How to Optimize Your Freelance Website
We are well into Q2 now, almost Q3! It’s wild how quickly this year is going already! At the Freelancing Females HQ, the team has decided to give their personal websites and portfolios a makeover. Doing this process prompted us to share what we’ve learnt about optimising our websites so that clients can easily find you, connect and book your services.
Create a Unique Site that Fits Your Brand
There are 5.35 billion users on the internet, now some might say that’s a lot of competition. Here at FF we’re glass half full kinda people, so we say that’s a whole lot of potential clients! When you’re creating your website, have a clear idea of your branding, determine your goals and then look to other successful people in your field to see how they’ve laid out their sites. Don’t forget when you design your website to optimise it for computers, tablets and phone users.
To Code or Not to Code.
Once you've settled on the kind of website you envision, the next decision is whether to craft it yourself or employ a website builder. If you don’t have time to create a Squarespace site or would like a beautiful custom one, hire a fellow FF from our Jobs Board (our listings are free!). For a lot of us, coding isn't our forte, so opting for platforms like WordPress, Squarespace, or Wix is your best bet.
These services provide templates and streamline the process of presenting your work online with simplicity. Crafting a one-page website becomes a breeze with their user-friendly templates.
Now to Get Eyes on That Page
There’s no use making a gorgeous site only for no one to see it. To get more clients to see your site you need content that drives people there, this is where your social ecosystem comes in clutch. Begin to create content on your site in the form of blogs that are SEO-optimised and target your ICA, as well as using social media to loop back to your site. Doing this will help get more clients looking at the great services you offer and hopefully get them to enquire to work with you. We also suggest building a newsletter, as with the recent potential TikTok ban looming, it’s crucial to have people in your marketing funnel that can’t be taken from you.
Don’t Forget Descriptors!
While it may be tempting to simply compile your work and put it online, distinguishing your portfolio involves providing insight into each project. This means explaining the project's objectives, the hurdles faced, and offering a glimpse into your creative process leading to the final outcome. Don’t just show the final result, context is crucial!
For instance, if you're a graphic designer showcasing a brochure, it's insufficient to merely display screenshots. Including contextual details such as the project's purpose and its intended audience enriches the viewer's understanding. These descriptions serve a dual purpose: they provide clarity and ensure that crucial information, like the project's impact, isn't overlooked.
We say this but it's also crucial to strike a balance between text and visuals. While descriptions are valuable, excessive text can overwhelm the reader. Aim for a harmonious blend of both elements to engage the viewer without inundating them.
SEO?
SEO can feel like a bit of a maze, but it’s crucial when building an effective website. Set your website up using the keywords you know your leads will search, we love using Answer The Public for this type of market research. Consider what questions a potential client might be asking. If you’re a brand strategist, someone might google ‘How can I improve brand storytelling’ or ‘What are the four 4 types of branding strategies?’.
This is Not The Space to be Humble
Seriously though it can be hard but your site is your space to brag a little! Show off your portfolio and case studies of your work. Be proud of what you have done and how you’ve achieved results for your previous clients. Don’t forget to create a compelling about section, this can be often overlooked but done right will elevate your case studies and portfolio. Give a bit of background info on yourself and your business, be clear about what people are hiring you to do and add sentences that show you get results. For example, if you’re a web designer ‘I’ve helped decrease shopping cart abandonment by 35% after doing a complete redesign of the checkout page’. If you don’t have hard data, that’s okay! The key is to get creative with how you’re highlighting your expertise. At the end of your About and Portfolio section remember to include a strong CTA which includes them being added to your mailing list.