As a freelance writer, your website is your digital business card. It’s how you introduce yourself to potential clients and promote your business. That’s why it’s important to have a website that’s not only well-designed but also effective in selling your services.
So, if you’re looking to create your own website, here are a few tips that can help make the process go smoother.
Why You as a Freelancer Need a Website
Anyone who’s serious about promoting their freelance business needs a website. It’s the best way to showcase your skills and portfolio, attract new clients, and control how you’re perceived by the outside world.
A well-designed website also conveys professionalism and credibility—two essential qualities for any freelancer. Whenever you approach or are approached by a possible client, it’s likely that the first thing they’ll do is check out your website. The first impression you make is critical, and a website that’s not up to par won’t impress.
How to Design Your Own Website
Once you’ve decided to create your own website, it’s time to start designing. But if you’re not a web designer, how can you create a website that looks good and will help you stand out from the competition? Here are some tips on how to make sure your website looks professional, but still reflects your unique personality:
Keep It Simple
When it comes to web design, less is definitely more. You want your website to be easy to navigate and understand.
Too much clutter will only confuse visitors and turn them away instead of attracting them to your services. Stick to a simple design, and focus on creating content that is well-written and relevant to your services.
Make Sure It’s Accessible
Your website needs to be accessible on all devices, from desktop computers to mobile phones. Responsive web design is essential for any modern website, so make sure you take the time to optimize your website for different devices and screen sizes.
Use High-Quality Images
First impressions are everything, so make sure the images on your website are high quality and representative of your brand.
Avoid using generic stock photos whenever possible which can lead to a cluttered look and feel. Instead, opt for custom photography or artwork to make your website stand out from the competition.
Use Positive Language
The words you use on your website can make a big difference in how visitors perceive your business. Use positive language that accurate reflects what you do and what benefits your potential clients can expect when they work with you unless you’re in a niche where negative language is the norm.
Focus on Content
Content is king when it comes to successful websites. It’s important to provide visitors with informative and well-written content that is relevant to your services.
Focus on creating content that will engage your potential clients, and make sure to provide information that is both valuable and easy to understand.
Be Clear about Your Services
You potential clients will need to know exactly what services you offer and how you can help them meet their needs.
Make sure this information is prominently displayed on your website & don’t make them click more than twice to find it.
What to Include in Your Freelance Business Website
Your website is your digital homebase and one of the most important tools in your business arsenal. It’s where potential clients go to learn more about you and your work, and it’s where you can showcase your personality, style, and brilliance. So, what should you include on your website?
Your Portfolio
First and foremost, your website should include a portfolio of your work. This is essential for showing potential clients what you’re capable of and giving them a taste of your style.
Your Bio
Your bio is your chance to really connect with your audience and give them a sense of who you are as a person. It will tell your readers aka your potential clients what makes you unique and why they should work with you.
The bio is often put under the “About Me” page, but you can also include it on your home page or in other areas of the website.
Your Services
This one is a no-brainer. If potential clients can’t immediately tell what services you offer, they’re not likely to stick around for long. You need to make sure your services are clearly listed and easy to understand.
Testimonials and Reviews
Testimonials from your past clients are a great way to demonstrate your value and expertise. Whenever possible, include testimonials or reviews on your website in order to show potential clients that you’re credible and trustworthy.
Contact Information
Finally, make sure that your contact information is prominently displayed on the homepage and in other areas of the website as well.
Whether it’s an email address, phone number, or contact form, make it easy for them to get in touch with you.
How to Drive Traffic to Your Website & Get More Clients
As a small business owner, it’s essential to get creative about driving traffic to your website and generating leads. After all, if potential clients can’t find you online, they’re likely to go with one of your competitors.
Fortunately, there are a number of effective strategies you can use to get more eyes on your site. One tactic is to guest blog on other websites in your industry. This is a great way to reach a new audience and build your credibility.
Another strategy is to run social media ads. By targeting your ideal client on platforms like Facebook and Instagram, you can get them to visit your website and learn more about your products or services.
Writing high-quality blog posts with optimized SEO is another great way to bring more people to your website. If people can find you and your services by googling a keyword or phrase, you’ll be able to generate more leads.
Finally, don’t forget the power of word-of-mouth marketing. Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews and share their experiences with their friends and followers. People love to hear about great products and services, so harness the power of word-of-mouth to drive more traffic to your website.
How to Maintain Your Website
By the end of the day, we are writers, not website developers. But that doesn’t mean you should overlook the maintenance of your website. After all, it is one of the most important tools to help you thrive in the digital age.
Therefore, here are a few tips on how to maintain your website:
Keep the Content Up-to-Date
Make sure all content is accurate and relevant – this includes photos, text, and product descriptions. Refreshing the content every couple of months will help you keep your visitors engaged while keeping search engines happy.
Check for Broken Links
Broken links are links that lead to a “not found” or 404 error page, and they can cause visitors to have a poor experience on your website. It’s important to test all of the links on your page regularly to ensure that they are working properly.
Back Up Your Website Regularly
Backing up your website is essential in case something unexpected happens, such as a cyber attack or a server crash. Make sure to back up your website at least once a month and store the data in an off-site location.
Several hosting providers also offer that as a service (either free or with an additional fee), so you don’t even have to worry about it yourself.
Check Your Contact Info
If you changed your number or email address, make sure that your contact information is updated on your website. This will ensure that people can reach you when they need to.
Update the Design Once in a While
Again, you don’t have to be a web designer in order to keep your website looking sharp. However, it is important to update the design every once in a while and make sure all elements are up-to-date.
This might include refreshing the color palette or updating the buttons or fonts. Also, consider adding new features such as a chatbot or a subscription form to increase engagement and make your website more user-friendly.
At the end of the day, maintaining your website should be an ongoing process that you commit to in order to stay competitive in the digital landscape. Taking these steps will ensure that your website remains up-to-date and engaging for all visitors.
Final Note
In the world of freelancing, if you’re not promoting your freelance business online, you’re missing out on a huge opportunity to reach new clients and grow your business.
And although not everyone is that tech-savvy, having an up-to-date website is pretty easy and straight-forward in order to maximize your reach.
Fancy a step-by-step guide on how to set up your freelance website? Then this ultimate guide is just for you!
