Facebook and Instagram are not just for likes and fun—they're powerful tools that successful freelancers use strategically to attract clients.
We know you're busy managing your projects and the thought of handling social media might feel like another burden.
But here's the deal: you don't need to be a marketing expert or spend a fortune to make it work. Just a few minutes a day can bring a couple of new clients to your business.
To help you out we have built a free list of content ideas - also, for a full action plan, please check our strategy pack for freelancers.
Get the content idea list made for freelancers
A lot of freelancers manage to post engaging content on social media. Here is a free tool to to get you started.
Content that always work well for a freelancer
We have analyzed numerous freelancers' social media profiles to create our strategy pack for freelancers - here are the strategies that consistently deliver results.
Content Type | Why It Works to Attract New Clients for Freelancers |
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Portfolio Showcases | High-quality images and detailed descriptions of your work can impress potential clients and demonstrate your skills. |
Behind-the-Scenes Videos | Sharing your work process and environment builds trust and creates a personal connection with your audience. |
Client Testimonials | Positive reviews and testimonials from satisfied clients provide social proof and encourage others to hire you. |
Special Offers | Announcing limited-time discounts or package deals can attract new clients looking for value. |
User-Generated Content | Sharing content created by your clients (feedback, project photos) engages your community and adds authenticity. |
Collaborations | Partnering with other freelancers or businesses can introduce you to a broader, relevant audience. |
Event Announcements | Promoting webinars, workshops, or speaking engagements can attract new clients interested in your expertise. |
Seasonal and Holiday Posts | Highlighting seasonal offers or holiday-themed projects can attract clients looking for timely services. |
Interactive Content | Polls, quizzes, and Q&A sessions engage followers and create a sense of community, encouraging them to hire you. |
Tips and Tutorials | Sharing valuable tips and tutorials can position you as an expert in your field and attract clients seeking your knowledge. |
Project Updates | Regularly updating followers with your latest projects keeps you top-of-mind and showcases your ongoing work. |
Personal Stories | Featuring stories about your journey and experiences creates a personal connection and humanizes your brand. |
Industry Insights | Sharing insights and trends from your industry can engage followers who are interested in your field of expertise. |
Sustainability Initiatives | Highlighting sustainable practices or ethical projects appeals to environmentally conscious clients. |
Client Spotlights | Featuring your clients and their success stories creates a sense of community and makes others want to work with you. |
Contests and Giveaways | Running contests and giveaways can increase engagement and attract new followers, many of whom may convert into clients. |
Some freelancers make 5x more profit than you!
We have studied the strategies of the best freelancers in the world. Replicate them now!
How can freelancers make great content on social media?
What to Prioritize
You probably know it already, but high-quality photos and videos of your work are essential.
People judge your skills with their eyes first. Make sure the lighting is good, your work looks polished, and the presentation is inviting.
Also, post regularly to keep your audience engaged. It doesn’t have to be daily, but find a schedule that works for you and stick to it. We have prepared a free social media planner for you.
Of course, respond to comments and messages quickly. People appreciate interaction and it makes them feel valued. Don’t just be another “bland” account.
Show the real side of your freelancing journey. Behind-the-scenes photos, project stories, and client shoutouts can create a personal connection with your audience.
If you want to keep your potential clients excited, highlight any special offers, new services, or recent projects. Make sure your followers know what’s new and exciting.
Finally, share positive reviews and testimonials. Social proof is powerful and can help attract new clients.
An example of our marketing pack for freelancers
What Doesn’t Matter as Much
Overly polished content does not really matter. Your posts don’t need to be perfect. Authenticity can be more engaging than highly produced content.
Also, don’t feel pressured to jump on every social media trend. Focus on what fits your freelancing “image” and what your audience likes.
If you have a low budget to conduct marketing for your freelancing business, don’t immediately go for paid Ads. Organic reach can still be effective with good content and engagement. You will find tons of tactics and strategies in our strategy pack for freelancers.
How to Do It Fast and Efficient
First, spend a few hours once a week taking photos, recording videos, and drafting posts. This way, you’re not scrambling daily.
Use Scheduling Tools - tools like Buffer or Hootsuite can schedule posts in advance, saving you time.
Repurpose and use the same content across different platforms. A photo on Instagram can be a post on Facebook or a tweet on Twitter.
Encourage clients to share their own photos and tag your work. This is what we call “User-Generated Content”. Reposting these can save you time and build community.
Use apps like Canva for quick and easy graphic design, or Lightroom for photo editing. These tools can make your content look professional with minimal effort.
Low-budget content ideas for freelancers on social media
As a freelancer, creating engaging content on a budget can be challenging. That's why we've put together this list of specific, low-cost content ideas tailored just for you, with practical tips to keep expenses down and make the most of social media.
Consider incorporating some of these ideas into your marketing strategy.
Content Type | Tips to Make It More Affordable |
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Smartphone Work Photos | Use natural light by positioning your workspace near windows during the day. Enhance photos with free apps like Snapseed or VSCO. |
Client Testimonials | Ask satisfied clients to leave a quick video testimonial on their phone. Offer a small discount on their next project as a thank-you. |
User-Generated Content | Encourage clients to share their project results by offering a monthly raffle for those who tag you on Instagram. |
DIY Tutorial Videos | Film short, simple tutorials related to your services using a smartphone and a basic tripod. Use free editing software like iMovie or OpenShot. |
Behind-the-Scenes Stories | Use Instagram Stories or Facebook Live to give a real-time look at your work process or introduce your workspace during slow hours. |
Project Highlights | Design simple, eye-catching graphics for recent projects using free tools like Canva. Include a brief description and a compelling photo. |
Freelancer Spotlights | Feature yourself or other freelancers with a casual photo and fun facts. Use your smartphone and a natural setting in your workspace. |
Simple Polls and Questions | Engage followers with free Instagram or Facebook polls about their preferences or suggestions for new services. |
Local Event Promotions | Collaborate with local events by offering a small discount or coupon. Cross-promote each other's content to reach a wider audience. |
Community Involvement Posts | Post photos and short stories about your participation in local charity events or partnerships with community organizations. |
Client Spotlights | Highlight loyal clients with their favorite projects. Take a quick photo and share a short story about their experience working with you. |
Workspace Photos | Create attractive workspace settings using inexpensive items like desk organizers, plants, and props from dollar stores. |
Productivity Tips | Share productivity practices such as time management or using specific tools. Create simple infographics with free tools like Canva. |
Behind-the-Scenes Prep | Record short clips of your work prep, such as setting up your workspace or organizing your tools. Compile them into a quick video using free tools. |
Simple Contests and Giveaways | Run social media contests where participants like, share, or tag friends to win a free consultation. Use prizes that are cost-effective like a free e-book or a discount on services. |
Seasonal Content Posts | Highlight seasonal trends and projects using natural light and your smartphone camera. Share the story behind the project to add interest. |
Copy the tactics of the best freelancers in the world!
There are freelancers that make way more money than you do. We have studied their tactics. Get them now!
Exceptionally creative and innovative content ideas specifically for freelancers
Investing in high-quality social media content for your freelance business can be a game-changer. Many freelancers overlook this, giving you a golden opportunity to stand out, capture attention, and build a loyal client base.
Content Type | Why It Could Bring a LOT of Clients |
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Live Skill Demonstrations | Hosting live or recorded sessions where you demonstrate your skills can showcase your expertise, build trust, and attract a global audience. |
Virtual Office Tours | Offering virtual tours of your workspace can provide a behind-the-scenes look at your process, making potential clients feel more connected and confident in your services. |
Exclusive Service Packages | Creating buzz with limited-time or seasonal service packages can generate excitement and urgency, attracting new and repeat clients. |
Client Collaboration Sessions | Offering exclusive sessions where clients can collaborate with you in real-time can create a memorable experience and foster word-of-mouth referrals. |
AR Portfolio Integration | Implementing augmented reality (AR) in your portfolio to showcase your work in 3D can enhance the client experience and attract tech-savvy customers. |
Themed Project Events | Hosting themed project events, such as a design sprint or a coding marathon, can provide a unique and immersive experience, attracting groups and special projects. |
Skill Challenge Contests | Organizing skill challenge contests (e.g., design a logo in under an hour) can create viral moments, attracting competitive participants and spectators. |
Collaborative Pop-Up Workshops | Partnering with other freelancers or businesses to host pop-up workshops can introduce your services to new audiences and create a buzz in the community. |
Story-Driven Social Media Posts | Sharing in-depth stories about your projects, the clients you work with, or your personal journey can create an emotional connection with potential clients. |
Interactive Project Selection | Allowing clients to choose project elements via social media polls can make them feel involved and eager to see the final product they helped design. |
Eco-Friendly Initiatives | Launching and promoting eco-friendly initiatives, such as sustainable design practices, can attract environmentally conscious clients and media attention. |
Mobile Office Pop-Ups | Operating a mobile office in different locations or at local events can expand your reach and attract new clients who may hire you for future projects. |
Subscription-Based Services | Offering a subscription service where clients receive monthly updates, resources, or exclusive content can create a loyal client base. |
Immersive Skill Workshops | Hosting workshops where clients can learn advanced techniques from you can attract enthusiasts and create a sense of exclusivity. |
Flash Mob Work Sessions | Organizing flash mob work sessions in unexpected locations can create viral content and attract adventurous clients looking for unique experiences. |
Content that never works well for freelancers on social media
Don't waste your time and resources on these strategies. We've seen many freelancers make these mistakes, and they won't help you stand out from the crowd or attract new clients.
Content Type | Why It Never Works for Freelancers | Do This Instead |
---|---|---|
Generic Stock Photos | They lack authenticity and can make you appear unoriginal or untrustworthy. | Use real photos of your work, workspace, and yourself to create a genuine connection with your audience. |
Overly Promotional Posts | Constantly pushing promotions can feel spammy and turn off potential clients. | Mix in engaging content like behind-the-scenes stories, client testimonials, and interactive posts to keep your audience interested. |
Unrelated Content | Posting content that has nothing to do with your freelance services confuses followers and dilutes your brand. | Keep your content focused on your services, projects, industry insights, and related topics to maintain relevance and interest. |
Low-Quality Videos | Poorly shot or edited videos can reflect badly on your professionalism and quality of work. | Invest in basic video equipment or hire a local videographer to produce high-quality videos that showcase your skills positively. |
Political or Controversial Posts | These can alienate parts of your audience and lead to negative backlash. | Stick to neutral, positive content that focuses on your work, industry, and unique offerings. |
Too Many Hashtags | Overusing hashtags can look desperate and reduce engagement by making posts look cluttered. | Use a few relevant, targeted hashtags to increase visibility without overwhelming your audience. |
Automated Replies and Messages | They can come off as impersonal and frustrate clients looking for genuine interaction. | Respond personally to comments and messages to show that you care about your clients and value their feedback. |
Overly Staged Photos | Photos that look too perfect can seem inauthentic and less relatable. | Use natural lighting and casual settings to make your photos feel more genuine and inviting. |
Constant Self-Promotion | Only talking about your services can bore followers and reduce engagement. | Share user-generated content, collaborate with other freelancers or businesses, and highlight community involvement to diversify your content. |
Negative or Defensive Responses | Responding poorly to criticism can damage your reputation and discourage potential clients. | Address negative feedback calmly and constructively, showing that you are willing to improve and value client input. |
Ignoring Social Media Trends | Being out of touch with current trends can make you seem outdated and unappealing. | Stay updated with social media trends and incorporate them creatively into your content strategy to keep your audience engaged and excited. |
Excessive Posting | Posting too frequently can overwhelm your followers and lead to unfollows. | Maintain a consistent but moderate posting schedule, ensuring each post adds value and keeps your audience looking forward to your updates. |
Complex or Confusing Promotions | Promotions that are hard to understand can frustrate clients and deter participation. | Offer simple, clear, and straightforward promotions that are easy for clients to grasp and engage with. |
Ignoring Comments and Messages | Not engaging with your audience can make them feel undervalued and reduce their loyalty. | Regularly respond to comments and messages to build a strong, interactive community around your freelance business. |
Make your freelancing service more profitable
We have studied the strategies of the best freelancers in the world. All their tactics are explained in our pack!
Why social media can be a big pay-off for your freelancing service
We understand that as a freelancer, you might feel hesitant about diving into social media marketing.
The world of social media can seem foreign and filled with confusing jargon. You might believe that it's more suited for big corporations rather than individual freelancers like you.
The day-to-day demands of managing your freelance projects are already overwhelming, leaving little time for additional tasks like social media.
It's common to think that social media marketing is an expensive endeavor, one that your tight budget can't support. Plus, the sheer number of social media platforms can lead to indecision and skepticism, especially if previous efforts haven't yielded the results you hoped for.
That's why we've created a "marketing pack" specifically tailored for freelancers like you.
Our pack addresses all the issues you might face, offering simple, cost-effective strategies that don't require a marketing expert or a big budget for your freelance business. These documents are straightforward and easy to understand, cutting through the jargon and focusing on what really works for freelancers on social media.
We provide clear, actionable steps for creating engaging posts, building a loyal following, and boosting your visibility online.
With our marketing pack, you can invest in your freelance business's growth without feeling overwhelmed or uncertain.
Your freelancing service could make more money!
Most freelancers don't know how to grow their business. Let us teach you the right strategies.