I've been updating my website recently and researching ways to get more business flowing my way. Specifically, I need more paying jobs. And it's really interesting to see how much advice there is out there for small businesses and freelancers, encouraging them to spend countless hours and much creative energy getting traffic to their websites or building facebook pages to impress.
Ten years ago, most creative freelancers had never heard of social media networking and they got along just fine. Even five years ago, I was a freelance artist with plenty of work and no internet activity for jobs. And I believe that extensive social media marketing just might be an expensive and unnecessary way for some freelancers to spend their time. In fact, the creative/rebellious/hermit side of me has over the years locked this website down on more than one occasion, temporarily banning comments and actively discouraging traffic because I couldn't be bothered with spam and found I was spending too much time mediating.
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| Courtesy 'Cartoonize Yourself' -Sharon Burford Cartoons |
Ten years ago, most creative freelancers had never heard of social media networking and they got along just fine. Even five years ago, I was a freelance artist with plenty of work and no internet activity for jobs. And I believe that extensive social media marketing just might be an expensive and unnecessary way for some freelancers to spend their time. In fact, the creative/rebellious/hermit side of me has over the years locked this website down on more than one occasion, temporarily banning comments and actively discouraging traffic because I couldn't be bothered with spam and found I was spending too much time mediating.
Not that I have anything against social media: I have Facebook friends who would help me hide a body, or build a patio. Or both. But that's just me. I live far away from many of my true friends, and I really love to keep up with the minutiae of their lives and their kids' latest haircuts. So I have a Facebook account, and a professional Facebook page. Linkedin can be inspiring and informative, and a good place to trade tips in groups. I've also recently fallen in lust with Pinterest, a great forum for visual creatives if you can avoid the 'popular' pinners.
In the words of The Hitchhiker's Guide, Don't Panic. The gurus who want you to market yourself on the internet are, generally, making a living out of marketing. They are often good at what they do and can really help you increase traffic to your website and get site visitors to engage who will, sometimes, pay you for your creative services. Of COURSE they want you to want social media marketing.
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| Breaking the Rules With My Linkedin Profile Photo: This pic has been the start of many interesting conversations. |
All of the great jobs I've ever had, I got the old-fashioned way. I emailed one person and offered specific services to them. Then I emailed another person and suggested another service that would be perfect for their publication. Then I walked in to an agency (calling first of course) and said "Hi! I'm Nan." I have had work via conversations, volunteering and pitching to glossy magazines. I've had referrals from satisfied customers and phone calls from people who happened to see my work in real life. But from the many hours of hanging out on the internet and re-designing my website, hardly anything, directly.
Having some online presence is great. It means that you can include a link in your emails that says 'You can see examples of my work here.' I am sure many readers of my countless "I'm a Freelance Writer, Hire Me Now" emails must have checked my website, Linkedin profile or Facebook page before hiring me. If they can log in and see that I appear to be basically sane and haven't filled my site with end of the world conspiracy theories, they may feel more comfortable putting their project in my hands. So having either a website, or a Facebook account, or Pinterest, or any one of the dozens of online portfolios available is important. But if you're not that into it, it's okay. Make sure it looks professional and you have photos and links of your latest published work. Visit once a week or so to say 'Hi' and let your fans know you haven't forgotten them. And then, spend your time doing what you love to do. Write, paint, create. Lie under a tree and have a nap, even, as this is one of the surest paths to creative success that I know of.
"You can't just ask customers what they want and then try to give that to them. By the time you get it built, they'll want something new." - Steve Jobs
"You can't just ask customers what they want and then try to give that to them. By the time you get it built, they'll want something new." - Steve Jobs
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| Ajoupa Writers' Retreat. Internet Not Included |
Creative people often hop from one project to another, and evolve with the times. We understand that the ebb and flow of economy and earth can't be connected with a long term marketing plan. If you're like many creative people, you won't want to be tied down by a specific 'Personal Branding' strategy anyway.
Yesterday, I made ceramic tiles, stitched and painted. Today, I write, photograph and design. Tomorrow, I might paint, garden and dance. Remember, the internet was invented by us - different, slightly eccentric creative people who thought way out of the box. Are we going to let anyone tell us how to use it?
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Nan is currently a freelance writer, painter and a regular contributor to Aquila Magazine and The Green Parent, and has told countless bedtime stories, some of the best of which were made up on the spot.
Nan absolutely loves talking about herself in the third person, and it is possibly the greatest contributing factor to her desire to become an author.
Comments
Love this. You're right, tho.'
Best way for a creative to get 'paying' work is the old fashioned way--you ask for it F2F.
Doesn't hurt to send a brochure with a business card around, either.