How to Create a Professional Freelancing Website

Over the past decade, the number of freelancers working in the U.S. has exponentially grown. Thanks to the pandemic of 2020, this trend has virtually exploded. Millions of workers that were forced to continue their careers remotely during the pandemic have chosen to continue that working style going forward. For those that lost their jobs due to the unprecedented layoffs, freelancing was a way to continue to make an income. Over 28% of workers in the U.S. now work full-time freelancing jobs. That is up by over 17% more independent workers than in 2004. Most freelancers claim that one of the most important aspects of their decision to convert to freelancing was quality of life and a more consistent work/life balance.

An increasing number of large and small businesses are now asking for more than is comfortable from their workers. Being available 24/7, working long hours away from home, and unrealistic demands have created a work culture of stress and unhealthy competition. As a result, more than 40% of American workers claim that they are unsatisfied with the demands of their jobs and struggle with mental health issues like anxiety and depression. For these reasons, millions of talented craftspeople, executives, and general workers have chosen to pursue their businesses through freelancing. Most people start their freelance businesses on a part-time basis, searching for new jobs available online to build a customer base and work towards being able to work full-time and leave their more traditional jobs.

A large majority of freelancers work in creative fields like writing, editing, and photography. However, there are no limits to the freelancing possibilities. Web design and other high-demand tech jobs are now being filled by freelancers. The popularity of freelancing doesn’t only benefit workers but also corporations who save on their overhead with freelancers by not having to pay taxes and benefits to permanent employees.

Why Do You Need a Freelancing Website?

In today’s digital world, having an online presence is essential for any business. It is estimated that nearly 90% of consumers begin their search for products and services with an online search. As a freelancer, it is vital to your success to have an online platform to help you build your brand and broaden your customer base. As a freelancer who doesn’t have the advantage of a brick-and-mortar shop, you need a place to meet new clients and showcase some of your work. Creating a business website is the key to building your freelancing career.

Building Your Freelancing Website

Choose a Template

There are virtually thousands of free and paid freelancing website templates available online. Once you choose a website builder like WordPress or Squarespace, you will have access to many template choices. Your template should work as the base for your creative process. You will need to choose a template that compliments your style, gives you the ability to show examples of your work in a professional setting, and where you can make an impact on your potential clients. The great thing about using a template is that it gives you a solid foundation. On it, you can build your site. Most features are customizable, helping you create a unique site. You can check this list of the best freelance marketplace WordPress themes.

Create a Domain

The next step in creating a freelancing web page is to give your site a name. This is called your domain. You will want to try to include the name of your business and some sort of tag that gives your potential clients an idea of what you do. For example, if you are the owner of a freelance writing business called Creative Creations, you may want to choose a domain name like CreativeContentWriting.com. You should have a few ideas for your domain name and then do an online search to see if that name is available. If any of your choices are already taken, you have two choices; you can try to buy the domain name from another owner or get creative with your name spelling or order.

Develop Your Brand

Once you have your template and domain name, it’s time to work on your branding. Branding is all about the style and recognizability of your company. You may start by creating a logo using an online Logo Maker. Your logo should be something that people will remember and eventually associate with your brand. Your next step is to create your site’s font, colors, and theme. Keep in mind that you want to choose features that will make your site easy to read and navigate.

Add Pages

Your website landing page should act as a simple introduction to your freelancing services. You want clients to dig a bit deeper and find out more about your company easily. The best way to accomplish this is by adding additional pages that include:

Products or Services

• This will act as your showcase to show clients the type of services or products that you have to offer. You can add an order form on this page or a link to further products.

Projects

• You can showcase your past and current projects here, along with the listing of your former clients and their reactions to your work.

Online Store

• If you want to make money with your website and draw in more customers, you can set up an online shop on your website. This allows clients to order your products online.

Testimonials and Reviews

• One of the most effective ways to build brand trust is by relying on the recommendations of your current clients to draw in a more extensive base. Don’t be afraid to ask your customers to leave a review on your webpage to help you build a solid reputation.

About Page

• Your About page is where you have the opportunity to share your story with your customers.

Contact Page

• Your Contact page is where your potential clients can find the information they need to reach you. You can add a plug-in digital form where users can leave their contact information. You can also list your contact information with your email, phone number, and address.

Include Helpful Tools

As a freelancer, you are most likely working independently without dedicated staff to help you manage the details of running a business. Trying to keep a freelance business growing is a full-time job. One of the ways to make your job easier is to take advantage of various online tools. Adding an automated chatbox to your webpage can help you to relate to your clients quickly and personally. You may also want to take advantage of an online website scheduler to help organize your content and calendars.

Create a Blog

Adding a content blog to your website is a great way to showcase your expertise, answer frequently asked customer questions, and build a wider audience. Allowing guest posts, collaborating with other freelancers in and out of your industry, and relating personal experiences are effective content focal points for your blog. Creating SEO-rich content can help bring your website farther up in the search engine results, drawing in more client interest.

Freelancing Website – Final Words

If you are a current freelancer or considering going out on your own, you must start designing a professional website. Having an online presence lets you mold your brand. It also allows you to connect with new and existing customers, and showcase your skills and products.