There’s an attractive incentive that comes with living the life of a freelancer — freedom. Instead of being confined to a tedious 9-5 work roster cooped up in an office, you’re able to work in a more comfortable environment that stimulates creativity for many. As a freelancer writer, web developer or designer getting the right agency work however, can be hard. There’s no one else to rely on but yourself and the support structure that a professional will normally have can be lacking.
So where does this leave you? To survive in the world of freelance work, you need to let your work shine. You need to show your passion, what makes you stand out and most importantly – follow the basic rules. No company likes working with a freelancer that’s unreliable or has lack of communication skills. It doesn’t matter how good your work is, everyone wants the full package. Here’s how you can win more work and avoid the most common mistakes.
1. Give Ideas that are Comprehensive, Brilliant and Fresh
Stale ideas are boring and agencies are busy. Thus, to make a pitch that really sells your work you need to present an idea to the agency that’s brilliant and fresh. Give them enough information to work with so you waste less time with the back and forth questions, but keep them a little intrigued too.
Whether your expertise lies in writing, web developing or design work your key skill should be creativity – so use it. Research the agency you are contacting and have a look what they’re already doing. What can you bring to the table that’ll benefit them? Pitch ideas that have that ‘wow’ factor to it and think outside the box!
2. Offer to Kill Two Birds with One Stone
Agencies are after convenience. They are busy people so make their lives easier for an improved chance of getting what you want. The more you can offer them in the one package – the better. For example; if you’re a freelance writer wanting to write content, offer to write and find a spot to publish the content for them. This way, you’re not only bringing fresh ideas to the table and a creative writing skill, but you’re also cutting out half the work for them.
In both the freelance and professional industry, there’s millions of people trying to stand out with their work. Many of them have the exact same skill set as you, the same level of creativity so how can you be different? Consider what you can offer for projects that others may not be able to and make it happen.
3. Keep SEO in Mind
Search Engine Optimisation – the art of optimising websites and content so it can be easily found through major search engines like Google – is an important part of agency work. By avoiding the common SEO mistakes that can be found in both web design and content writing you chances of success will be greatly improved.
From a freelance web designer’s perspective, the simplest of SEO friendly modifications can go a long way. The basics – internal linking strategies, flash graphics and the right heading and image tags should be learnt for a better competitive advantage.
Content marketing and development also goes hand-in with SEO but keep in mind quality content should be top priority. Content that is fresh, useful and interesting will always catch the attention of both search engines and visitors, with the right link building tactics and optimisation completing the package. All freelance workers forming a professional partnership with agencies should keep SEO top of mind when doing their work.
4. Meet Deadlines
Deadlines are a crucial part of almost any industry. If you’re a freelancer, time management and reliability is absolutely essential and a strict deadline for your work goes without saying. Without deadlines, it’s easier to waste time, get side tracked and procrastinate. Regardless of whether you love them or hate, deadlines area very important and should always be met – especially when working with agencies.
Contrary to people’s belief, deadlines actually help to take off the pressure. Complete with effective time management skills and being well-organised, sticking to deadlines allows you to be in more control of your freelance work. There’s really no reason why an agency should continue working with you if you do fail to meet deadlines. Not only does it come across as unreliable but it puts both you and the agency in a frustrating situation.
To help you in meeting deadlines break down the work into smaller, more digestible chunks. Work schedules are effective in keeping track of what needs to be done so draw up one that works for you and allow yourself additional time for the bigger or more unfamiliar tasks.
5. Be Proactive with Communication and Organisation
In order to meet deadlines and seek more work from agencies, you need to find a way of improving and maintaining your productivity. Whether it’s an efficient work schedule or getting out there and finding the work you need being, being proactive is vital. Unfortunately, work isn’t just always going to fall into your lap. You have to go out and look for it – approach people and organisations, communicate and network with everyone you meet.
Throughout the process of working with an agency, it’s imperative you keep the communication open. Agencies will be working on behalf of clients and consequently, will need to provide regular progress updates. If the lines of communication aren’t clear between you and the agency – they won’t be able to provide their clients with the information they need. Progress reports are a very important step between the agency and client, so you should make it a priority to update the agency on your side of the work too
By avoiding the common mistakes made by freelancers and still incorporating your creative flair into the work, you’ll have a competitive advantage over other freelancers.
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About the Author:
Jayde Ferguson writes and works for White Chalk Road – a specialised SEO and Online Marketing company in Perth. You can catch Jayde on Google+ to discuss this piece.
