When freelancing in a creative industry or niche, freelancers have the luxury of using their creativity and artistic freedom to set themselves apart from the crowd. As a graphic designer, for example, you can showcase your uniqueness not only with your portfolio but also with how you assemble it.

The future of freelance work, however, indicates a shift into industries that are not necessarily deemed creative, which changes how freelancers can distinguish themselves from each other. For example, you may not need a fancy portfolio if you are a freelance IT specialist, but a list of noteworthy software certifications may be more effective.

If you want to be successful as a freelancer, you must set yourself apart from the freelance competition even if you've entered an industry besides creative. You can use this article to do just that. The following tips will help you stand out as a freelancer, no matter what industry you work in or what niche you're in.

Creating an outstanding resume

It doesn't matter what industry you're in, a strong resume can help you stand out as a freelancer. It is unfortunate that many freelancers fail to maintain their resumes and rely heavily on their portfolios in order to gain clients. Nevertheless, most clients will ask you for a resume, so you should prepare one that's detailed, polished, and accurate.

Make your resume stand out by taking the time to enhance it. Although you don't have extensive freelance experience yet, you can still showcase hard, soft, and transferable skills that can help you demonstrate your value to a potential client.

Be Serious About Cover Letters

Cover letters can be used to show potential clients your qualifications and explain why you'd be a good fit for their company.

Freelancers often submit generic cover letters, if they even submit one at all. You demonstrate your professionalism by writing a solid cover letter, which differentiates you from freelancers who ignore the cover letter requirement. Instead, you are one of the few freelancers who take cover letters seriously.

If you are writing a cover letter, you might want to use a template to make sure it's formatted correctly, but the information should be personalized to suit each client and role.

Enhance Your Skillset

To develop continually in-demand skills requires an enormous amount of effort. Due to the volume of energy that goes into running a freelance business, many freelancers don't even bother working on their skills until much later because they don't have the extra time.

While those who prioritize improving their skill sets are certainly more valuable than those who don't. Whether it's staying up-to-date with current events, learning a second language, or upskilling your social media and tech abilities to stay relevant in our increasingly digital world, make sure you're taking advantage of upskilling opportunities.

As you develop your skills, you'll hopefully produce quality work samples, testimonials that praise your talent, and a growing knowledge base.

Branding Your Business in the Digital World

There is a lot of competition in the digital world. Nevertheless, if you don't build your presence as a freelancer in it, potential clients will have a hard time finding you, let alone picking you out of the many other freelancers in your field.

Despite the popular belief, many freelancers have not considered how to build their freelancer brand or digital presence. So, start establishing yourself as one of the top freelancers in your field with a professional website that showcases your portfolio of work, describes who you are as a person and freelancer, and details of the services you provide. Your website can then be furthered by adding blogs for you to establish your credibility as an industry expert.

You should share your freelance journey and network with other freelancers in your industry on social media to build your digital platform.

Additionally, you need to think about how you can grow your freelancer brand in the physical world as well.

Relocating where your ideal clients are might be a good idea

Since you are a freelancer, you would likely do much of your work remotely, and you might never see some of your clients in person. The majority of your clients will be fine with the distance, but some may prefer to see you in person as often as they can.

In case your ideal clients prefer in-person interactions, consider moving to the area where they live, if possible. Even if they are currently working with a freelancer far away, they are still likely to look for a local one. You have the chance to stand out by being that local one.

Consider these factors before relocating:

- You should also know how much it will cost you

- The steps you need to take to keep business running smoothly during your move

- Notification plan for current clients

- The steps you need to take to prepare for your move

- Planning your moving budget

- The way you plan to pack your belongings

- Your plans for safeguarding freelance business materials

When you move to the area where your ideal clients are, you are able to work with them in person, unlike your competition.

Also Check: What You Need to Know About Becoming a Freelance Data Analyst​

Conclusion

The key to standing out in an ocean of freelancers is consistency and creativity.

Regardless of your industry or niche, you should create an impressive resume. If you are reaching out to prospective clients, make sure your cover letter impresses.

Continually expand your skillset, so that you can become more valuable. You should build your freelancer brand on social media and create a website that showcases your work and expertise.

As a final suggestion, consider relocating to where your ideal clients are to maximize your efforts to stand out.


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