How to Start Freelance with Digital Marketing

If you are passionate about creating content? Then blogging and SEO could be perfect for you!

When choosing your niche, ask:

• What are some activities you really enjoy doing?
  
  

• Find out what things people are willing to spend their money on?
  
  

• Can you break it down for a friend in a way who keeps them engaged and awake?

Step 3: Learn the Skills Without Selling a Kidney

You don't need a professional degree to jump into freelance digital marketing. You can find free videos on youtube. After earning few money you can buy lots of affordable courses from various IT institutes.

• YouTube (unofficial university of the internet)
  
  

• Udemy (affordable and often on sale)
  
  

• Neil Patel’s blog (where SEO meets motivational speaking)
  
  

Let us ask you one thing, Is dropshipping legal?  Definitely!  If you are honest with your customer then obviously dropshipping is legal. Now let's get back to freelancing.

Step 4: Build a Portfolio—Without Clients (Yet)

Okay....you might be worried about the experience which is totally fine. We will suggest that you create some mock projects.

• Make social media calendars.
  
  

• Run a small Google Ads campaign with a low budget (Google ad price can start as low as $5/day).
  
  

• Create blog posts for imaginary businesses.
  
  

• Provide some free services to your friend’s small business.
  
  

You will have to show something to your client. It's like dating- show that you are not a red flag before anyone is going to take the plunge.

Step 5: Figure Out What to Charge Without Crying

Short answer:It depends.
Longer answer:If you talk about the social media management, you can obviously charge between  $300 and $1000 a month for each client, it depends on what service you are offering and which platforms you are working with.You can choose to bill clients by the hour ($25 to $75 an hour), on a monthly basis, or per project.Always remember working for exposure is not a good project.It won't cover your rent. Trust us,your landlord won't allow you to pay!

Tip: Take a glance at Fiverr, Upwork or even some freelance facebook groups to get an idea of what others are taking for their services.

Step 6: Get Clients Without Cold DM-ing Your Ex

We will share you some cleaver and totally non-corny way to get clients:

• Freelance platforms like Upwork, Freelancer or Fiverr
  
  

• LinkedIn (Make posts,write comment and let your personality shine through)
  
  

• Join Facebook groups for local and international small business owners
  
  

• Reach out to businesses with bad digital marketing and give your proposal  how you can help them to grow your business.
  
  

• Make a personal website or portfolio because it is important. After all, you can't promote yourself if you don't have a website.

Step 7: Learn About Ads (Google Ads, Meta, etc.)

Google Ads can really be a treasure trove if you know the ropes. But if your ad is wrong then we can say that you are throwing all your money into water. 

Google ads price varies from industry to industry, it depends on your competition and who your customer is. You should find some keywords which are very affordable,for example $0.50 per click and another parameter is insurance or law which can take you to over $50 per click. yes, you heard it right-per click! So, it is better to start with a smaller budget.

It is a big plus point if you know how to run Google Ads. Companies are searching for freelancers who can run Google Ads and they are willing to pay you good money.

Step 8: Treat It Like a Business (Not a Hobby)

Freelancing is a business, so it is time to set up your mindset like a businessman.

• Make an agreement and take them seriously!
  
  

• Always set boundaries-make sure clients know when is the  best time to give you a message.
  
  

• Try to get 50% payment in advance before you start taking any project.
  
  

• Track your income and expenses using Excel, or try handy tools like Wave or QuickBooks!
  
  

Alway remember that learning is a lifelong journey. The digital world shift faster you can blink an eye and say "algorithm has been updated"

Step 9: Scale Like a Pro (When Ready)

Once you have completed some useful project and now it is time to:

• Higher your price.
  
  

• Narrow down your niche!
  
  

• Do you want to lighten your work pressure? Hire other freelancers to do your work!
  
  

• Provide lucrative offer packages and retainers!
  
  

• If you are an enthusiast, you can start a small agency.

The freedom is real and as well as the deadlines- and this makes it so exciting!

Final Thoughts

Freelancing with digital marketing is not magic where you get instant money. It is a journey where you will have to build skill on a regular basis,find clients and sprinkle in a bit of hustle along with your daily dose of caffeine. But the good news is it is a legal way of earning.  

So, When you are going to start freelance with digital marketing.