How To Get Started in Freelance Digital Marketing in 2023

In today’s fast-paced digital world, businesses continually seek innovative ways to expand their online presence and reach their target audience effectively. And this increased demand has opened up a myriad of opportunities in freelance digital marketing.

If you are passionate about marketing, want to understand how online platforms work, and are desirous of flexibility and independence in your career, consider starting freelancing in digital marketing. Moreover, this article is a guide explaining the crucial steps required to help you get started in the exciting world of freelance digital marketing.

From honing your skills and building a strong portfolio to finding clients and managing projects, we will explore the essential aspects that will set you on the path to success in this dynamic field.

What is Freelance Digital Marketing?

Freelance digital marketing involves providing professional marketing services on a contract or freelance basis. Freelance digital marketers often work from home, offering different digital marketing services to clients or companies.

These experts are self-employed and work according to their rules to meet clients’ needs. Further, there’s a surge in demand for freelance digital marketing jobs. Thus, this is a great career path.

What Do Freelance Digital Marketers Do?

Freelance digital marketers are independent individuals who use different strategies and online marketing channels to promote the services, products, and businesses of their clients. They usually specialize in any of the digital marketing fields available. Some of them include Search Engine Optimization (SEO), content marketing, Social Media Management, advertising, Search Engine Marketing (SEM), etc.

How To Get Started in Freelance Digital Marketing

Digital marketing can be very competitive, especially if you’re a rookie. However, the guide below will help you to get started.

1. Pick a niche

Digital marketing is broad, hence the need to pick a niche. And digital marketers often delve deep into their niche to acquire more expertise. To become a freelance digital marketer, you should focus on one or two niches.

For instance, you can choose to specialize in Search Engine Marketing (SEM) or social media marketing. Meanwhile, some specialties also have other sub-specialties you can choose to focus on. To pick a niche, consider your abilities, interests, and availability of lucrative gigs.

2. Get trained

After picking a niche, the next thing you should consider is getting the required training and building your skills. Most freelance digital marketers are self-taught. So, you can take classes online as there are various resources to do that.

You can also register for online or offline digital marketing courses that will issue you a certificate upon completion. Certificates can serve as proof of competence. So, you should consider getting at least one.

But if you’d like to step it up a bit, you can consider attending any institution that offers associate degrees or diplomas in digital marketing.

3. Build your portfolio

Irrespective of your niche, you need a portfolio website. Since freelance digital marketing is done online, your website serves as your office. Having a website shows your potential clients that you’re a tech-savvy professional.

It should contain your skills, testimonials, and portfolio. Additionally, you can grow a personal brand, write blog articles, and grow your social media following. Use your site to show off the results you’ve accomplished in your field.

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4. Build a network

You cannot do digital marketing without building a network or audience. This is the most essential aspect of succeeding in your freelance business. Furthermore, networking with fellow freelance digital marketers will help you understand other aspects of the business, including how to set your rates.

You can also befriend and follow other freelancers in your niche, and discuss industry trends and marketing opportunities. If you’re open to work, let them know too. Additionally, you can join supportive freelance communities/groups related to your niche.

5. Promote your business

Promoting your freelance business is another key to standing out in your industry. It also puts you on the map for potential clients to see. However, you might find it challenging if you’re a newbie without a portfolio or many contacts.

But here are two promotion techniques that work effectively: working for free and cold pitching. Working for free gives you exposure and helps you to gain relevant experience. You can write guest posts for top brands or pitch yourself for unpaid internships.

Whereas, cold pitching requires you to reach out to business owners in your specialty and pitch your services to them. Many businesses need freelance digital marketers but don’t know how and where to find them. So, this is an opportunity for you to sell yourself and your skills.

6. Register your business

Registering your business makes it legal. You can register it as an LLC or sole proprietorship. Afterward, obtain a tax ID if it’s applicable in your country so that you can begin tracking your income and expenses before the tax filing season.

In addition to registering your business, try to learn fundamental business skills like sending invoices. It will be beneficial for smooth transactions with your clients.

Skills Required To Succeed in Freelance Digital Marketing

To excel in digital marketing, you must possess the following skills:

• Creativity
• Knowledge of marketing
• Great communication skills
• Research skills
• Technical skills
• Negotiation skills
• Networking
• Search Engine Marketing (SEM) and Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

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Freelance Digital Marketing Salary

According to ZipRecruiter, the national average salary for a freelance digital marketer in the United States is $69,311 per year. However, the hourly wage works out to be $33.32 which is equivalent to $1,332 weekly and $5,775 monthly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bottom Line

Freelance digital marketing is very broad and has several sub-specialties. And niching down to a particular specialty is one important key to starting out as a digital marketer. Moreover, these professionals are in demand as every business needs a digital marketer. Thus, there are ample opportunities in this field. So, starting off on the right foot with the steps provided in this guide will help you stand out in this career path.