The American dream – an idea that the country offers opportunities to all and anyone can succeed here. Sadly, in recent times, that has not been the case as financial struggles grab hold of even the most hard-working Americans.
Just let these few statistics sink in:
● Over a quarter of the US adult population is struggling financially.
● Almost 800,000 American workers are earning wages that are below the federal minimum.
● Inflation and rising prices are resulting in an increase in the cost of living, something not every American can afford.
The situation in the US, therefore, is pretty tough—financially at least. Yet, people are still doing their best to make it through, and to do so, many are opting for various freelance side hustles. And the payoff? Totally worth it.
Making visually stunning designs? Writing stellar content? Offering virtual assistance to a tech CEO in Europe? There’s so much you can do as your freelance side hustle. But, remember: you have got to get the word out about your gig.
The secret to building a thriving freelance side hustle lies in promotion, and we’re here to help you crack that code.
Own Your Online Presence
You’re about to embark on a side hustle, that too as a freelancer. So first things first: build yourself a super solid online presence. If you’re not online, your identity as a freelancer, no matter which field you’re in, is pretty invisible.
Social media is a good way to start: your own page or creator account will work wonders. Then again, you also need something more solid to showcase your skills, like a website.
Let your social media profiles deal with the things you would post to showcase your skills, like your samples or completed work. Use the website as your portfolio – something of a more professional nature. More on this later.
Get Social with Purpose
Social media is like a megaphone for your freelance side hustle. Platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, and X let you connect with people who need what you’re offering.
But don’t just post random content; be intentional. Share updates, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and even a few personal anecdotes to humanize your brand.
Engage with your followers, reply to their comments, and join discussions in your niche. Networking doesn’t have to be a stiff, formal thing. When done right, it feels more like making friends than selling yourself.
Building a Portfolio Website That Works
Your website is your online portfolio and a powerful tool to boost your visibility. It’s how you stand out in the crowded freelance world and make sure your talents don’t go unnoticed. Think of it as your stage, spotlight, and microphone all rolled into one.
Now, you don’t need to spend months in the trenches of coding and designing. You also don’t need to spend thousands to hire a web developer to build your portfolio site.
The era of AI website creation is here to make your life so much easier. With an AI website builder, you can craft a professional-looking site in no time: a few minutes is all it takes, according to Hocoos. These AI website creation tools streamline the entire web development process, giving you a polished site without breaking a sweat.
From website design to full-on website development, AI web development tools handle the technical stuff while you focus on the creative side. They simplify the web development process so that your focus stays on showcasing your skills and landing clients.
Network Beyond the Screen and Show Off Testimonials
While online visibility is critical, don’t overlook the power of in-person networking. Attend events, workshops, or meet-ups relevant to your field. Face-to-face connections leave lasting impressions, and people are more likely to remember you when they need your services.
Take a stack of business cards or, better yet, direct people to your website. Having an impressive online portfolio makes it easy to back up your skills during real-world conversations.
Also, there’s something powerful about social proof. When people see that others trust and value your work, they’re more likely to do the same. So, ask your clients for testimonials and feature them on your website.
Highlight specific ways your work made a difference. A glowing review paired with a project example can be just what a hesitant client needs to seal the deal.
Promoting your freelance side hustle is all about showing the world what you’ve got and making it easy for people to find and hire you. Your online presence, especially through a well-designed website, is your secret weapon.
From AI website creation to engaging with people offline, every step you take brings you closer to turning your side hustle into something bigger. So, dive in, get creative, and remember: the hustle may be hard, but the rewards are oh-so-satisfying.
