Looking to Become an SEO Freelancer? Read This First...

16:24 Unknown 1 Comments

So You're probably here because you wanted to become a freelance SEO consultant. But what does it really take to become one? You've heard some of your friends going freelance and seemed to have done so with relative ease. Do you leave your current job and immediately tackle your first project?

It sounds just too good to be true if it was ever the case. And in fact, it is one of the biggest misconceptions about freelancing. Sure you get to stay at home, and have a lot of flexibility but the truth is you just have to fight it out — with blood, sweat, and tears.

So how did I set myself up to become one? Read on...

1. Vision

Remember when people always ask you "How do you see yourself after 10 years?" Well, back then, I always said "Being my own boss, running my own business." It did not mean much, but I was not aware I was slowly growing that dream to become my reality. Just so we're clear, I am not there yet. No, not even close! But with that Goal in mind, it shouldn't be impossible.

2. Knowledge is Power

When I finally knew what I wanted to do (and that took longer than some), I needed to learn more of that craft. In my case. It was doing SEO. Working with computers, being online, connected to the internet, and working on websites. I did not have a background in IT, Computer Sciences, or any field related to that matter, but I knew I had to start somewhere. From there I took to the web, and searched, read, and educated myself about the world of search engine optimisation and online marketing.

3. Get Yourself a Mentor

During the course of my learning, I was lucky enough to be taken under the wings of my SEO Manager. There I was taught the tools of the trade, and essentially received my first experience as an SEO consultant. Again, not everything comes easy and my job was almost on the rocks the moment I set sail. But with proper guidance, and with my willingness to learn,  I was able to get to weather the storm.

4. Build your Profile

The difference between an SEO freelancer versus an SEO employee is that, the latter focuses on anything related to SEO. You need to look for clients because that's a job for the sales people. So the question is, how can I convince clients without having anything to showcase my skills with. From here, I built my name around being an SEO Professional. Never mind that my Facebook's a mess, since anyway, it isn't the most professional social platform there is. But I placed emphasis on building my name on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Google+.

From here, it was easier to reach out and connect, which leads me to number four.

4. Connect and Build Your Network

As a freelancer, you are inclined to work everything on your own. From getting clients, research and analysis to implementation and reporting, and down to billing, and invoicing. It's gonna be all you! So what's the best way to take all in? By reaching out to everyone you know. Help is always around the corner. You just have to ask. It does not necessarily mean hiring them to the job, but rather, helping you most especially when you are just starting to freelance. You need all that connection for referrals, there opinions, and simply just for the help and the morale support that YOU CAN GET THE JOB DONE!

In my case, I only had a handful at the time. So how did I do it? I joined forums, and communities, liked pages relevant to digital marketing, and joined discussions. Life is just much easier when you've built that network.

5. Be Nice and Don't Burn Bridges

Surely, with a diverse network of people, you won't get along with them all the time. However, a healthy debate every now and then, is a healthy argument that sets your mind to look at a different perspective. Be open to suggestions, be open to criticisms. One day, you may just become that boss you always dreamed to be, and no subordinate would ever want to work for a dictator and a closed minded narcissist!

6. Share and Influence

Finally, with all that experience and knowledge you've gain along the way, nothing is ever more rewarding than sharing and influencing others. Some people don't share their strategies because they are too afraid that they may get beaten in their trade. Well speaking as an SEO freelancer at least, the SEO acceoted today, may no longer be acceptable tomorrow. So there isn't a point to keep current strategies and trend from someone. In fact, the more you share, the more you gain that trust and connections which furthers your Brand!


So that's my take on becoming an SEO freelancer. I do hope I was able to inspire and bring you to the right mindset. Speaking of, as a side note, it also helped that I was once employed as a customer service representative. It honed my client relations so much that it helps me to face clients with a pleasant persona. So remember, if your potential client doesn't like you, they wouldn't buy anything from you even if you are the most qualified freelancer of them all.