How to Become a Digital Marketing Freelancer in 7 Steps
Digital marketing is an important resource that organizations can use to promote their products or services. The career provides a range of employment opportunities, such as working in a company’s internal marketing department, in a digital marketing agency, or as a freelancer.
Learning more about freelancing as a digital marketer can help you decide if this is the right option for you. In this article, we define what a freelance digital marketer is, explain how to become a freelance digital marketer, discuss some of the benefits of this career, and provide tips for finding work in this field.
Who is a freelance digital marketer?
A freelance digital marketer is a digital marketing specialist who works remotely with various clients. They often work under a contract or on a project to complete digital marketing-related tasks. While they may specialize in a particular aspect of digital marketing, many of them have experience in multiple areas such as:
- Consulting
- Content Marketing
- Digital Analytics
- Advertising mailing
- Graphic design
- public relations
- Paid advertising
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
- Social networks
Freelance digital marketers can choose which services they want to offer to their clients. Their responsibilities may also vary depending on the specific project or contract with a specific client. While specific responsibilities may vary, some common responsibilities of freelance digital marketers include:
- Selecting, setting, and tracking key performance indicators (KPIs)
- Creation of original content for blogs, websites, and social networks
- Develop and implement unique digital marketing strategies
- Interaction with the target audience of their customers
- Implementation of campaigns to improve the ranking of their customers in search engines
- Improving online stores to encourage purchases
- Conducting paid advertising campaigns on social networks and search engines
- Managing your customers’ social media accounts
- Preparation of related materials such as promotional materials and graphics
- Promoting the unique brands of your customers
- Researching and writing case studies and white papers
- Conducting webinars or training on digital marketing
How to become a freelance digital marketer
Here are the steps you need to follow to become a digital marketing freelancer:
1. Develop your skills
Develop your digital marketing skills. This may include earning a degree in a related field such as marketing, communications, or public relations, or completing professional certifications. It is also often helpful for freelance digital marketers to have some professional experience before looking for freelance work. Explore opportunities to develop your digital marketing knowledge through internships and entry-level positions.
2. Create your brand
Determine how you want to present yourself to potential clients. Think about what services you want to provide and what you want customers to know about you. Developing your brand may also include choosing a name if you want to freelance under the company name and creating a logo to use.
3. Check out the requirements
Learn the requirements to work as a freelancer or self-employed professional where you live. Some states may require you to obtain certain permits or licenses depending on the type of work you do, especially if you plan to run a business. It can also help you know what taxes and fees you may have to pay as a digital marketing freelancer.
Also Read: 7 Simple Digital Marketing Hacks For 2022
4. Set your rates
Select the type of rates you want to charge, such as per project or per hour, and set the rates you plan to charge your customers. Think about your previous experience and the value you can offer your customers and determine the minimum amount you need to earn each month to be able to pay your bills. It may also be helpful to look into freelance rates for digital marketers with experience comparable to yours.
5. Create a website
Create a website to sell your services to potential clients. Be sure to include information about yourself and your authority, and highlight your experience and how clients can benefit from working with you. Make sure your website has ways for potential clients to contact you and a portfolio showing samples of your previous work.
6. Use your network
Alert the professional network of your desire to start freelancing. Ask if they know anyone who might be looking for experience in digital marketing. Consider contacting people you have previously worked with to let them know about your services.
7. Find potential customers
Look for potential clients to work with and seize opportunities to grow your client base. Check out jobs online for freelancers, such as professional networking websites. It can also be helpful to join online forums or groups where organizations post the types of digital marketing tasks they need help with.
Benefits of Working as a Freelance Digital Marketer
Some potential benefits of working as a freelance digital marketer include:
Earning potential
Freelancing allows you to dictate your earnings more than traditional full-time employment. You can set your rates based on your own preferences and you can continue to accept more projects if you are able to complete them. It’s also possible to work as a freelance digital marketer while also working in another part-time or full-time position, but it’s important to ask your employer about potential conflicts of interest.
Flexible schedule
Working as a freelance digital marketer usually gives you complete control over how many hours you work. This allows you to set your own work schedule and enjoy as much flexibility as you want. However, it is still important for you to meet any project deadlines you set with your clients and attend all scheduled meetings.
Low costs
All businesses have a cost of doing business, which refers to the money they spend on their operations. While freelance digital marketers may have some costs associated with their job, such as paying for hardware and software, they may have lower costs than traditional businesses and employees. They can also save money on expenses such as business attire, dining out, and travel expenses.
Distant work
Most freelancers have complete independence as to where and when they complete their work. Working as a freelance digital marketer usually only requires a computer with a good internet connection. This allows you to work wherever you want, such as working from home or traveling frequently to different locations for work. Working remotely also eliminates the need for commuting, which likely gives you more time to spend on leisure activities.
Workload management
By becoming a freelance digital marketer, you can decide how much you want to work and what type of work you specifically want to do. For example, you may prefer to work with clients in a particular industry or focus on one aspect of digital marketing more than others. However, it is important to remember that building a client base may require working with a large number of clients until you form a strong relationship.
Tips for Finding a Job as a Freelance Digital Marketer
Consider these tips to help you land a job as a freelance digital marketer:
- Ask happy customers for recommendations
- Be flexible in your rates when customers need it
- Consider focusing your work on a specific niche
- Develop a strong brand that you consistently sell
- Include testimonials from satisfied customers on your website
- Keep in touch with your customers with email marketing campaigns.
- Seek an experienced digital marketer to mentor you
- Use social media to advertise yourself and connect with customers
