Tips on Self-Promotion for Free-Lancers

So, you're a free-lancer. You're self-employed. You're writing your own checks. In essence you are a small business owner, even if you have no business license or office, you are in the business of working for yourself by providing a service to others. This can be a very liberating feeling for some people. Others see it as a constant liability. You must continue to find leads, think of new ways to grow, maintain client relationships, create interest in your work...the list goes on. So when it comes down to it, what is the number one thing a self-employed person must do? The same thing most successful companies do: Advertise. Whether it be literally taking out an ad in a paper or flyering a neighborhood, advertising or promoting as I like to call it, is key. Aside from the normal terrestial forms of self-promotion (print ads, flyers, radio, yellow-pages) what more can you do? 1. Google Maps: Click here and list your services on Google Maps today. It's a wonderful way to let people find you. 2. Yahoo Local: Click here and list your services with Yahoo Local listings. 3. Networking: If you haven't heard, there are a few little websites out there dedicated to connecting people together, Facebook is a good way to self-promote and find other ways to promote and connect. For example this Free Lance Designer Group on Facebook 4. Blogging: Use your expertise to help others. Start a blog and start sharing things you have learned in your respective field. Link this blog up to your website and let your customers see how you are continually learning and growing in your profession. 5. Update the Site: It's important to make somewhat frequent changes to your website. A simple personal/professional/topical news blurb that changes from week to week would help search engines see that your site is not static. I hope some of these ideas help you in your daily quest to make it on your own. -Jon "I did it my way..." Frank