What do you do if you want to enjoy the benefits of being a freelance digital strategist?

To thrive as a freelance digital strategist, continuously building and updating your skill set is crucial. Stay abreast of the latest digital marketing trends, tools, and technologies through online courses, webinars, and certifications. Specializing in areas like SEO, content marketing, or data analytics can set you apart. Also, develop soft skills such as project management, communication, and adaptability to manage projects efficiently and maintain strong client relationships. Showcasing these skills through a robust portfolio will help attract clients and establish your credibility in the field.

Es crucial mantenernos actualizados y desarrollar constantemente habilidades para mantener nuestra relevancia profesional. En el dinamico mundo digital, es esencial no solo seguir las tendencias, sino también basarnos en la experiencia probada. Observando lo que funciona y genera resultados para nuestros clientes, podemos adaptar y mejorar nuestras estrategias. Esto implica estudiar el mercado, aprender de otras marcas y buscar inspiración para crear estrategias innovadoras. Entre las habilidades más solicitadas se encuentran el copywriting, la automatización, la creación de embudos de venta y la generación de contenido de alto valor.

Never stop learning. The digital world is always on the move and the tools or strategies that worked well just a couple of years ago may already be irrelevant. Curiosity is one of the most important qualities of an excellent digital strategist.

In my experience creating a strong network is like owning a farm, which requires attention to the seeds to get a good crop. Balance planting seeds with pulling up weeds. Every communication builds a connection and people do business with people they know, like, and trust. In a day of digital connection, it's valuable to remember the power of physically being in a room to connect. I remember asking a client, "Why did you hire me?" She responded," It was your energy and laughter at a business meeting." If you can't meet in person take the time for virtual coffee or pick up the phone and just call to say "Hi". Cheers, Jim

Networking is key. People like to say that "the money is in your list", but actually the money is in the network. Build a strong network and protect your reputation at all times. I am proud to say that I have personally spoken with 98% of my LinkedIn connections. In the digital age, personal connection matters more than ever. Don't add strangers to your network only to invite them to like your business page. Don't be weird and salesy before establishing a connection and trust. Do foster genuine connections and be of service. Try to connect people who could support each other. Make introductions. Encourage cooperation.

A portfolio defines the core competence, the niche. A strong and well-defined portfolio is the first step in chalking out one's space as a digital strategist. Definition of the portfolio tacitly warrants a deep understanding and experience in your own, defined niche. As a strategist it's imperative that the boundaries of the portfolio are also defined, thereby ring-fencing them and calling out only the aspects covered within the niche. For enabling the consumers to leverage your service, it's critical that seamless availability of your portfolio is ensured. And of course, calls-out on how your portfolio has driven customer-benefits should be ensured for establishing your credibility to your prospects and target customer segments.

Set your rates depending on the value your services bring to the table. Try to detach your pricing from your ego and self-worth. You want to appear both affordable and super valuable. Experiment with fixed prices and charging a combination of a base rate and a revenue share percentage.

Dedicate one day a week for business and personal development. Doing client work all the time isn't bad (and being overbook is a nice problem to have!) but it's very important to regularly set aside time for growing your own business and yourself. Ask yourself what your next goals are -- higher caliber projects, more clients on retainer, etc. and make an action plan to get this done.

"Digital" is a modern-day paradigm which no longer happens to be a buzzword. This has taken its shape and form through implementation across global enterprises. Hence not staying updated, isn't an option! And ensuring that is entirely up to the digital strategist. The digital aspirations, expectations and challenges are constantly evolving aligned to the asks of the end consumer community. The service providers have no option but to cater to such an evolving scenario and hence the necessity for digital strategists to stay updated. An additional imperative would be the need to future-proof the digital solutions and to ensure that the digital solutions not just address the current challenges but also those in the foreseeable future.

Working as a freelancer can be lonely at times. Be sure to surround yourself not only with clients, but also with other fellow freelancers working in your field. Join a local or global/online network of entrepreneurs and small businesses. Organize virtual co-working sessions where all freelancers join a virtual conference room, turn off their cameras and microphones and simply work. It will feel like you're part of a team.