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August 23, 2021 Content Chat Recap: So You Want To Be A Content Marketing Or Public Relations Freelancer

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Have you considered leaving your traditional 9-5 job to pursue freelance content marketing or public relations work? Or do you hope to raise some extra cash on the side by freelancing?

In this #ContentChat, we’re joined by Michelle Garrett (@PRisUs), PR consultant and host of #FreelanceChat (Thursdays at 9 a.m. Pacific/noon Eastern), to discuss how to get started with freelance communications work. Read the full recap below, where we explain the benefits of engaging in freelance opportunities, how to find freelance work, solutions to common pitfalls that many freelancers face, and much more. If your freelancing question was not answered, let us know in the comments so we can help!

Q1: What are the benefits of pursuing freelance content marketing or public relations work? If you switched from in-house or agency to freelance, why did you make the change?

There are many benefits of freelancing. For starters, you can be your own boss and can choose who you work with…

Which includes the freedom to pursue long-term or short-term collaborations with agencies and companies alike.

This diverse mix of clients can allow you to tap into more of your marketing skills.

Many freelancers find a healthier work/life balance than before. That is not to suggest that freelancers never work late hours. But late-night work is more a matter of choice when you freelance…

This balance includes the ability to juggle errands and miscellaneous life tasks at more convenient times.

We recommend you get at least three years of agency or in-house experience before going freelance. You will develop your skills and expand your network much faster at an agency than if you go right to freelance work.

Q2: How can freelancers find relevant communications and content creation opportunities? What methods, sites, or tools do you recommend?

Your network with play a pivotal role in helping sustain your freelance career. This is not to say you need a massive network. But, you need at least a handful of professionals in your space that are happy to connect you to opportunities as they find them.

You can build these relationships on social media. Consistently engage with professionals in your space, share your knowledge, and ask for help. Over time, you will develop deeper relationships that could lead to freelance opportunities.

Pursue opportunities to contribute your content to other websites or content channels. It will showcase your expertise and widen your potential reach.

Don’t be afraid to self-promote!

Erika recommends a handful of Slack communities and other resources for freelance work.

Sites/tools like Upwork, Remote PR Jobs, and LinkedIn ProFinder can accelerate your search. However, keep in mind that some freelance-focused communities support unhealthy pricing practices in the industry (no, freelancers should not be paid $1 for a page of content).

And Rachel shares the email she uses to reach out to companies that are hiring more marketing team members:

Erika’s biweekly Content Chat Bulletin email newsletter spotlights at least three content marketing jobs each edition! Sign up below.

Q3: What foundational elements do you recommend that all freelancers prepare to best serve their clients (tools, templates, practices, etc.)?

Your ideal freelance toolkit will depend on the type of work you do. However, free tools like the Google Drive suite are a solid foundation for most of your day-to-day work.

All freelancers need a way to track their projects, including hours worked and invoices. We share a few recommendations below.

Create templates for elements of your core service offering(s), like social media channel audit templates, thought leadership plans, and overviews of the services you provide.

Christian recommends Trello and Asana, both of which help many of our community members.

Q4: Let’s explore the legal side. What paperwork or requirements will freelancers need to conduct their business? Should you use a consulting agreement or contract?

Quick disclaimer: Any answers for Q4 and Q5 should not be construed as legal advice, but simply information to help inform your decision-making.

Michelle recommends you sign a consulting agreement before work begins. Ideally, the client will pay at least in part upfront, especially if they are a new client. This will protect you in the event that the client disappears or does not follow through on payment.

This contract should detail the specific scope of work, details for payment, and the project timeline.

Erika recommends Rocket Lawyer’s templates and document builders. Some sites also offer their own form of contract for freelance workers and their clients.

Have your client sign the agreement first, and ensure that they did not make any changes to the agreement without your approval prior to your signing.

Q5: What items are typically tax deductible for freelancers?

A lot of items and activities can be tax-deductible for freelancers, including conferences, courses, professional membership, and some technology and supplies (for professional use).

However, it depends on where you live and how your work/business is classified.

Per Michelle and the community, we recommend you get an accountant who has experience with freelancers/self-employed people to help you.

Q6: What common pitfalls will most marketing freelancers face, and how do you recommend we overcome these?

There are many potential pitfalls of freelancing, most of which become less scary the longer you freelance and the stronger your network becomes. For starters, it can be challenging to focus on current business while also lining up future opportunities (which is an ongoing task)…

Which relates to another pitfall: all freelancers will eventually have a client to pay, or they will hit a dry spell with work. Per Michelle, try to secure payment before you start work on your project, if possible, and Erika recommends you always have a financial cushion and backup plan in case you run into hurdles.

Diversify the ways that you market your business. Consider contributing articles to third-party sites, attending networking events, joining a Twitter chat, or any other activity you may enjoy that could increase awareness of your business.

“No” is a powerful tool for freelancers. Become comfortable saying no to business, especially if your plate is already too full or if you feel the client simply isn’t a fit for your business.

Trust in your abilities as a freelancer. Self-doubt is common, but that is why we have networks to support us and remind us that we know what we’re doing.

Remind people that you work for yourself and always appreciate referrals.

And no matter what, do not let a single account mishap or failure let you down. Mistakes happen. Learn what you can and move on. In some cases a client simply isn’t a fit for your business, and that’s OK.

Q7: Where do you go for resources and tips for freelance content marketing or public relations pros?

Twitter and Twitter Chats are a great way to make freelance connections! Check out Michelle’s #FreelanceChat Thursdays at 9 a.m. Pacific/noon Eastern.

Follow these individuals and brands for expert tips and resources for navigating freelance communications work.

And check out Company of One by Paul Jarvis.

About Alek Irvin

Alek Irvin is a content marketing professional with a rich history in social media management, executive thought leadership development, and media relations. As a consultant at Erika Heald Marketing Consulting, he creates human-focused content and thought leadership platforms that help brand leaders connect and engage with their communities. Alek has worked with a range of startups and Fortune 500 companies across the B2B technology and consumer spaces, including IBM, Dell Technologies, Hitch Works, Emtrain, Integrate, and Frameable. Connect with him on Twitter @AlekIrvin.

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