Aside from the desire for some much-needed human interaction, freelancers can use Twitter for many purposes and grow their business in the process.
When Twitter launched, most people considered it the biggest waste of time. Fast forward to today and hundreds of millions of users are singing a different tune.
Whether you are new to the freelancing world or a seasoned professional, Twitter offers a platform ripe for networking and lead generation.
1. Building Contacts
As a freelancer, you know that your contacts can be the life bread of your business. Think of Twitter like a sea of contacts just waiting to network with you.
By simply networking with fellow freelancers, you can create close knit groups of colleagues who will be willing to share work with you. Your fellow freelancers will also come in handy when you need some extra help with your work. You can locate freelancers on Twitter via the directory WeFollow. Here is a list of the freelancers who have added themselves to the directory: Freelancers on WeFollow. You can also use Twitter’s search function and search for keywords like freelancer, freelance, photography, web design, writer, etc.
If your services are location-based, find local freelancers via a city or state search on Twellow.
If your fellow freelancers throw you some occasional work, don’t forget to return the favor.
2. Find Business
Twitter is a great platform for freelancers to market their skills. Any one of your followers could turn into a potential client.
The key is to know whom to follow. First, specify to whom you are marketing. For example, if you service small businesses in the real estate industry, search for real estate companies and connect with them. Be careful not to shove your services down their throat. Simply connect and interact and the client/freelancer relationships will begin to develop over time.
3. Brand Awareness
To become a successful freelancer, you must establish yourself as an expert. Twitter provides you with an ideal setting to showcase to others your capabilities and offer your expertise to the community.
The key to building your brand is to offer great resources such as helpful articles, design inspiration or eye-catching photos, depending on your industry. You can link to your own work as well as others as long as you do not overdo the self promotion.
You should also ask questions and engage in conversations. If your followers are asking about web design help, as a web designer, you should offer your assistance. Over time you will position yourself as an expert. You can use #hashtags to search for related conversations in which you can add your input to build your brand expertise.
Periodically showcase your work. If you are a photographer, link to your latest creative photo shoot. If a writer, link to a winning piece of which you are proud.
Occasionally retweet your follower’s links and tweets. Twitter is not one-sided. The more you can show that you are a team player and you value great interaction and feedback, the more success you will achieve for your freelancing business.
Final Words of Advice
- Remember that your Twitter profile is more than just a social page; it is an extension of your personal brand. Though displaying a more personal side can be used as a great connecting tool, try to remain professional. Avoid negativity or questionable images.
- Spend at least a few minutes a day on Twitter and don’t leave your account idle. An empty account is worse than the lack of one.
- Twitter is a two-sided conversation. Avoid excessive advertising and links. Talk back and start conversations.
For some more Twitter Marketing advice see this article: 3 Ways to Improve your Twitter Marketing
Jenna Scaglione is a content writer, internet marketer, and a lover of family, friends and life. Jenna enjoys learning, growing and discovering the newest and latest trends on the internet. Known as "Lady Content", she lives in sunny Socal where she helps her clients around the world increase brand awareness on the internet through content writing and social media.
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