of HR in the freelance revolution.