Launching a business in the gig economy requires some strategy, from creating a great website to establishing a strong presence on social media. Use this guide for resources on building your business from the ground-up. Working with a marketing agency is a great way to get started on the right foot, and ALX Creatives can help.
Tools for getting started
The gig economy takes some getting used to, especially if you’re coming from a full-time job. There are some great perks of working for yourself — you can choose your own hours, set your own rates, and decide who you work for. However, when you’re first getting started, finding clients and establishing yourself in the industry can take some time.
1. Make the most of SEO for marketing.
When you decide to become a freelancer, start by researching your competition. As you research, take a look at other freelancers’ websites and social media pages to get ideas for your own online presence. While it is possible to launch a website on your own, you’ll be falling short if you don’t use simply standard SEO for marketing.
A creative agency such as ALX is capable, not only of helping you build your brand and designing your website for you, but also of optimizing your content for SEO. Employing SEO is vital for helping you reach new audiences; the higher your company’s website shows up in Google searches, the more likely you are to find new clients.
2. Harness the power of social media.
Along with launching a great website, your social media presence should help you broaden your audience. While you’re likely already familiar with how to use various social media platforms, you may need some coaching for using them to market your business.
ALX has the ability to help build your following and grow your client base through clever copy and targeted posts. The marketing agency can help you create an authentic voice for your social media posts, which will help you carve out a niche in your industry for your services.
There are some basic guidelines for social media posts: Always include a visual element, post regularly (3–5 times per week), and use a conversational tone in your copy. It’s also a great idea to use live streaming to reach new audiences. Live streaming can help your clients feel more connected to you, which will help you land new gigs.
3. Establish your business structure and find your first client.
Beyond marketing, you’ll need to jump through some administrative hoops to get started. Many freelancers choose to set up a limited liability company or LLC because it’s a flexible business structure.
It’s easy to create an LLC on your own or with a formation service, and it will protect your personal assets if anything goes wrong. It’s important to check the rules and regulations in your state before you get too far into the process, though, as each has its own set of guidelines for setting up an LLC.
Once you’ve established your business, it’s time to look for clients. One great place to look for clients is on online job boards for freelancers. You can set up a profile with your portfolio and start looking for projects. Set competitive rates when you start and remember to maintain great communication as you meet new clients.
Working in the gig economy can be great for people who want more flexibility in their work. Becoming a successful freelancer takes time, but by following the steps above, you’ll be adding new clients before you know it. Consider working with a creative agency such as ALX to optimize your website for SEO and help you create a strong social media presence. Check out the blog and contact ALX Creatives at 646-694-1034 for web design, branding, social media, and photography for your business.
