Starting Your Freelancing Journey: Getting Noticed
TL;DR:
- Don't wait for clients to find you – actively build your visibility from day one
- Use social media as a business tool, not just for personal updates
- Consistency beats perfection when building your online presence
- Authentic personal branding means sharing your real process and experiences
- Focus on genuine networking conversations rather than pushing sales
- Give yourself about 100 days of consistent effort before expecting major results
Freelancing success depends as much on being visible as it does on doing good work. The "build it and they will come" approach rarely works – you need to actively put yourself where potential clients can find you.
Getting Visible Online
Social media might feel uncomfortable at first, but it's where your potential clients spend their time. Think of these platforms as business tools rather than personal spaces. The goal isn't to go viral or collect followers – it's to learn what your audience needs and show them you understand their problems.
Start by picking one or two platforms where you feel most comfortable. LinkedIn works well for B2B freelancers, while Instagram or TikTok might suit creative services better. The key is showing up regularly and staying consistent.
Building Your Brand Without the Fluff
Your brand isn't your logo or colour scheme. It's what people think and feel when they hear your name. The best way to build this is by being genuinely yourself.
Share your actual process. Post about the challenges you're working through. Show the messy middle parts of projects, not just the polished final results. This honesty makes you more relatable and helps potential clients understand how you work.
Don't try to sound like every other freelancer in your field. Your personality and approach are what set you apart.
The 100-Day Rule
Consistency matters more than perfection. Set a posting schedule you can actually maintain – maybe three times a week to start. Each piece of content teaches you something about what your audience responds to.
This is where the 100-day rule comes in handy. Commit to consistent posting and engagement for 100 days without expecting immediate results. This timeframe gives you enough data to see what works and builds the habit of regular communication.
Track what gets responses and what doesn't. Adjust your approach based on real feedback, not what you think should work.
Networking That Actually Works
Networking doesn't have to feel pushy or sales-focused. Start with people you already know – former colleagues, classmates, or people you've worked with before. Let them know you're freelancing and what kind of work you're doing.
Join conversations on platforms like LinkedIn or industry-specific communities. Comment thoughtfully on posts, share useful resources, and offer genuine help when you can. The goal is staying visible and building relationships, not making immediate sales.
Remember that networking is about starting conversations, not pitching services. Focus on being helpful and the business opportunities will follow naturally.
Making It Sustainable
Start small with goals you can actually hit. Posting three times a week is better than planning daily posts and burning out after two weeks. As you find your rhythm, you can always increase your activity.
Pay attention to what your audience engages with most. If your process posts get more comments than your finished work, lean into that. If questions generate more discussion than statements, ask more questions.
The feedback you get from consistent posting helps you refine your approach and better understand what potential clients value.
FAQs
How important is social media for freelancers really?
It's crucial for visibility and demonstrating expertise. Social media lets you show potential clients how you think and work before they hire you.
What's the best way to develop personal branding as a freelancer?
Be authentic and share your real experiences. Show your work process, challenges, and lessons learned rather than just polished final results.
How long before I see results from social media efforts?
Give yourself about 100 days of consistent posting and engagement before expecting significant results. This gives you enough time to learn what works and build momentum.
Which social media platforms should I focus on?
Pick one or two where your potential clients are most active. LinkedIn works well for B2B services, while Instagram or TikTok might suit creative freelancers better.
Jargon Buster
Content Creation: Developing and sharing online material like posts, videos, or articles that provide value to your audience.
Personal Branding: How you present yourself professionally online and the impression you create in people's minds.
Feedback Loop: Using responses and engagement to continuously improve and refine your approach.
Networking: Building professional relationships for mutual benefit, often leading to new opportunities.
Wrap-up
Starting a freelancing career means actively building your visibility alongside developing your skills. Social media, authentic branding, and genuine networking all work together to put you in front of potential clients who need what you offer.
The key is consistency over perfection. Give yourself time to learn what works, stay authentic in how you present yourself, and focus on building real relationships rather than just collecting followers.
Success won't happen overnight, but with steady effort over about 100 days, you'll start seeing the results of your visibility work.
Ready to take your freelancing to the next level? Join Pixelhaze Academy for practical courses and community support.