Reputation matters, and in the case of online freelancing, it could be the difference between success and failure.
How to Manage Your Reputation as a Freelancer
Of course, a great skill set might get your foot in the door. But since freelancers’ reputations rest on various factors other than the quality of their work, you will need strategic measures to protect it.
Online platforms have changed how we market our skills. If you are a freelancer nowadays, you need to be a lot more careful about your online reputation than the traditional professionals.
There are a number of things that you should consider and keep in mind to ensure that you manage your online reputation as a freelancer the right way.
Here are a few tips for managing your reputation as a freelancer.
Build a portfolio
Building a solid portfolio is important to maintaining your reputation as a freelancer. When potential clients visit your website (which you must have), they want to see a history of previously completed work that demonstrates the breadth and depth of your skillset.
Aside from that, having a portfolio can really increase your chances of landing your dream project and help you work on more than one project at a time.
It makes you more credible when you can demonstrate that your previous employers trusted you to complete an assignment without direct supervision.
Foster continual engagement
The absolute need to be able to foster continual engagement with your client company is imperative. Without it, you could be sure that something will go terribly wrong that will make a client not want to say anything good about you or services in the digital space.
In most cases, staying in touch with clients on what you have done or what you are doing will keep them interested.
This will also help you to get into their minds so that when a good opportunity arises, they are quick to bring up your name and know more about what you can do for them.
Get a professional indemnity insurance
Professional indemnity insurance is essential in protecting your reputation as a freelancer. It does not just offer protection against professional mistakes or errors but also takes care of legal defense fees and compensation for your clients in the event that you are unable to fulfill your obligation.
As a freelancer with a lack of an office or personal assets, this is the assurance you need to keep yourself protected when dealing with clients. You should ensure that your insurance covers all areas of specialization that you offer.
Encourage positive reviews
If you excel in what you do, word of mouth will make your business thrive. It is important to project a good image so that potential clients can hire you without reservations.
Request feedback from the customer after the work is completed. Once you get positive feedback from the client, keep it in your profile for future references.
It gives prospects confidence in dealing with you, builds trust, and there is value in having your name associated with favorable feedback from past clients.
Conclusion
As a freelancer, you are in the business of managing your reputation. Everything you do and say builds your reputation capital.
Sustainable success is a function of maintaining and nurturing your reputation so that each additional ounce or pound adds to your project portfolio in equal or greater measure than before.
