7 Essential Skills You Need for Freelance Success
In the dynamic world of freelance marketing, personal blogging can transform your passions into profit. Retirees have taken to this segment to gain extra retirement income. This has enticed many people, including Pat Flynn (Smart Passive Income), Michelle Schroeder-Gardner (Making Sense of Cents), and Jon Morrow (Smart Blogger) to throw away their daily 9-5 Just Over Broke routine. However, it takes more than just creativity and a way with words to carve a successful path into this digital landscape.
In fact, in freelance marketing, several essential skills are required to truly thrive and generate the income you desire. As a person contemplating retirement, I know that we have these skills in our back pockets. Having been there and done that is part of who we are. But because I forget where I put my head some times, let’s keep on.
The following skills serve as the foundational stones that empower bloggers to captivate their audience, drive traffic, and monetize their online presence. From the art of crafting compelling content to mastering the nuances of SEO and digital marketing, the journey of a freelance marketer is a captivating blend of creativity, strategy, and technical know-how. Through the resources at Wealthy Affiliate (shameless plug) but they really are the best at what they do. Couple that with my assistance and you will be well-prepared for retirement. So, if you’re ready to embark on a transformative voyage where your words become your currency, join me as I delve into the essential skills required to flourish in the realm of freelance marketing.
Crafting Compelling Content
Strong writing skills are crucial for creating engaging, informative, and high-quality content. Bloggers need to be able to craft compelling articles, captivating headlines, and persuasive calls to action to attract and retain readers. Fortunately, with the release of Artificial Intelligence from the Genie’s Bottle, this just became an easier task to accomplish. The dead zone for this is when the words that AI creates for you, no longer ring true with your audience. Your readers are seeking your voice, guidance, and expertise. Put yourself into the story you are trying to educate your audience on. We used to “Google” everything, but with ChatGPT everyone can simply ask “Answer This…” and get the drivel that was copied. Don’t do that, Google doesn’t like it either!
SEO (Search Engine Optimization)
Understanding the basics of SEO is essential for optimizing blog posts and improving visibility in search engine results. Bloggers should know how to conduct keyword research, optimize meta tags, create relevant and valuable content, and build quality backlinks. Imagine having a tool freely at your disposal to do this research. All members of Wealthy Affiliate have access to Jaaxy, the industry’s only keyword and research platform that was developed by affiliate marketers FOR affiliate marketers. We have you covered. This is a very short, cursory note to a topic that we can and will devote an entire post to in the near future. When the Title turns into a link, the new post is up. Make sure to come back often to check the progress of this build out. I promise you a winning road to success. It is being paved and will open shortly.
Digital Marketing
Having a foundational understanding of digital marketing principles is beneficial. This includes knowledge of social media marketing, email marketing, online advertising, and utilizing various marketing channels to promote blog content and attract a wider audience. Have you ever thought of yourself as an influencer? You will be. Believe in that vision, and prepare for it. The old friends and family network. Don’t sell them anything. Just show them how it’s done. They may think that they can do it better if you can do it! It is amazing how many people really want to dump their nine-to-five, but just don’t know how.
Analytics and Data Interpretation
I see eyes glazing over thinking about this topic. Get familiar with Google Analytics to track website traffic, user behavior, and engagement metrics. Yes, we have classes on this topic, many of them. So, I won’t bore you with the details, but you do need to understand where your readers go on your site (or why they leave).
Time Management and Organization
Freelance bloggers need strong time management skills to effectively plan their content creation, promotion, and administrative tasks. Your new life requires your devotion to the goals you set forth. Remember, you live and breathe this stuff. It should not be a chore to write about it. Being organized, setting realistic deadlines, and prioritizing tasks is crucial for maintaining a consistent posting schedule and managing client collaborations, if applicable. Give yourself a minimum of two hours a day, 7 days a week. In the beginning, it may take more time, but your excitement and enthusiasm will drive your quest for freedom. The day you skip one post, ignore your research or fail to make a mark in the community, you are losing ground to father time. You will need to ask the Man in the Mirror to change his ways. Your retirement is that important.
Basic Web Design and Technical Skills
While not mandatory, having a basic understanding of web design and technical skills can be beneficial. We are a full-on WordPress development site. Point and click and you are in your easy chair. Our site content creator makes beautiful posts (like this one), and simple interactive additions will give you a site better than www.settingpoints.com (maybe). Ready for the challenge? Show me what you got.
Networking and Collaboration
Building a network of like-minded bloggers, industry influencers, and potential collaborators can help expand your reach and open doors to opportunities. Effective networking and collaboration skills involve reaching out, establishing relationships, and mutually benefiting from partnerships, guest posting, or joint ventures. You will be surprised how many people in the world think as you do but do not think to express themselves as you do.
Are you ready to embark on a captivating journey that can lead you to financial success as a personal blogger? Take inspiration from the stories of trailblazers like Pat Flynn, Michelle Schroeder-Gardner, and Jon Morrow who have turned their passions into profitable online ventures. By starting your journey today, you have the opportunity to carve out your path, connect with a global audience, and generate income doing what you love. Imagine the freedom of being your boss, the thrill of creating valuable content, and the potential to monetize your expertise. It won’t be easy, but with determination, consistency, and a willingness to learn, you can transform your blogging dreams into a reality. So, seize the moment, take that first step, and unlock the doors to A BETTER RETIREMENT, as you embark on an exhilarating journey as a personal blogger.
