<aside> <img src="/icons/stopwatch_purple.svg" alt="/icons/stopwatch_purple.svg" width="40px" /> Estimated Read Time: 3-4 Minutes
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One challenge all early-stage freelancers face is standing out from the crowd.
You make or break a freelancing business online. There’s a risk of clients choosing someone experienced over a beginner, or over someone who seems less credible. That on its own is tough to navigate.
There is a way to stand out from the crowd, and it’s two words: PERSONAL. BRANDING.
<aside> <img src="/icons/push-pin_purple.svg" alt="/icons/push-pin_purple.svg" width="40px" /> Many things go into building a personal brand, but here, we’re going to talk about the most basic one: your online freelancing profile. We’re going to break down everything you need into two modules. By the end of parts 1 and 2, you’ll be ready to put together a profile that’ll definitely leave a strong impression. Whether it’s Upwork, Fiverr or LinkedIn, be sure to follow these SadaGuru hacks!
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qn24DGjlIqA
You might hear someone tell you that your profile picture doesn’t matter. Don’t listen to them.
Freelancing is a largely remote industry, and it’s important for people to feel connected to you in some way. If they can visualize what you look like, it’s already easier to form a relationship. It’s science – we’re not making this up!
Apart from looking friendly and approachable, your profile picture should also be professional. Coming across as “chill” or “non-threatening” won’t cut it. You also need to look authoritative, credible, and like you’re the right fit for the job. You know the saying “dress for the job you want”? Put on your best shirt, flash your best smile, and style your hair before posing for your profile picture. Freelancer profiles are not the place to reuse your favourite Instagram post from a night out with friends.
If you can afford a professional photographer, invest in a good headshot! If you can’t, it’s literally no big deal: all you need is a clean background (preferably a white wall), natural lighting, and if no one’s around to take a pic of you, use the self-timer on your phone to take a headshot. Make sure your surroundings are clear, and that the picture is well-lit (and not blurry!)
A title is the first thing clients see when searching for your profile, so it needs to be powerful! Especially because your profile overview (aka your bio, depending on which platform you’re using) isn’t entirely visible until someone scrolls down to see the rest of your profile. Your title, though? It’s righhtttt at the top of the page. It’s literally highly visible, so it’s a crucial part of personal branding. A good title does these two things:
<aside> <img src="/icons/light-bulb_purple.svg" alt="/icons/light-bulb_purple.svg" width="40px" /> Generic titles like “copywriter” and “graphic designer” won’t make you stand out from other copywriters and graphic designers. Opt for a longer title that describes exactly what you can do, and how a client can benefit from your skills.
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Example: Ali Khan, SEO Expert.
Even longer example: Amna Javed, Top-Rated App Developer: I'll get your app ready in no time!
Now, for the overview (bio). Whether it’s LinkedIn or Upwork, a good overview is like a mini-cover letter, and could be the thing that makes a client interested in hiring you. Look at your bio the way you’d look at an elevator pitch: you have limited time to share what makes you different, what makes you an attractive pick over the thousands of other freelancers in the market. Brevity is really important for a good bio. The space should mainly be used to highlight the best aspects of your skills and abilities. Focus on why you're the best person for the job rather than listing qualifications or credentials here.
Here’s a sample overview that you can use on different types of platforms to be seen by prospecting clients. Be sure to shorten or elongate the length according to the type of website you’re using:
“I'm a [list three adjectives, for eg: highly skilled, goal-oriented and creative] freelancer with over [insert number] years of experience in [insert field of expertise]. My passion for delivering stellar work to [number] of clients across [number] of industries has helped me achieve excellence in every project I undertake.
I’ve helped clients [insert most common, important problem faced in your field, for eg: optimize SEO for their websites], and have successfully delivered projects ranging from [insert project types, for eg community building, brand building]. My expertise includes [insert skills], and I'm always eager to learn more to stay updated with [industry’s] latest trends and techniques. A new favourite of mine is [insert trend].
My clients appreciate my [insert adjectives, for eg: professionalism, attention to detail, and ability to meet deadlines]. I have a simple philosophy: communication is key in any project, and I always keep my clients updated throughout my progress. I pride myself on my ability to deliver work that not only meets but exceeds my client's expectations.
In addition to my technical skills, I'm also always open to feedback and constructive criticism.
My goal is to consistently grow my network and expand my skillsets, and I'm committed to providing my clients with the best possible service to achieve this. Let’s work together to level up your [industry, for eg marketing] game.”
Freelancing platforms like Upwork and Fiverr contain broad lists of skills that you can add to your profile, for example, "Translation: Urdu English." These skills help clients understand your strengths; they also help you find projects that are a good fit for you. Because these lists have to accurately reflect your areas of expertise, and because they help clients find you on such platforms, only include talents that you can support with information from another section of your profile, such as your work experience, portfolio, schooling, or certifications.
It’s usually advised to list skills according to the projects you’re looking for; the best approach would be to list 10 skills in order of importance. If you have multiple work interests (e.g. graphic design and data analysis), you should choose them in the order of which type of projects you want to attract. Remember, freelancing is all about growing your skillsets, so updating a skills section is of the utmost importance. Remove older, outdated skills as soon as you get a new certification. Try to also narrow down your skills based on the actual problem-solving clients need instead of the software you’re qualified in – it’s always better to say you’re proficient in logo design instead of just saying “Adobe Photoshop.”
<aside> <img src="/icons/light-bulb_purple.svg" alt="/icons/light-bulb_purple.svg" width="40px" /> Listing relevant credentials and certifications is important. By mentioning relevant credentials on your Freelance Profile, you demonstrate that you are knowledgeable in your field and have the required skills for the job.
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Portfolios are critical for freelancer profiles on platforms like Upwork and Fiverr because they give clients a clear idea of the type and quality of work they can expect from the freelancer. Clients on these platforms often use a freelancer's portfolio as the primary factor in deciding whether or not to hire them. A portfolio that showcases a freelancer's relevant experience, skills, and past projects can help build credibility and trust with potential clients. It's important to keep your portfolio up-to-date and visually appealing to make a lasting impression. A well-crafted portfolio can help you stand out from the competition and demonstrate your ability to deliver high-quality work. It's important to include a variety of projects in your portfolio that showcase your versatility and range of skills.
Additionally, make sure to highlight any feedback or testimonials you've received from previous clients to build trust with potential clients. Overall, your portfolio is a powerful marketing tool that can help you attract new clients and grow your freelance business. Ultimately, having a strong portfolio can help a freelancer stand out in a crowded marketplace and increase their chances of being hired.
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Building a profile that stands out: Part 2
Freelancing with a full-time job
Building a profile that stands out: Part 1
Building a profile that stands out: Part 2
Making the most out of AI tools
Mastering English communication with free tools
<aside> <img src="/icons/book-closed_purple.svg" alt="/icons/book-closed_purple.svg" width="40px" /> CHAPTER 2
This part of the course is all about helping you score bigger and better clients. We'll dive deep into the art of lead generation and show you how to write a cold email that'll make potential clients stop in their tracks. But we won't stop there. We'll also give you the insider secrets to finding those high-ticket clients that every freelancer dreams of.
So if you're ready to level up your freelancing game and start landing the jobs you deserve, this section is where it's at!
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<aside> <img src="/icons/book-closed_purple.svg" alt="/icons/book-closed_purple.svg" width="40px" /> CHAPTER 3
Let's face it - clients can be tricky. But fear not, we’ve got you covered in “Client Relations”! This section is chock-full of articles that will help you improve your client communication skills, build strong relationships, and set the tone for success from the very beginning.
Whether you're dealing with your first client or have been freelancing for years, these articles will give you the tools you need to keep your clients coming back. So, let’s get started and learn how to make your clients love you - and your work - today.
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