What do you do if you're a freelancer trying to attract clients in the brand strategy industry?

Get LinkedIn Sales Navigator and create a compelling message to outreach to potential clients. Outline your niche and grow in that niche. That is what worked for me.

Having seen hundreds of brand and creative portfolios, I have a really dystopian view on portfolios. Your portfolio might look amazing and fulfilling to you, BUT to stand out - you need proof of work done. A good example is of a candidate who I interviewed - he didn't have a lot of work under his belt but he had real examples where I could place him leading the work. He had real work pictures doing it or had a detailed summary of what he did and how he did it. He showed original iconography, AI Files, and even had recordings of him doing it live on a stream. It just reassures you that the person you are interviewing is just really confident of their work and has no webby closets to hide.

From my perspective as a Brand strategist for over 20 years, to attract clients in the brand strategy industry as a freelancer, focus on crafting a standout portfolio that demonstrates your unique approach and results. Network actively, both online and in person, to build connections. Establish your expertise by sharing valuable insights through blogs or social media. Offer workshops or free initial consultations to showcase your value. Collect and share testimonials from satisfied clients to build credibility and trust.

Your portfolio is the first impression. Whether your portfolio is design, writing, photography, or content creation, your portfolio needs to showcase your track record of success. Recently I reviewed hundreds of portfolios to hire for a role, and the ones that stood out had elevated personal branding along with a touch of personality.

When I’m hiring for a freelancer I don’t want to just see random designs, videos, or blogs. I want hear the story that comes with the projects you completed. What solutions did you deliver? What problems did you encounter? Was this an ideal project for you? If you’re a freelancer trying to get work, my only suggestion is to impart your personality into your portfolio. Tell stories that go with your work. I’m not just hiring because I need a service completed. I’m hiring because I need a partner in business. So in your portfolio, you need to show employers what type of business partner you are, not just what you can do.

Engage actively on professional platforms like LinkedIn and relevant online communities, share valuable content, participate in discussions, and connect with potential clients in your industry. Cultivate genuine relationships by offering help, advice, and support, demonstrating your expertise and reliability, and consistently showcasing your work to establish trust and attract clients."

Expanding your online and in-person network is a great way to draw in potential customers. LinkedIn is a great place to stay active online. By sharing content and participating in relevant discussions on the platform, you can showcase your knowledge and establish trust with potential clients.

"Focus on understanding your clients' needs and provide tailored solutions that address their pain points effectively. Offer valuable insights, expertise, and personalized services that demonstrate your commitment to their success. By consistently delivering high-quality work, exceeding expectations, and providing exceptional customer service, you'll establish yourself as a valuable partner and attract clients through word-of-mouth referrals and positive reputation."

Share free, valuable content regularly. If all of your helpful advice is behind a paywall, it will be challenging to demonstrate your expertise. By offering insight upfront, you establish trust before someone considers hiring you.

Offer value and then network. People tend to avoid meeting new people cause they just feel they won't gain anything. But when you have something to offer people, you'd attract them. There are so many options out there, so what do you bring to the table? What value do I get going with you? This is what most businesses want to know and when they see you have one to give, they will flood you.

"Be the FIRST" or "Be the BEST" We need to stay updated with new trends, tools and technology to stand out from the crowd. Example: I learned ChatGPT as soon as it entered the Industry. I created an account, used it, and created content around it. I also took their paid plans to learn more. In case you missed the first mover opportunity, then don't worry. Stay calm & create content. What else is missing to add? In my opinion, be the first or the best.

Consider the power of active listening during networking interactions. By truly engaging with others and showing genuine interest in their experiences and perspectives, you can build stronger connections and uncover valuable opportunities that may not have been apparent initially. Additionally, don't underestimate the importance of follow-up after networking events. Sending a brief, personalized message to express gratitude for the interaction and to continue the conversation can solidify the connection and potentially lead to future collaborations or partnerships.

To attract clients in the brand strategy industry, zero in on these strategies: Niche Specialization: Focus on a specific industry or type of brand strategy, like startups or eco-friendly brands. Specializing makes you the go-to expert in a narrower field, reducing competition. Collaborative Projects: Engage in projects with other freelancers or agencies. These collaborations expand your network and portfolio, often leading to referrals. Strategic Storytelling on Social Media: Use platforms where your target clients spend time. Share stories of how your strategies transformed brands. This not just showcases your skill but also your approach and thinking process.

Freelancers in brand strategy can attract clients by: Building a strong portfolio: Showcase past projects that demonstrate your expertise. Networking online and offline: Connect with potential clients and industry professionals. Offering valuable content: Share insights and advice through blog posts, webinars, or social media. Positioning yourself as an expert: Highlight your experience and achievements. Leveraging testimonials and case studies: Showcase positive client results. Targeting the right clients: Focus on your ideal niche and tailor your approach.

Niche focus, collaborative growth, and compelling storytelling directly on relevant platforms can dramatically boost your visibility and appeal to potential clients.