So You Think You Can Freelance: Building Your Freelance Website

So you’ve decided to join the ranks and become a freelancer. Congratulations! Whether you’ve chosen to pursue your passion full-time or part-time, you’ll need a freelance website before you can start generating steady work.

Before you launch your freelance website, make sure it has these 11 crucial components.

1. Your Own Domain Name

If you choose to create your freelance website using a DIY website builder, you will have the option to use their auto-generated domain name. These domain names appear unprofessional and contain the brand name of the website builder. Instead, purchase your own domain name for a positive, sharp reputation online.

2. Strong Website Hosting

Your website needs somewhere to “live” online. That’s where hosting comes in. You need a website hosting provider you can trust. Popular choices include:

3. Clear Website Navigation

When potential clients visit your website, they need to understand how to find specific pages and content. Your website menu must be clear and concise, without any added confusion. Consider the structure of your website layout and create a navigation path that makes sense for the user.

4. An About Page

Arguably one of the most important aspects of a freelance website is the About page. Future clients want to know all about you, your accomplishments, your passions, and other important information. Layout your About page to highlight your career and how you can help clients achieve their goals.

5. Services Information

While this may seem like common sense, you’d be surprised how many websites do not include information about their freelance services. It’s not enough to state that you’re a content writer. Instead, you need to explain what it is you do, what benefits you can provide, and how you help to accomplish client objectives. Most freelancers either have one services page or individual pages dedicated to specific services.

6. A Portfolio

No matter if you’re a freelance writer, SEO specialist, videographer, or another type of freelancer, you need to show potential clients you know what you’re doing. A portfolio page can demonstrate your talents through samples of past work. Be sure to present your work in an appealing manner!

7. Contact Forms

Interested visitors need a way to contact you about their projects and objectives. To capture these leads, add contact forms to your website. These forms should be easy to use and not intrusive. At the least, ask potential customers to input their:

Name
Phone Number
Email Address
Project Details / Message

With these details, you can reach out and determine if you’d be the right fit for the client and vice versa.

You can also use forms as a means of lead generation. For instance, if you are offering an exclusive piece of content such as a video or eBook, “gate” that content by asking for a name and email address first. Once the user inputs this information, they receive the content and become a lead for you to reach out to about your freelance services.

8. Social Media Icons

It’s not enough to only have a freelance website these days. Freelancers must also be active on relevant social media networks. Make sure your website has social media icons directing visitors to your profiles. Most freelancers include the following channels in their social menu:

Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
LinkedIn
Pinterest
Dribbble (Designers)
RSS Feed

9. SEO Optimized Content

Naturally, your website will have content detailing your services, previous work, and more. However, this content must be optimized to rank in search results. Be sure to properly format and optimize your content for SEO before launching.

10. A Blog

Having and maintaining an active blog shows future clients and colleagues you care about your work and industry. While you don’t need to post every day or even every week, consistently posting on your blog shows you have a heavy interest in your line of work.

11. Testimonials

Finally, your freelance website must have testimonials from past clients and teammates. These testimonials and reviews work to convince potential clients they should work with you. Reach out to trusted past coworkers and clients for excellent testimonials.