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Are you looking to reach more clients? Chances are that you are not fully using your social media presence. There are currently 3.8 billion social media users in the world, and, thanks to the explosion of the gig economy, that number is only going to rise.

As you get ready to make this your most productive year ever, we're sharing our best tips and tools to help you on your way. Today, we're sharing how to revamp your image in 2021, while reaching out to new clients.

Platforms

Before we even start talking about what and when you are posting, the most important question is: where? As you are aware, social media is a cheap and easy way to get your name out there. But you probably don't have time or the resources to use every platform. A better idea is to choose one or two platforms to focus your energy, depending on your particular goals.

Here's how they break down:

● Facebook is an all-around favorite for all types of freelancers. Facebook is the largest social media platform globally, so it is essential that you at least have consistent content on this platform. If you want to boost any of your posts, Facebook works out to be the cheapest based on price per click and gives you a lot of options to tailor ads (~50 cents per click). Facebook has loads of niche groups that you can target and use for free market research.

● LinkedIn/Twitter: These platforms are the most effective for freelancers offering services directly to other businesses or professionals. It provides a space for you to showcase your qualifications and experience, so make time to add all your details to your profile. 85% of small to medium businesses use Twitter for some form of customer support or advice, while 45% of LinkedIn users are in upper management, giving you an idea of the market. The most effective content you can post on these platforms are blogs and helpful articles, as they get the most clicks per post.

● Instagram is a great platform for more creative freelancers (e.g., graphic designers, content creators, etc.). The platform provides an excellent place for you to show your story and differentiate yourself from other freelancers. However, Instagram works out to be one of the most expensive platforms per click if you are looking to boost a post and often is the most time consuming due to the detailed photo editing required (~$1.25 per click).

Timing and Consistency

As a freelancer, your focus will always be on providing a service to your clients. However, the best way to reach new clients is to have a consistent message and posting strategy. You can boost your page traffic by 90% by simply sticking to a strategy of posting once a week at the same time. Irregular posting confuses clients and leads to a negative impression of you. Set yourself a S.M.A.R.T. goal about posting, remembering that one regular post is better than three randomly timed posts. You can find out other useful information on when to post here.

The most effective times to post on social media have shifted since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Now, they are:

● One weekly post: Thursday midday

● Multiple posts: Wednesday, Thursday, Tuesday at 5 pm

Content

Your content is the key to revamping your image in 2021. Around 62% of people use the internet to find out information about a service, so optimizing your social media is the most effective way to ensure you are at the top of a client’s list.

A trend that will continue into 2021 is businesses advertising the story behind the people within their company. A lot of freelancers are not making the most of this trend. Most freelancers are also seriously underutilizing the “stories” function on Twitter/Facebook/Instagram, which is a great place for you to engage with your clients. Stories and social media allow you to make a personal connection and show off your unique offering.

Remember, most clients choose a freelancer based on their personality, so don’t waste this opportunity to connect with them on social media. This gives you a real advantage over larger companies, so really sell this aspect of your business as much as you can. If you are unsure how to tell your story, why not try using this guide on “storytelling” as a freelancer?

Another way you can make a real impression in the market is to invite guest speakers on podcasts, have panel discussions, write guest blogs, and share your experience with everyone. Having a blog, for example, can almost double your site traffic. When people can see your work and skills, they are far more likely to choose you over a competitor, and it often doesn’t take you any more time.

People want to see the person behind the freelancer, so try your best to show this on your social media.

By James Eyermann, MeetFox