The competition is fierce in today's freelance market, so the ability to distinguish oneself is crucial to success. Whether responding to job postings or crafting personalized pitches, freelancers need to position themselves in a way that helps them stand out in a crowd.
Below, 15 Newsweek Expert Forum members share helpful tactics that freelancers should use to set themselves apart and showcase their unique value proposition effectively. Mastering these strategies can elevate freelancers from being mere contenders to sought-after collaborators in their respective industries.
1. Promote Locality
Inform the business that you are local. Freelancing is an increasingly competitive industry globally and there is intense competition for the same work. I usually like to endorse local freelancers who have a good reputation and are just starting out. Be sure to emphasize in your pitch that you are a local freelancer. - Tammy McCrory, McCrory Center: Behavioral Health
2. Showcase Your Unique Value
One essential thing freelancers should do is showcase their unique value proposition. They should highlight the specific skills, expertise and strengths that set them apart. Freelancers can differentiate themselves by clearly communicating their unique selling points and demonstrating how they can provide solutions to the customer's needs. - Alan Wozniak, Business Health Matters (BHM) Executive Consulting
3. Outline How You Prefer to Work With Clients
Freelancers should have excellent communication skills and a clear outline of how they prefer to work with their clients. Responding to communications promptly is critical to the relationship's success. If there are any stipulations to the professional relationship, they should be outlined in the beginning rather than addressing the issues as they arise. - LaKesha Womack, Womack Consulting Group
4. Create a Unique Selling Proposition
Build a unique selling proposition that differentiates you from competitors. Aim to differentiate versus other good alternatives, and be critical about what makes you different. For example, I run a digital marketing training company. While our trainers are experts, other good training companies also have experts. That doesn't make us different. Focus on where you are unique. - Krista Neher, Boot Camp Digital
5. Offer Quicker Turnaround Times
Besides showcasing their level of expertise and their talents accordingly, freelancers need to offer faster turnaround times than others. Rates are also very competitive, so initial discounts can go a long way. - Krisztina Veres, Veres Career Consulting
6. Demonstrate Your Knowledge and Relevant Work
Keep it short and relevant. Your proposal will be looked at for just a couple of seconds, so show that you've done your homework by referencing the company, industry and clients. Showcase your best work that aligns closely with the client's needs. This gives them a tangible sense of your style and quality. If you top it off with some high recommendations, you have a killer pitch! - Gergo Vari, Lensa
7. Build Your Personal Brand
Personal branding is key. Showcasing unique skills and experiences in a compelling narrative sets one apart. A Harvard Business Review study emphasizes the need for storytelling in branding. MIT Review's research on digital portfolios highlights their impact in illustrating unique value propositions. Tailoring these elements to client needs makes freelancers memorable and desirable in a competitive landscape. - Joseph Soares, IBPROM Corp.
8. Offer Flexible Solutions
Millions of Americans classify themselves as independent contractors or freelance workers in the fast-growing, competitive gig economy. To stand out when responding to ads or when pitching services to potential customers, freelancers can grab attention with professional brand identities that include flexible solutions to address problems for their target market with an emphasis on results and impact. - Lillian Gregory, The 4D Unicorn LLC
9. Use the Emotional Echo Technique
Freelancers can consider the emotional echo technique. When pitching their services, they should critically research the potential client's brand ethos and voice, and then mirror their findings in the pitch. This is more like psychological mirroring, which can create a subconscious connection with the target audience, making the pitch resonate with them on an emotional level. - Dr. Kira Graves, Kira Graves Consulting
10. Share Your ROI and Client Testimonials
Share the ROI of your services as well as publicly available testimonials from key clients. It's tempting to share what you've done in a pitch. The best and most effective pitches show what you can do for your potential customers. - Karen Mangia, The Engineered Innovation Group
11. Connect With the Client
Connectivity with the client is a critical key to success. Communicate effectively and demonstrate the value of forming a relationship. Let the client know that not only will you deliver what they need but you will also be there when they need you for whatever they need. - Margie Kiesel, Isidore Partners
12. Personalize Your Communication
Personalize your communication and tailor proposals to the client's specific needs and context. Demonstrate a clear understanding of the client's project, challenges and objectives and then articulate how your expertise is uniquely positioned to address their needs. - Britton Bloch, Navy Federal
13. Communicate Your Experience
The most important thing that clients need to know is if you have done the job before and if your clients were happy with your work. If your previous work can be publicly visible and has garnered awards, that is even better. A client list really goes a long way toward winning more contracts in the future. Other gimmicks to attract attention will not really work. - Zain Jaffer, Zain Ventures
14. Provide Data-Backed Evidence of Your Success
The most effective way to impress me during a pitch is by providing data-backed evidence of success within a specific field or area of expertise. Showing proof wins with seasoned entrepreneurs. - Tammy Sons, Tn Nursery
15. Tailor Your Offerings
Tailor the offerings to the audience. It is easy to try to target "everyone" but I generally look for those who have taken the time to understand my business, have worked with similar businesses and can show results from that work. - Brian Katz, Safer School Solutions
Uncommon Knowledge
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
