So, you’ve decided to become your own boss and dive into the world as a freelance linguist…now what? This can be an exciting career move but, at the same time, it can be full of challenges. How you market yourself becomes an essential part of becoming a freelancer, especially when you are just starting out. Here are some ways to distinguish yourself from other freelance linguists out there.
Now that you’re working on your own, you need to get your name out there. Start off by increasing your online presence, participate in blogs or online communities in your industry and, of course, build a public profile that highlights your skills, services, experiences, and contact information. Always keep your CV updated and include relevant job experiences specific to your field of expertise. Social media is also a great marketing tool for freelancers and gives people the opportunity to interact with you virtually.
Forming close relationships with other freelancers is an excellent way to expand your network and gain word-of-mouth business. On top of that, it’s also important to maintain a close-knit relationship with contacts you have already acquired to ensure a regular stream of work. Your existing clients also become your best resource for any future business.
It’s important to ask clients to leave you a positive review at the end of every successful project. This can be done via any platform of your choice. Having prior customer reviews will add to your credibility and reliability. Positive reviews can become a driving force for any potential clients who may come across your profile and decide to take on your services.
Last but not least, enjoy the process! It’s not always easy marketing yourself as a freelance linguist and it’s important to remember that practice makes perfect.
