5 Ways To Build Your Personal Brand As A Freelancer In 2024

We’ve barely completed the first half of the year, and already seismic shifts are occurring within traditional workplaces. Freelance work is becoming the norm, and is being embraced more by employers as the quick, cost-effective solution to talent gaps. Thanks to layoffs, nearly 70% of Gen Z professionals are actively rethinking their career structure and future career plans, and are either currently freelancing or planning to do so, according to a recent report from Fiverr.

With so many turning to freelancing to jumpstart their careers and escape the black hole of working for an employer, it is only natural to worry that you might become crowded out as a freelancer, and sooner or later become out-performed by others desiring the same freelance jobs or gigs.

Gen Z Youtuber and freelancer Mark Santos, who has made over $750,000 from his own hustle, believes that establishing one’s personal branding is fundamental to career success as a freelancer…Well, he certainly has reaped dividends by following his own advice.

Santos shared some of his top tips for building one’s personal brand to get more clients as a freelancer:

1. Leverage Social Media

Social media is expansive; there are several platforms to choose from and your reach can go into the millions. The good news about using social media as a freelancer to build your personal brand is that you do not need to rely on paid ads to establish your presence. According to Santos, you can create a credible reputation for your service by showcasing your work, client wins, and project successes, thus developing an online portfolio.

2. Network With Other Industry Professionals

Networking within your industry is another great way to build your personal brand. This is because through networking, you are able to build lasting connections and even forge beneficial partnerships to help you expand your business as an independent contractor.

Additionally, through word-of-mouth, others will hear about what you offer and you will be able to gain more clients. “Attend events, set up meetings, or join local industry chapters,” Santos advises. “Be sure to connect with these people on LinkedIn to stay in touch.”

3. Sharpen Your Elevator Pitch

When was the last time you reviewed your elevator pitch? Do you even have one? If you already have one, ensure that your pitch is sharpened and updated to reflect your current offer, the problem you solve, and the value you bring. If not, now is the time to work on creating and perfecting it. Your elevator pitch will come handy when you are engaged in networking, and can be useful to help you stay on track and say what needs to be said when in a meeting or event.

When crafting your elevator pitch, Santos counsels freelancers to consider their expertise, experience, and passion, and perhaps most importantly, don’t forget to keep one’s audience in mind.

4. Get Specific With Your Offerings

One of the biggest mistakes freelancers make when venturing out into their freelancing career, is that they throw a wide, catch-all net and hope for the best that clients will come flooding in. It doesn’t work that way unfortunately.

Santos believes it is better to “narrow your focus on key specialties that address the needs within your industry rather than having a laundry list of services.” Even if you think you’re good at everything, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you should be providing every service possible within your field. Conduct research and try to define a niche within your industry—ideally one that is under-served but demonstrates enormous potential.

5. Give More Than You’re Paid For

Especially in the early stages, it helps when you go above and beyond for a client, because it cements their trust in you, your working relationship, and they will be so overjoyed that you’ve done so much for them, that they’ll feel compelled to share testimonials, reviews, and spread the word about your services.

This quickly establishes your personal brand as a go-to-expert, and helps build client confidence, particularly if you don’t have many years of experience behind you.

In a nutshell, leveraging the power of social media platforms, networking with others in your industry, crafting (or refreshing) your elevator pitch, being specific, and providing more value than what your clients sign up for, will shape your personal brand and enable you to stand out from others in your industry—even if they are providing a similar service.