Skip the Website: Why You Should Use Social Media for Your Freelance Services

“What’s your website?” 

It’s the most common question I get asked as an entrepreneur. For the past two years, I’ve always responded that I don’t have one. Instead, I offer my link tree,  which is similar to an online portfolio,  and my social media handles.  

When I first started working for myself as an English teacher I started a website. I thought that’s what every entrepreneur did. But hundreds of dollars later I had a website but no clients. Websites are valuable and can attract clients, but when I started my new business as a Travel Coach I realized I could build an online presence without a dotcom. 

One of the most helpful questions someone has asked me was. “If I googled your name what would I find?” When I first started out, my website didn't even appear in the top 10 for Google rankings. Luckily, I’ve created other ways for clients to find me.

When searching my name and title, you’ll find articles I have written. This includes major publications such as Travel Noire, Sorella Magazine, Travel to Wellness. Along with interviews I’ve done for blogs and much more. 

I started working with the media by first identifying what type of media my ideal clientele is reading. For me, that meant major travel magazines and travel blogs. Next, I pitched or wrote a proposal letter to the editor of the publication. In this pitch, I outlined the article I wanted to write and made sure that my idea would bring some type of value to their readers. For example, I might pitch a popular travel blog on what it’s like working as a digital nomad in Spain. This way other digital nomads can know the best cities and cafes to go to work remotely. 

What this does is give me credibility and establishes me as an expert in my field.  Because sure, a website shows what I do but a published article shows how I do it. 

In addition, it gives me access to the audience of the media publication I’m featured in.  I further wield the power of the media by putting a link to my landing page. I host my landing page via Mailchimp, and I offer a free product such as my “Free Guide to Living Abroad”  in exchange for their email address. Landing pages are a great low cost and low maintenance alternative to a website and they serve as a way to collect emails for your mailing list. Don’t have a mailing list-- you should build one! 

A mailing list is a reliable way to build trust with your targeted audience. Unlike social media that controls who sees your post, a mailing list helps you to directly communicate with your audience by sending a message to their inbox. Along with this many email marketing services such as Mailchimp, you can see who is opening your emails and who isn’t. This can give you valuable insight on how your copy, or the messages you use, is resonating with your audience. By simply sending out one newsletter a week you can slowly build a committed audience. 

Use Social Media as a Portfolio of Authenticity

So if you’re not ready for a website, social media is a great place to establish your business. When using it, it’s important to put your face on everything. The internet, social media all have a visual appeal.  For new freelancers or business owners, it's important to build trust. Will this technique make you seem self-absorbed? No, it doesn’t. 

Instead, it shows you as a real person with a beautiful smiling face and not some stock photo. Photos of yourself make things more personal and tell your story.

I, for one, have never signed up for an online service without seeing who I would be working with first. If you don’t want to put your face on everything there are other ways to show your authenticity. You can share other elements of your life. This can include photos from a conference you attended or graduation photos. Along with a picture of your favorite coffee art or the view from your favorite coworking space. Authentic photos build your brand.  

I had a client sign up with me for travel coaching because she was inspired by a picture of me doing yoga on the beach. Allow potential clients to see the results they want through your images. Forget the neat and pretty.

Utilizing Your Social Media to Network

Another way to use social media is through networking. Facebook Groups and Linkedin are the ideal places to find new leads. There are thousands of Facebook groups from hiking enthusiasts,  solo travelers, and much more. Whoever your ideal client is, they’re most likely in a niche Facebook group. By being an active member of a Facebook group you can directly message potential clients. LinkedIn is also a simple platform to grow your audience organically. By searching for people through industry or location you can locate new people and leads.

No, You Don’t Need a Website to Process Payments

 So what happens when you have clients that want to work with you and you need to accept their payments?  A common mistake is thinking you need a website for this. Let me introduce you to my three best friends, Paypal, Venmo, and Transferwise.  

Paypal is reliable, secure, and is used with an exchange of emails. Venmo is just as safe and popular with my clients from the United States. Transferwise is another well-known company that I use for international clients.  People trust these means of money transfers and many people are already familiar with them.

When Is the Time for a Website?

So when should you get a website? Well, anytime you want.  

As long as you have a way to drive traffic to your website.  Otherwise, a website can be like opening up a shop in the middle of downtown but not telling anyone what you sell. 

Another way to know when creating a website is right for you is when you start to scale. When the demand for your product of services becomes so large you need a system to transfer new clients. But for those newbie entrepreneurs, you can grow your audience organically through platforms that are already there. 

Guest Writer Kiersten is a Global Entrepreneur.  She’s currently living in Spain and helping women ditch their 9 to 5  to live profitable and meaningful lives abroad. You can follow her on social media at @kikimarieb15 or get her free guide at here