When you think about marketing, all marketers will tell you the simple trick is to ‘promote your brand to reach more people’. But with the evolution of technology, there has been a growth in gadgets and a growth in the market vertically. This is where digital marketing comes in.
Digital marketing can be a great side hustle. It provides the freedom to work from anywhere in the world. So, let’s take a look at how to get started as a freelance digital marketer.
How Can You Start Working As A Freelance Digital Marketer?
As a newbie in the industry, it can be very daunting. But let’s take a look at a step-by-step process on how to become a freelancer:
1. Set Your Niche:
Digital marketing is a large industry, so creating a niche is the key to success. Try everything first, and see which sector you like best. At first, you may feel like you are stretching yourself thin, but if you try everything at least once, you will know which digital marketing aspect you prefer. Ideally, choose your niche based on your capabilities, interests and the availability of well-paying projects.
2. Build Your Portfolio:
Irrespective of your speciality or industry, you need to build a website as a freelancer in digital marketing. Digital marketers work online, so your website is the first point of contact with your customers. Look for cheap sites that host easy-to-make websites. On your site, show off your SEO, design, copywriting, and videography skills. You might not have a large portfolio or several clients as a fresher. So, become your own client. Talk about how you are trying to build your brand and any milestones you have reached.
3. Find Your Network:
Marketing without a network or audience is similar to banging your head against a wall. Networking is an important aspect of freelancing businesses. Networking with other freelancers will help fix your new rates based on the market and the experience you need to showcase. Check platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn to see what others do in your niche. Talk to them and understand what the latest marketing trends are.
4. Promoting Your Business:
Promote your freelancing digital marketing business through:
1. Cold pitches – Reach out to business owners and pitch your services to them.
2. Work for free – The only way to gain some experience is to work for free. Send some social media pitches or write a few guest posts.
5. Keep It Legal:
As your business takes off, remember to keep your brand legal. Register your business and get a GST number. Start tracking expenses and income. Before you start your business, learn to make invoices and contracts. That way, you are legally protected.
What Are The Pros And Cons Of Freelancing?
On the surface, freelancing seems like an independent job, and in some ways, it is. But, there are some pros and cons involved when it comes to freelancing as a digital marketer:
Pros:
- 1. Freedom to choose project, niche and clients
- 2. Flexible working hours
- 3. Scale business and salary
- 4. All credit for work done goes to an individual person
- 5. All business profits belong to individual
Cons:
- 1. No fixed income
- 2. Need to do everything on your own
- 3. Work-life balance is difficult to maintain
- 4. No employee benefits
What To Consider Before You Become A Digital Marketer?
Before you leave your 9-5 job and jump into the industry, try and see if this sector is the best for you. Ask yourself some of the questions listed below:
- 1. Do I have the creative ability to develop marketing strategies across multiple social media channels?
- 2. How strong are my writing skills?
- 3. Do I understand how to analyze data and decide if a strategy is right?
- 4. How well do I know how to do SEO?
- 5. How tech-savvy am I?
- 6. Can I design social media posts, brochures, and posters?
- 7. Do you have Knowledge and certification required for it?
These questions will showcase some skills you need to have to excel in digital marketing. While you may not need all the skills, understanding some of them and why they are important will help make your freelancing gig much easier. It is very important yo have prior Knowlege of digital marketing before starting freelancing in digital marketing for that you can join Digital Marketing Courses.
How Much Can You Earn As A Freelancing Digital Marketer?
Freelancing depends entirely on the industry and the experience you have. Your annual income will depend mainly on your speciality and your niche. According to a study by Peak Freelance, over 50% of freelance content writers earned less than $30,000 p.a., but over 27% of writers earned $50,000 a year. It also showcased that freelancers who earn over $100K a year have been writing for almost 2 years. So, how much you earn depends entirely on your experience and how well you do the work.
Conclusion
In today’s technologically advanced world, digital marketing has become the spice of all industries. Without it, you might be able to function but not survive. In the long run, industry specialists opine that digital marketing is slowly going to take over traditional marketing. But not everyone understands how to go about the digital maze. That is where a digital marketer comes in.
But not all companies can afford to have a digital marketer onboard 24*7. That is where a freelancer comes in. In the end, it is the niche you create for yourself and the passion for the industry. So, give it a try and see if you can make a side hustle from digital marketing.
