The In-demand Freelancer Persona

I saw an interesting discussion on a LinkedIn forum recently that got me thinking about the way we present ourselves to potential clients.

The discussion was around the use of LinkedIn’s “Open to Work” banner that one can put on their profile picture. It is meant to signal to future employers that this is a person who is actively looking. But when a freelancer uses it, does it look like desperation?

I say yes. Besides, we don’t need it.

Look, you’re freelance, right? Freelance writers, freelance artists and designers are always looking for new clients. It’s part of our business approach. If we keep clients coming in, we don’t have any famine periods.

Adding an “Open to Work” banner says that you, freelancer, are that image of the starving artist. To me (and maybe to only me) it feels like begging. It reads desperate. It doesn’t send the message that you made nearly $100K last year or you work with Fortune 500 clients or even anyone beyond local businesses. It feels like a dabbler.

You’re not a dabbler. You’re a professional. You don’t need to beg for scraps.

So how are you going to look the part of the successful freelancer (even if you’re faking it until you make it) and still signal to clients that you’re available? Better yet, let’s send them the message that you’re in demand, shall we?

Here are some ways to accomplish that:

Present a better profile.

Look at that social media profile of yours. Are you trying to attract top-tier clients? Then let’s revamp that LinkedIn profile and that website. Remove things that speak to lower-paying gigs (unless that’s your target). Resumes, listicles, Upwork, all of these things signal to a large corporation that you aren’t the right person for their customer-facing newsletter or their contributed articles. Use words that send a more authoritative, yet approachable message.

Example:

Jane Doe, writer and developmental editor at Resumes For You. Ask me about my blog work!

The fix:

Jane Doe, professional writer and developmental editor. Creating exceptional results for corporate clients and individuals.

Which one is going to get a second look from the global corporation?

Focus on the message you’re sending.

Another problem with Jane’s original profile is that she pigeonholed herself into one area — Resumes. Oh, she added blog work, but prospects didn’t read past the word “resumes.” Why do that to yourself?

Instead, find precise language that conveys who you work with and what you provide. It’s not hard, really. You write for magazines and consumer-facing companies. Your profile can read:

Jane Doe, professional writer and developmental editor delivering quality content for consumer-facing organizations and publications.

Not too wordy, to the point, and elevated enough to entice a prospect to read further.

Promote your accomplishments.

Social media gives you a stellar opportunity to gain visibility and attract clients. Messages can be simple:

“Just finished a case study project for my global client. What’s on your desk today?”

See that? It wasn’t bragging (don’t brag — no one reads that junk). It was a “what I’m doing” update. With the appropriate hashtags added, you could reach quite a number of potential clients.

Promoting your current clients.

“So happy to see the latest article by Acme Widgets on medical device manufacturing. Thank you for allowing me to be part of this cool project!”

“Stop by Booth 1216 at the International Widget Conference to see the innovative new tool my client, Acme Widgets, has just launched.”

“Great clients make my job easier. Thank you to Acme Widgets for 8 years of great collaboration!”

That’s good business right there. You’ve elevated your client’s visibility as well as your own. You’ve shown any prospect that you’re invested in their success while sending the message that you’re a trusted partner to this particular client. That’s never bad.

Show that you’re in demand.

A writer friend of mine once used a similar version of the following tactic to attract new business.

Jane Doe Freelancing is expanding and now open to considering new clients in the manufacturing industry. Get in touch today for your free consultation – first three new clients get a one-time 10% discount!

While you may not want to offer a discount, don’t just send out a message that says, “I’m looking for work!” That’s going to fall into a massive void.

Another great call to action is the “now open to new client work” teasers. It sends the message that you’ve been busy with some serious work and you’re seeing daylight. Try wording it like this:

“Jane Doe Freelancing is once again open to new bookings. Interested in learning how I can help elevate your communications in the manufacturing industry? Drop me an email at my website or DM for a free consultation.”

Both of these methods say you’re looking for work without saying, “I’m dying here — hire me!” Isn’t that a better image to portray?

Writers, how have you elevated your messaging?
What do you think? Does the “Open to Work” banner work for you? Do you like it?