Websites help freelancing professionals build their brand and credibility. In fact, according to GoDaddy and Redshift,
63% of consumers believe that a small business is more credible just because they have a website.
But, once you're done with all the basics of creating and registering a domain, logo and deciding which theme your website will have, there are a few areas that you need to focus on to
really make your website catch the eyes of clients.
So, if you want to know how to
wow potential customers with your site, then
media update’s Lara Smit is here to give you four tips to help you stand out on the web.
1. Get rid of any doubt with your 'About'
Unfortunately, potential clients may have a few apprehensions about hiring a freelancer because they perceive reputable brands to be more
credible and established than these individuals. But, your 'About' page gives you the opportunity to sell yourself — as an individual — as qualified and passionate enough for the job.
This is where you can give potential customers a glimpse of
who you are so that they can connect with your story and feel more comfortable about working with you. How does this work?
By communicating your experience and achievements in your field, you will build trust with your customers. This is because this information will provide them with an understanding of your knowledge, skillset and capabilities as an independent worker.
Additionally, it will give them insight into who you are as a person, which will resonate with them and make them feel as though they know you on a deeper level. This way, they feel as though they are investing in a
person, not just a
business.
Therefore, your 'About' page should be a good mixture of your experience and qualifications with a few personal touches. This will show clients that you are a well-rounded, reliable individual who is competent and genuinely cares about the work that you do — making them feel more secure in their decision to hire you.
2. Show 'em what you've got
It's not enough to
tell them about your services — you have to
show them what type of work they can expect from you. Therefore, your website should serve as an online portfolio where you can showcase your best work.
It's important to give customers a good idea of the standard of your work and what you are capable of. You can achieve this by having a page where potential clients can peruse examples of what you have already done. Therefore, these potential customers will be able to see if your work meets their requirements.
Additionally, it serves as a good reference point that they can use when requesting a specific service from you. This is because they can tell you which aspects of your past work they like so that you can create or build on something similar in your work for them.
So, all in all, having a page that exhibits your finest projects to potential clients is a great way to persuade customers
without having to directly convince them yourself. Instead, the quality of your work will sell itself.
3. Let them know that the price is right
If you're wondering if you should include your pricing on your website, the answer is yes.
Being straightforward with your price has
many advantages. Here are a few for thought:
- It will give potential customers an estimated price for each of your services, letting them know how much they should budget for when they hire you.
- Clients may perceive it as courteous of their time and energy as they won't have to communicate with anyone to obtain your pricing.
- You will be perceived as more transparent and honest in making your prices available to potential customers.
- It helps to position you alongside other freelancers who offer similar services.
Another big benefit that we shouldn't fail to mention is that it lets you weed out any customers who don't want to pay your asking price, so you won't get your hopes up for nothing.
Additionally, stimulating a definitive price on your website lessens the chances of someone trying to haggle down your prices. This is because people will be
less willing to negotiate if you have a fixed price rather than an estimated one.
4. Help them to keep in touch
A contact page is one of
the most important aspects of your website. Why? It is a convenient and easy way for customers to get in touch with you about any work they would like you to do for them.
Additionally, it gives your services an added efficiency as you can tailor your contact page to have forms where clients must stipulate
exactly what they want. This way, you won't have to continuously chase them for the exact information that you need to complete a job.
Another efficiency benefit is that it allows you to manage and follow up on all your order requests and leads using only one system — neatening and streamlining the process
for you.
So, reel them in by adding a contact form to your website where customers can fill in their details, send you a message or inquiry, request that you contact them or book your services within a matter of minutes!
You can also include contact information on this page such as your phone number or email address. This is because some clients may want to contact you instantly through a phone call or prefer using email overusing a contact form.
What else can freelancers do to improve their websites? Let us know in the comments section below.
Freelancers, do you want to find other ways to further enhance your online visibility? Then be sure to read our article, Four ways that freelancers can enhance their visibility.
*Image courtesy of Canva