6 Steps For Building a Loyal Following

Self promotion is a requirement for freelancers. Whether it’s your start-up, clothing line or self-published book, you need to get the word out there! Admittedly, sometimes brazenly promoting yourself can feel a tad uncomfortable. But with so many things fighting for the attention of your audience, tooting your own horn becomes necessary.

Here are 6 valuable steps on how you can build a loyal following, find your niche and, most importantly, master selfpromotion like a pro.

1. Develop a vibrant online presence

One of the most effective and least expensive way to reach your audience is by building a strong online presence, this includes having an active blog and social media profiles. Your website should be engaging, simple to navigate and easy for visitors to learn about and ultimately purchase your product.

2. Create a distinctive niche

Whether it’s your one-of-a-kind character or distinctive imagery, it’s crucial to develop your niche and distinguish your work from others in your industry.

3. Connect with your audience on social media

Social media marketing is the easiest way to start spreading the word and connecting with your fans and potential clients. Make your followers and friends feel appreciated by responding to comments, sharing insightful updates and actively engaging in online conversations.

You can also test out new products and business ideas on social media. It’s an effective way to gauge public response and discover what concepts best capture the attention of your audience.

This method helps you test your ideas without completely breaking your budget. With your newfound insights, you can tweak your strategies and then invest a lot more on the right marketing channels that work well for you.

4. Never underestimate the power of your personal network

Positive word-of-mouth publicity is an essential part of promoting your business. Start by telling your friends and family and then broaden your outreach to include professional acquaintances. You never know who you may reach during the process.

5. Get local

Local co-ops and community-based organisations are your best allies. Local libraries, universities and community centres are great places to host events and gain new followers. Volunteering with like-minded organisations can also generate local interest in your product.

6. Remember your vision

Developing and promoting your business is a tedious yet worthwhile pursuit. It takes a lot of time and persistence to get noticed in the beginning. Remain persistence, celebrate milestones and don’t forget why you decided to start the endeavor in the first place!

SOURCE: Freelancers Union