Social Media Revamp...Does Your Brand Need One?

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The Big Three - Facebook, Twitter, Instagram (IG) ...or maybe swap IG for YouTube.  Maybe MySpace is still your friend in terms of traffic...or is it just a familiar place?  The thing is, we freelancers know not all social media channels are best for our brand.  Remember back in the day when the so-called "experts" would push The Big Three on anyone not knowing what our product was about?

Thank goodness those days are gone.  There's so much more to choose from, as social media has not only become more varied but targeted to the microniche.  Instead of just dealing with cartoons, comics, or crafts, more emphasis is placed on manga, needle arts, or where to find the best cosplay events in your area.

Of course, if your social media plan is played out (as in your traffic has dwindled in recent) or you never got on board, this may be the best time to change old habits  The first course of action should be to know how you will use social media, followed by getting an updated list of social media sites.

So Why Can't I Use My Personal Social Media Page?

Because it's always best to keep things separate.  Big or mid-money clients don't want to see an email that doesn't have a personalized domain.  When someone visits your social media page, they may not want to see your pets (unless Fluffy is out there hustling for you and that's your brand), kids, or personal opinions.  This holds especially true if some of the sentiments you've expressed in the past may be controversial.

Although another small business may not be as likely to check as an employer, it still helps to cover your tracks.  Not all business social media accounts cost a fortune and taking the time to set it up properly is sure to pay off.  However, it doesn't hurt to do a little tweaking to set yourself apart.  Here's a list of social media resources that are affordable and can improve your online presence.

I Want to Protect My Clients by Not Exposing their Personal Data

While it's safe to say who leads in the social media data breaches, all the transparency in the world isn't guaranteed to build everyone's confidence.  The only other measures you can take is to invest in an email marketing program that's been proven and ensure that your device or laptop is free of malware and scanned regularly.  If your email software allows users to manage the frequency and/or type of emails they want to receive, this not only saves time but promotes positive communication.

Why Would I Join a Site that Doesn't Allow Me to Sell My Goods?

What You Should Know About Guest Posting + Resources

Firstly, for those who don't know, the above image isn't 100% accurate but it's reality at least 90% of the time.  However, instead of worrying about the one-time payment a company may give you for a single submission, think about the traffic that visits the site every day.  This is a group of people that may want to be on your mailing list, become a social media friend, or better, become a paying customer.

Why Do It if There's No Pay?

People who should consider using guest posting are using this as a promotional effort for a product or service.  Another strategy may be to establish themselves as an expert on a subject.  Whatever the reason, it should not be used as a way to begin a writing or blogging career.  It's easier to own (or upgrade to) your own domain where you earn from advertising and other marketing tools.

Guest posting can also be used as a part of a B2B strategy, where a company blogger or contributor works with those who sell similar services or complementary products.  For example, a caterer who also specializes in food photography may want to write a post on simple camera tricks when shooting food pics.  This person may submit their post to sites (like Yahoo) that target general audiences but also novice shutterbug blogs, culinary student sites, or anywhere else that's not targeted to veteran caterers or photographers.

What's the Right Way to Do This?

Some people submit posts or other text content once a month, quarterly, or as opportunities arise.  The good thing is that every week, many people are creating successful blogs and websites that cater to a specific niche.  When people don't have to go searching through numerous categories and pages to get what they came for, they tend to be more loyal than visitors who stop by randomly.

As far as Google Page Rankings go, I couldn't find current information in regard to which pages rank the highest or lowest in terms of search engine visibility.  Diversifying content has always worked for me, as I may alternate between high-traffic sites with those that aren't as well known but have other endearing qualities.  Easy navigation or nice visuals (that load quickly) are sometimes enough to grow an audience faster than normal.  

Where Do I Find Opportunities?

Do You Have a Freelancer Growth Strategy?

Not as complicated as it sounds but this can prepare you for unexpected events both bad and good.  Basically, what you're doing is planning for the next step in your venture by making the best use of your current resources.   While it may not be possible to work on upgrades (which can require a lot of money) when you're busy, it helps to have a plan ready to go in case the following happens - 

• You need time off for personal reasons
• A regular client wants to place a larger than usual order...and you REALLY can use the money.
• Your latest marketing campaign has brought in a slew of new clients and you need an extra hand.

A good example is the Thanksgiving turkey sales of 2020 where data showed how smaller birds were in more demand than the usual 16 (or larger) -pounder.  This was mostly due to pandemic restrictions and those looking to cut back on meal plans.  During this time, anyone with a food business could negotiate a reduced price with their local grocer or wholesale and sell fried turkey meals.  Think about it, not everyone owns a fryer and the cooking process takes patience as well as a steady hand.  Unless you live in a major metro city where a restaurant may be your biggest competition, this can be the break your operation is looking for.

Sometimes opportunities can fall in our laps and knowing how to convert these into ongoing revenue can be tricky without an idea that doesn't cost a lot.  Although some may find inspiration immediately, no one who's survived these recent times should want to gamble on their impulses.  While creating such a plan will vary from one freelancer or small business owner to another, some basic ideas can diversify the business revenue.

1. Look for intersectional audiences within your current customer base.  If you sell a product that may require an instructional guide, you may find an audience that would appreciate a guidebook.  They may also be willing to pay a few dollars for such a thing.  With e-book software that's easy to use, you can draft, publish and promote over a period of three days.  Past customer purchases, social media accounts, and personal knowledge of an industry can inspire new ideas for residual income.

2. Hire an intern.  If you're thinking of some kid with zero work experience, you may be in for a pleasant surprise.  These days, many Gen X/Y and older millennials are returning to college or looking to get experience in a new career.  For a lot of companies, this is a definite win because most older workers are serious about networking, learning new skills, and most of all, doing a good job.  They want to ensure that they can have a reference for their next employer or start a business with success.

3. Find ways to buy wholesale.  If you live in a large city, you don't need a business account to buy supplies in volume.  You probably started out part-time but have grown enough to realize that it won't hurt to have extra supplies on hand.  Even if space is tight, a good storage chest with multiple uses can come in handy.  Some storage facility franchises also have lockers for rent priced under $50/month.

4. Connect with a networking group that offers access to local resources.  If you're burned out with doing the online outsourcing thing, then asking for referrals is the next best thing. Even you're not the most social, it helps to be at least familiar with niche groups that can provide leads on freelancers, complementary businesses, and anything else that will make operations run smoother.  While some may take issue with meeting people in a streaming environment, remember that options may be available.  An alternate might be a few members meeting in a small space that's set up for local social distancing guidelines.

While these tips may start with a lot of 'ifs', consider ideas that work best with your operation when the unexpected occurs.  Bookmark important web pages if you can't print these at the moment or add the links (with descriptions) to your online memo app.  It also can't hurt to inquire about the cost estimates early and compare with their competitors.  This way you won't feel pressured to pay premium costs or know how early to lock in a good price.

When the Last Client is Gone (and Def Not Coming Back)

If you've spent most of your career being an employee, you'll find that communication is different than a boss to an employee.  The funny thing is that while many become freelancers to "be their own boss", the truth is the client is the one giving orders.  There's usually a happy medium that makes client-freelancer relationships work but sometimes, this isn't the case.  Some freelancers can become overzealous when it comes to their beliefs (which sometimes may be based on a hunch) and some clients can just be...not nice to work for.

Don't Hide Your True Feelings at the First Sign of Trouble

One thing that's worse than having a bad disposition (or refusing to give clear directions the first time) is lack of communication.  Sometimes people don't know how to say what's really on their mind or they just don't want to chance on rocking the boat.  If you communicate online or by phone, you have to find the most effective way to get your point across.  This applies to both clients and freelancers.

While most in either position may not have a problem delegating their wishes, this is where clarity comes in handy.  Do you feel the job tasks do NOT justify the pay?  Is the freelancer working too slow?  Is there a way the two of you can work without giving more money to an outsourcing company that offers little to no support (not naming names here...you fill in the blank, LOL)?

Observe Patterns and Rectify Immediately

Back when you had to go to school or work on a schedule, you probably had a day when you missed a step in your usual grooming because you overslept.  Throughout the day, things were uncomfortable because people either made a strange face around you or appeared to ignore you entirely.  Maybe it was you or your imagination.  However, you realized that grooming affects not only your confidence but productivity.

In the remote working world, you can arrive stinky or in need of a pedicure but if your sick cat is getting you down, then time off may be necessary.  Taking a short leave early in the game (but try to finish remaining work first, especially if it's a new client) with a brief explanation is better than late and/or incorrect submissions, lack of communication, or being verbally aggressive with the client.  If the client goes elsewhere, you can at least say that the parting wasn't based on faulty work.  In most cases, people understand that life happens.

Encourage Open Communication From Day One

A while back, I stayed with a relative that did something I didn't appreciate.  I let them know I wasn't down for it though I eventually gave in to the pressure.  Their explanation for doing what they did was that they could because it was their home, etc.  From that day on, our dynamic changed.  While I managed to remain polite, it's years later that they realized the impact of their actions.  Yet, instead of addressing the matter directly, their response was 'If there's anything you want to discuss...'

For a lot of people, being over something is just that...life moves on because you can't succeed while wallowing in the past.  Even if memories are fresh, a person that respects their business operation won't suffer because their current freelancer is hard to reach, rude, unpredictable - or all of the above.  While some of you may fear a talkative client with the potential to pay many future bills, there are ways to handle conversation without seeming ungrateful.

Getting a feel for what a client may be thinking about you can take time.  Although some people find surveys to be impersonal, you may want to send out a short questionnaire to all clients on a regular basis to find out their true satisfaction levels.  If there's an opportunity to remain anonymous (or at least offer some reward for completing the form), they may offer the constructive criticism you've been needing.