Trying to make it as a self-employed content marketer? If so, you’re probably already well aware of the tough road that is ahead.
But, as challenging as it may be, it’s also a road that’s ripe with positives.
For one, you’ll have the opportunity to set your own schedule and work with clients that you actually enjoy working with.
In addition, you’ll no longer be handicapped by salaries and hourly pay that have determined how much you could make while working that 9-5 job.
As we said, however, this isn’t going to be easy.
If you want to make it, there are a few hacks that you should know about.
Let’s take a look at what they are.
#1 – Find Your Niche
One of the biggest mistakes that new content marketers make is that they attempt to be a jack-of-all-trades.
The problem, however, is that this approach often leads to them being a master of none.
They try to write blog posts, emails, about pages, white papers, e-books, and ad copy, but never actually become an expert on any one topic.
With the explosion of content marketing over the past few years, there are plenty of niches to break into. There are also plenty of different industries that you can choose to specialize in.
That’s exactly why choosing your content marketing niche should be your first priority.
Not only does it put you in a position to become an authority within your niche, it also significantly raises your profit potential.
After all, who gets paid more…the general practitioner or the brain surgeon?
#2 – Start a Website and Blog
If you’ve determined that you want to be a content marketer, it’s absolutely imperative that you own a blog and website that enables you to showcase your skills and portfolio.
Your potential clients will want to see your website and the work that you’ve put together before hiring you, so don’t get caught making excuses as to why you don’t have one.
As far as your blog, this can be used as an opportunity to showcase your expertise on a particular topic as well as your writing skills.
Just be sure to publish posts on a consistent basis.
While one day a week is probably optimal, bi-weekly is also an option if you intend to write long form posts or guides that can help bring in clients.
#3 – Build a Strong Portfolio
As a self-employed content marketer, your portfolio will have a tremendous impact on your short and long term success.
It will, after all, be the thing that your clients look at before they make the decision to work with you.
For this reason, you need to create a portfolio that pops.
Don’t have any work to show quite yet? No problem.
Guest posting and offering to work for free in exchange for a testimonial on your website are both options that can help you get the ball rolling.
Conclusion
Making it as a self-employed marketer won’t be easy.
But as they say…”I never said it would be easy. I just said it’d be worth it.”