How To Become a Freelance Digital Marketer and Succeed

Introduction.

The idea of working for yourself, setting your hours, and choosing your clients sounds pretty amazing, right?

That’s exactly what a freelance digital marketer gets to do. Digital marketing has become a huge industry, especially in the age of online businesses, social media, and e-commerce.

More and more companies are looking for experts to help them grow their online presence, and they’re willing to pay well for it. But how do you break into this field and succeed?

In this post, I’m going to walk you through everything you need to know about becoming a freelance digital marketer, from the basics of the job to how you can stand out in this competitive industry.

I’ll share practical tips, resources, and things I wish I had known when I first started. Let’s dive in!

What is Freelance Digital Marketing?

Simply put, a digital marketer uses online tools to help businesses reach their customers. It’s all about promoting products or services online using strategies like search engine optimization (SEO), content creation, social media management, email marketing, and paid advertising (like Google Ads or Facebook Ads).

Freelancers in digital marketing usually handle these tasks for clients on a project-by-project basis or as long-term consultants.

Some of the areas a digital marketer can specialize in include:

Social Media Marketing: Managing social media accounts, running ads, and creating content that engages audiences.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Helping websites rank higher on search engines like Google, making them more visible to potential customers.
Content Marketing: Creating blogs, videos, and other content to attract and engage customers.
Paid Ads: Setting up and managing campaigns on platforms like Google Ads or Facebook Ads to drive traffic or sales.

Now, you might be thinking, “That sounds good, but how do I even get started?” Let’s break it down.

How Do I Become a Freelance Digital Marketer and Succeed?

Step 1: Learn the Basics of Digital Marketing.

To become a freelance digital marketer, you need to understand the core elements of digital marketing.

Luckily, you don’t need a fancy degree to get started. There are plenty of online resources that will teach you the fundamentals. Some great free resources include:

Google Digital Garage: Offers free courses on digital marketing fundamentals. (https://learndigital.withgoogle.com/digitalgarage)
HubSpot Academy: Free certifications in inbound marketing, email marketing, and social media marketing. (https://academy.hubspot.com/)
Coursera or Udemy: These platforms have affordable courses on every digital marketing topic imaginable.

It’s important to understand the basics of SEO, content marketing, and social media, even if you decide to specialize in one area. As a freelancer, you might find yourself doing a little bit of everything for different clients.

Step 2: Choose Your Niche.

When you’re just starting, it might be tempting to offer every digital marketing service under the sun.

But trust me, it’s a good idea to narrow down your focus. Specializing in one area will help you stand out and become an expert, making it easier to attract clients.

For example, maybe you’re good at writing. If that’s the case, you might want to focus on content marketing, helping businesses create blogs, videos, and other written content that brings in traffic.

Or maybe you love working with social media. You could specialize in social media marketing and help companies grow their following on platforms like Instagram or TikTok.

Picking a niche also helps you market yourself more effectively. If you focus on one area, your clients will know exactly what to expect from you, and it will be easier for you to build a portfolio of work. Some common niches in digital marketing include:

SEO Specialist
Content Writer/Creator
Social Media Manager
PPC (Pay-Per-Click) Advertiser
Email Marketing Specialist

Step 3: Build Your Online Presence.

As a freelancer, your online presence is your resume. So, make sure to build a solid one. Start with the basics: create a website or a portfolio to showcase your skills and past work.

If you don’t have any work to show yet, consider doing some free or discounted projects for friends, family, or small businesses to build your portfolio.

Aside from your website, it’s essential to build a presence on social media, especially on LinkedIn. LinkedIn is a powerful tool for freelancers, allowing you to connect with potential clients and demonstrate your expertise. Share content related to your niche, such as tips, case studies, or even your experiences working with clients.

Another great platform for freelancers is Upwork. It’s a freelancing marketplace where you can find clients and apply for projects in digital marketing.

Building a good profile and starting with smaller projects can help you gain experience and get testimonials from satisfied clients.

Step 4: Set Your Pricing.

When you’re first starting, setting your rates can be tricky. You don’t want to undercharge, but you also don’t want to overcharge and scare off potential clients. A good rule of thumb is to start by researching what other freelancers in your niche are charging.

For example, according to Upwork’s freelancing statistics, SEO specialists charge anywhere between $20 to $100+ per hour depending on their experience and expertise.

Social media managers can expect to charge around $25 to $75 per hour. As you gain experience, you can increase your rates.

Another way to set prices is by offering packages. For example, instead of charging an hourly rate, you could offer a social media management package that includes a certain number of posts and engagement for a fixed price.

Packages are attractive to clients because they provide clear expectations on what they’ll get for their money.

Step 5: Start Pitching Clients.

Now that you’ve got your skills, niche, and pricing in place, it’s time to find clients. Here are a few ways to start:

Network: Let your friends, family, and professional connections know that you’re offering digital marketing services. Sometimes the best clients come from personal referrals.
Cold Emails: Don’t be afraid to reach out to businesses you think could benefit from your services. Write a personalized email outlining how you can help them.
Job Boards: Websites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer allow you to bid on projects and find clients looking for digital marketing help.

Remember, landing your first client can take time, so be patient. Keep pitching, keep building your portfolio, and stay consistent.

Step 6: Stay Up to Date With Trends.

Digital marketing is constantly evolving. New tools, platforms, and strategies pop up all the time, so it’s important to stay updated.

Follow industry blogs, attend webinars, or take advanced courses to learn about the latest trends. Some top sources for staying current in digital marketing include:

Neil Patel’s Blog (https://neilpatel.com/blog/)
Moz Blog (https://moz.com/blog)
Content Marketing Institute (https://contentmarketinginstitute.com/)

By staying informed, you’ll be able to offer the latest strategies to your clients, making you an even more valuable freelancer.

Step 7: Deliver Results and Get Testimonials.

The best way to succeed as a freelancer is to build a reputation for delivering high-quality work. Your clients want results. If you can help them grow their business, they’ll be more likely to recommend you to others.

Once you’ve completed a successful project, ask your clients for a testimonial or a review. Positive reviews are one of the best ways to build credibility and attract new clients.

FAQs

Q: Do I need to be a full-time freelancer to succeed in digital marketing?

No, many digital marketers start part-time while they still have a regular job. Once you’ve built up your client base, you can transition into full-time freelancing.

Q: How do I find clients if I’m just starting out?

You can start by networking, reaching out to businesses, and using freelance marketplaces like Upwork and Fiverr. As you gain more experience, referrals will also start coming in.

Q: How long will it take to get my first freelance client?

It varies. Some people land their first client within a few weeks, while others may take a couple of months. Persistence is key!

Conclusion

Becoming a successful freelance digital marketer takes time, effort, and a willingness to learn. But with the right skills, the right niche, and a solid work ethic, you can build a rewarding career as your own boss.

So, are you ready to start your journey as a freelance digital marketer and take control of your career? Let me know how you’re planning to get started!