Do you need a website to start your freelancing business?
Starting a freelancing business, especially as a mom, can be a great way to use your past work experience and passion while also having the freedom and flexibility to work on your own terms, at your own time, and still be as involved in your kiddo’s day-to-day life as you want. One question that often comes up for new freelancers is whether or not they need a website to get started. In this day in age, having a website is not necessarily the first thing you need to have but obviously can be an important part of your business. Let’s dive in!
Reasons you should consider investing in a website:
First impressions count. Having a website can help you establish that professional impression that showcase your skills and experience to potential clients. This is especially true if you are off getting clients on your own and not on third-party sites such as fivver or upwork.
Increased Visibility: Believe it or not, a website can increase your visibility online even in the oversaturated world that Google is. A website can make it easier for potential clients to find you just by searching for you or through that fancy ~ link in bio ~
It’s an extension of you!!: With your own website, you have complete control over your brand and can customize your messaging and design to best showcase you and your business. Put your best foot forward!
Portfolio Showcase: It’s a great tool for bragging, tbh. Your website can be an excellent platform to showcase your portfolio, client testimonials, and other important details that can help you win new business. P.S. it’s also ok to not want to put all of your clients out there! I, for one, would rather not be showy but again, that’s just me!
Reasons why a website might not be your top priority:
Moolah: Building and maintaining a website can be super pricey, especially for freelancers who are just starting out. Not only do you have to buy your domain but also host the website with either a monthly or annual fee. It’s just a little painful when you look at your stats and you have ** 2 ** views and you know it’s just you and your mom for now. 🥲
Time: Ok so say you save money and make your site yourself. Building and maintaining a website can be SO time-consuming. Coming from someone who has built and rebuilt her website more times than I can count in the past five years, it takes a shitton of time. And it will never feel done or perfect taking valuable time away from other aspects of your business life finding clients or simply working on the clients you do have. Plus you have to regularly update it with new blog posts, edits, and changes to your portfolio and services, it’s just a time investment.
No Guarantee of Business: Having a website does not mean your business will be booming and honestly, may not be necessary if you are able to find clients through other channels, such as social media or sites such as fivver or upwork.
Showing up: In most industries, especially social media management, there is a lot of competition online, making it difficult for your website to stand out, attract new clients, or even show up on the interwebs without a vast knowledge of SEO.
Pin this!!
The million-dollar question: Do you need a website to start a freelancing business?
In my personal opinion, no. But take a close look at your own business, niche, and resources and make your own decision. You are obviously reading this post on a website so there is some truth that it can reach more people than you may think. 😉
What are other ways that you can promote your freelancing biz?
If you decide that a website is not necessary for your freelancing business, there are other ways to promote your services and attract new clients. Some alternative ways to promote your freelancing business include:
Social Media: Social media platforms like Tiktok, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter can be excellent tools for promoting your freelancing business, showcasing your portfolio, and connecting with potential clients.
Referrals: Word of mouth can be a powerful marketing tool for freelancers. Encourage your current clients, friends, family, esthetician, realtor, uncle, a neighbor you name it!! to refer their friends and colleagues to your services.
Freelancing Platforms: There are several freelancing platforms, such as Upwork, Hire My Mom and Fiverr (just to name a few), that can help you find new clients and build your business.
Networking: Attend industry events, join professional associations, and participate in online forums like Reddit or Facebook groups to network with other freelancers and potential clients.
So yes, having a website can set you apart and give your new business that professional look and feel but if you are trying to hit the ground running, launch first and come back to it down the road. Heck, you might even but making enough to justify paying someone to do the website part for you. Before investing in a website, consider the pros and cons and explore alternative ways to promote your services and build your business. By focusing on promoting your services through multiple channels, you can build a successful freelancing business without the need for a website. You got this, I am cheering for you!!
xx - Emily