3 Ways Freelancers Can Build Trust And Credibility When Starting Out

"LinkedIn is the number one source of clients for freelancers. Furthermore, HubSpot research found that LinkedIn is 277% more effective for lead generation than other social media platforms. It's an excellent place to share your processes, expertise, strategies, and frameworks that you will (soon) employ with your clients. Posting content on LinkedIn builds your personal brand, and it helps potential clients get to know you and trust you before they get in touch."

"Testimonials are a key way to build trust. 92% of B2B leads are more likely to purchase after reading a positive testimonial. You may not have testimonials from paying clients yet, but you can ask your past managers or colleagues for a testimonial about what it was like working with you at the company or on a specific project. Even better, ask if they'd be happy to place a Recommendation on your LinkedIn profile."

New freelancers face a credibility challenge when starting out without client case studies or proven track records. Three primary strategies help overcome this obstacle. First, LinkedIn marketing is highly effective for lead generation, with 277% more effectiveness than other social platforms. Posting content regularly builds personal brand and creates warm leads, with only 1% of LinkedIn users sharing consistently. Second, testimonials significantly influence purchasing decisions, with 92% of B2B leads more likely to buy after reading positive reviews. New freelancers can source testimonials from past managers, colleagues, podcast appearances, university projects, and volunteer work. Third, creating portfolio pieces through personal projects, volunteer work, or pro bono projects demonstrates skills and provides concrete examples of capabilities to potential clients.

Read at Forbes