Are you a freelancer looking to level up your business or master the work-life balance? First impressions are key, and they can make all the difference in attracting new clients and building trust. That's why it's important to present yourself as trustworthy and reliable but don't worry, it's easier than you might think!
First things first: simply posting a photo of yourself in glasses isn't going to cut it. So, how can you step up your game and look more professional as a freelancer?
Here are some simple ways to look more professional as a freelancer, brought to you by Afloat. Let's dive in 🤓
1. Build a professional portfolio
This is a very important thing to do for any freelancer: create a professional portfolio that showcases your work and demonstrates your expertise. This can include case studies, testimonials, and samples of your work. Make sure that your portfolio is easy to navigate and visually appealing.
For that you can use tools like Squarespace, Wix, Carbonmade, Behance, or Journo Portfolio.
If you’ve got nothing to show, make sure you create a great CV or 'spec' projects of projects you’ve worked on personally. You can also volunteer to help out a friend or a colleague with a project and add that as part of your portfolio, just to start building things up.
2. Be responsive and reliable
We know it may sound obvious but for some people it’s not: make sure you respond promptly to client inquiries and deliver work on time. Don’t let a client email sit in your inbox for days, especially not if they’ve asked for something urgent.
Of course we’re all humans and sometimes life gets in the way but, if you’re busy or something urgent has happened, just send a quick email back. You can give your client an estimated time when you’ll be able to get back to them to keep them in the loop to avoid confusions or misunderstandings.
This demonstrates your professionalism and reliability, and can help you build a positive reputation as a freelancer.
3. Create a professional invoice
This is very important (and of course our fave topic) 😀
It’s a non negotiable that your invoices have to look spot on. Spelling mistakes, calculation errors, wrong dates, and client details could quickly turn it all upside down. You want to avoid ending up correcting an invoice multiple times because your client has spotted a mistake…
This is why we recommend using a professional invoice generator, such as Afloat, to create error-free invoices. Afloat will ensure that your invoice includes all necessary details, the services you provided, cost, payment details and the payment terms.
You can also use it to create professional looking quotes and get them ready in minutes, so that your clients don’t have to wait too long to hear back from you and your proposal.
Having a professional-looking invoice can make you appear more professional, organised and reliable to your clients.
You can try out Afloat for free now.
4. Use professional email communication
Use a professional email address and signature to communicate with clients. Avoid using personal email addresses or email signatures that may not appear professional. This can help you build a positive reputation as a professional freelancer.
You can also create a logo that represents your work (a simple design, name initials, etc,) and add it as your email address profile icon and in your email signatures. This will help you elevate your brand and make you look more professional as a freelancer.
5. Create a professional social media presence
Use social media platforms to showcase your professional experience and connect with potential clients. For that we have a few recommendations that might help you out, just remember to avoid posting anything controversial or unprofessional on your social media accounts.
- Choose the right platforms: consider the platforms that are most relevant to your industry and target audience. For example, if you're a graphic designer, you may want to focus on Instagram and Pinterest to showcase your work visually.
- Create a consistent brand image: use the same profile picture and cover photo across all your social media profiles. This helps to create a consistent and recognizable brand image.
- Optimise your profiles: make sure to fill out all the necessary information on your social media profiles, such as your bio, location, and contact information.
- Share valuable content: share relevant and valuable content that aligns with your niche and target audience. This can include industry news, helpful tips, and your own work.
- Engage with your audience: respond to comments and messages promptly and engage with your followers. This helps to build a connection with your audience and demonstrates your professionalism and expertise.
- Use hashtags: use relevant hashtags to increase your visibility and reach on social media. This can help you attract new followers and potential clients.
- Share testimonials: share testimonials from satisfied clients on your social media profiles. This helps to build trust and demonstrate your expertise.
- Be consistent: consistency is key when it comes to building a professional social media presence. Make sure to post regularly and engage with your audience consistently.
- Monitor your online reputation: monitor your online reputation and respond appropriately to any negative feedback or criticism. This demonstrates your professionalism and willingness to address any issues.
In conclusion, looking professional as a freelancer can help you attract potential clients and build a positive reputation, and we know that you’ll nail it 💪