Revolutionizing Your Digital Marketing Strategy with Personalization

 In today's digital marketing landscape, personalization is the name of the game. But many businesses find themselves in a conundrum—they want to personalize their marketing efforts, but they struggle to figure out where to start. In this article, we'll break down the essentials of personalization in digital marketing in plain and simple terms.

The Key Takeaway

At the heart of successful digital marketing personalization is having a clear plan. It's like having a roadmap for a long journey. Without it, you might get lost along the way. We often see companies stumble because they lack a clear plan for personalization.

Understanding the Basics

Think of personalization as a way to make your customers feel special. When done right, it's like tailoring a suit to fit perfectly. To get started, you need to understand three fundamental things: stages, offers, and conditions.

Stages: Imagine your customer's journey as a story with different chapters. Each chapter represents a phase of their interaction with your brand. It could be when they first hear about you, consider buying from you, or make a purchase. These stages are crucial for creating personalized experiences.

Offers: Offers are like personalized gifts for your customers. These can be customized content, product recommendations, or special promotions. They should resonate with what each customer needs and wants.

Conditions: Think of conditions as the rules of the game. They determine which offers are shown to which customers. Conditions take into account factors like customer attributes, behavior, and past purchases.

Creating a Visual Model

Now, let's make things even simpler. Imagine you're building a house. You wouldn't start without a blueprint, right? Well, the same goes for personalization. You need a plan, and a visual model can help.

For example, if you run an online store, your stages might include "Discover," "Consider," "Purchase," "Service," and "Loyalty." In each stage, you offer different things to your customers.

Making Smart Choices

When it comes to personalization, not all offers are created equal. Some are more likely to convert than others. This is where "propensity" comes in. Propensity is like a compass that guides you to the best offer for each customer.

Instead of just picking the first offer that meets all the conditions, you should consider which offer has the highest chance of converting. Machine learning can help with this by analyzing data to predict conversion probabilities.

Putting It into Action

Implementing your personalization plan is crucial. It's like turning your blueprint into a real house. You might need tools and platforms to make it happen. There are many options out there, so choose what works best for your business.

Remember, your personalization model is not set in stone. It evolves as you learn more about your customers and gather more data. Testing different models and continuously improving is the way to go.

Conclusion

Personalization in digital marketing might sound complex, but at its core, it's about making your customers feel special. With a clear plan that includes stages, offers, and conditions, you can create a personalized experience that resonates with your audience. So, take the first step in your personalization journey and start making your customers' digital experiences truly unique.

NOW

 My heart is empty

But the void is filled

My face wet with tears

And my eyes dry

The wave that carried me

Is calm and distant

Yet I can see the sunset over the beautiful horizon

How pretty!!!

10 Proven Strategies to Grow Your Pinterest Account

 Pinterest is a powerful platform for discovering and sharing ideas, making it an ideal platform for businesses, bloggers, and content creators. If you're looking to grow your Pinterest account and maximize your reach, we've got you covered. Here are ten proven strategies to help you achieve Pinterest success.

Optimize Your Profile:

Start by creating a visually appealing profile that clearly reflects your brand. Use a high-quality profile picture, write a compelling bio, and include relevant keywords to make your account more discoverable. Add links to your website or blog to drive traffic.

Create Eye-Catching Boards:

Organize your boards in a visually pleasing way, focusing on popular topics within your niche. Use attention-grabbing cover images that reflect the content of each board. Remember to use relevant keywords in your board titles and descriptions to improve searchability.

Pin High-Quality and Original Content:

Pin high-quality and visually appealing images that stand out. Focus on creating original content that aligns with your niche and target audience. Infographics, step-by-step tutorials, and visually appealing graphics tend to perform well on Pinterest.

Implement SEO Best Practices:

Pinterest functions as a search engine, so optimizing your pins for search is crucial. Include relevant keywords in pin titles, descriptions, and alt text. Research popular keywords using tools like Pinterest Trends or Google Keyword Planner to improve visibility.

Join and Engage in Group Boards:

Joining group boards within your niche can significantly expand your reach. Look for active group boards with engaged communities. Share your best content and engage with other users' pins by repinning and leaving thoughtful comments to build relationships.

Collaborate with Influencers and Brands:

Teaming up with influencers or brands can help expose your content to a wider audience. Partner with influencers in your niche for collaborative boards or ask them to feature your content on their boards. This can increase your visibility and follower count.

Cross-Promote on Other Platforms:

Leverage your existing social media presence by cross-promoting your Pinterest account. Share your Pinterest content on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to encourage your followers to connect with you on Pinterest.

Pin Consistently and Strategically:

Consistency is key on Pinterest. Aim to pin regularly to keep your account active and engage your followers. Schedule pins using tools like Tailwind or Pinterest's native scheduler to maintain a consistent presence. Research peak times and schedule your pins accordingly.

Utilize Rich Pins:

Take advantage of Pinterest's rich pins feature to provide additional context and information for your content. Rich pins automatically update information from your website, making them more engaging and increasing the chances of attracting clicks.

Analyze and Adapt:

Regularly analyze your Pinterest analytics to understand what types of content perform best and resonates with your audience. Use this data to refine your strategy, create more of what works, and experiment with new ideas to continually grow your account.

10 Fun and Effective Ways to Turn Social Media into a Lead-Generating Machine

Everyone wants social media to work for them and their brand but only a few master the holy grail that is social media marketing and management.

1. Engage with Your Audience: Get chatty! Respond to comments, messages, and mentions faster than a cheetah chasing its lunch. Be as friendly as a golden retriever with a wagging tail. Ask questions that make people say, "Hey, this brand really gets me!"
2. Share Valuable Content: Forget boring old posts! Serve up content as delicious as a gourmet burger. Give tips and tricks that make your audience go, "Wow, these guys are like the secret agents of knowledge!" Sprinkle in engaging visuals like sprinkles on a cupcake to make their mouths water.
   
   
   
3. Utilize Lead Generation Ads: Time to capture those leads like Pokémon! Craft ads that are irresistible, like a magnetic force drawing people in. Keep those forms short and sweet, like a mini candy bar. The easier it is to sign up, the more leads you'll catch!
4. Run Contests and Giveaways: Get ready for a giveaway extravaganza! Create contests that make people go wild like a squirrel finding a hidden stash of acorns. Make the prize so enticing that they can't resist entering, like a tempting slice of pizza fresh out of the oven.
5. Optimize Landing Pages: Let's make your landing pages shine brighter than a disco ball at a dance party! Craft headlines that are catchy and make them think, "Whoa, I need to see what this is all about!" Keep those forms short and sweet, like a love letter to your customers.
6. Leverage Influencer Marketing: Time to bring in the social media VIPs! Collaborate with influencers who have a fan following as big as a rockstar's entourage. Their endorsement will make your brand shine like a glittery disco ball at a party!
   
   
   
7. Host Webinars or Live Events: Get ready to rock the virtual stage! Choose topics that make your audience say, "I've gotta be there, this is going to be epic!" Promote it like a Hollywood blockbuster and make your audience feel like VIPs in the front row.
8. Use Retargeting Strategies: Be the detective of social media! Track your website visitors and retarget them like a stealthy ninja. Remind them about your awesome brand with ads so captivating, they'll wonder if you have a crystal ball!
9. Encourage User-Generated Content: Turn your customers into social media superheroes! Encourage them to share their experiences like a proud peacock showing off its feathers. Feature their posts and let them know they're the life of the party!
   
   
   
10. Analyze and Optimize: Time to put on your lab coat and become a social media scientist! Dive into the analytics like a Sherlock Holmes on the case. Look for patterns and trends, then fine-tune your strategy like a master chef perfecting a recipe. 

10 SHOCKING FACTS ABOUT EMAIL MARKETING

Hello lovelies, it’s your girl Omulama.

For a long time, I found emails to be boring—just another mundane part of our digital lives. However, my perspective completely changed when I ventured into the dynamic realm of digital marketing as a Virtual Assistant. It was then that I discovered the true potential of email marketing, a strategy that transcends time and continues to shape the marketing landscape. If you've ever believed the misconception that email marketing is on its deathbed, prepare for a shocking revelation: It is very much alive and thriving. In fact, it's time to uncover the surprising facts that prove just how powerful and influential email marketing remains in the world of business and customer engagement. Get ready for a jaw-dropping journey as we explore the 10 shocking facts about email marketing that will revolutionize your perception of this indispensable marketing channel.

1. Email Marketing Has an Incredible ROI:

 

Email marketing consistently delivers one of the highest returns on investment (ROI) among all digital marketing channels. On average, for every $1 spent on email marketing, the ROI is estimated to be around $40. This means that email marketing can provide a significant boost to your bottom line. When done the right way entrepreneurs can see a significant boost in their marketing strategies.

2. Mobile Optimization is Crucial: 

Shockingly, nearly 55% of all email opens occur on mobile devices. This highlights the importance of optimizing your email campaigns for mobile devices to ensure maximum engagement and conversions. Mobile-friendly email templates, responsive design, and concise content are essential to capture the attention of mobile users.

3. Personalization Boosts Engagement: 

Studies have shown that personalized emails receive significantly higher open and click-through rates compared to generic, mass emails. In fact, emails with personalized subject lines are 26% more likely to be opened. By leveraging data like the recipient's name, location, or purchase history, you can tailor your emails to resonate with individual subscribers, increasing their engagement and driving conversions. Raise your hand if you are more likely to read an email addressed directly to you, using your name 🙋‍♀️🙋‍♂️. 

4. Email is Not Dead: 

This narrative is anything but a fallacy. Despite the increasing popularity of social media and other communication channels, email remains a powerful marketing tool. In fact, the number of email users worldwide is expected to reach 4.6 billion by 2025, indicating the enduring relevance of email marketing. This vast user base presents a valuable opportunity to connect with your audience directly and build long-term relationships.

5. Segmentation Yields Better Results: 

Segmenting your email lists based on demographics, interests, or purchasing behavior can lead to significant improvements in engagement and conversion rates. Shockingly, research shows that segmented campaigns can result in a 760% increase in revenue. By delivering targeted content to specific segments of your audience, you can provide relevant information that resonates with their needs and preferences.

6. Timing Matters: 

The timing of your email campaigns can have a significant impact on their effectiveness. Surprisingly, Tuesday has been found to be the best day for sending emails, while weekends tend to have lower open and click-through rates. However, it's essential to test and analyze your specific audience's behavior to determine the optimal timing for your campaigns. Factors like time zones, industry, and audience demographics can influence the best time to send your emails.

P.S. I don’t open my emails on Saturday and Sunday and usually delete those that came during those days without opening.

7. Unsubscribes Can Be Beneficial: 

This shocked me too at first. While it may be disheartening to see subscribers unsubscribe from your emails, it can actually be a positive outcome. It helps you maintain a more engaged and interested subscriber base, resulting in higher open rates and better overall campaign performance. By allowing subscribers to easily unsubscribe, you ensure that only those genuinely interested in your content remain on your list, increasing the quality of your audience. But keep in mind that not all subscriptions are beneficial, sometimes you are not just capturing their attention the right way. If this is the reason they unsubscribe, you need to adjust your campaign and content to match their interest in your business. 

8. Email Automation Streamlines Marketing:

 Email automation allows you to set up personalized and timely email sequences based on user actions or specific triggers. Shockingly, businesses that use marketing automation experience a 451% increase in qualified leads. This automation not only saves time but also ensures that your subscribers receive relevant emails at the right moments, nurturing them through the customer journey and improving conversion rates. Utilize all the available automation tools in the market to get this done right.

9. A/B Testing Drives Improvement: 

A/B testing involves comparing different versions of an email to determine which performs better. Shockingly, 71% of companies that conduct A/B testing see an increase in email engagement. By testing variables such as subject lines, content, or calls-to-action, you can gain valuable insights into what resonates best with your audience and optimize your campaigns for maximum impact.

10. Email Security is Vital: 

Email marketing not only requires focusing on delivering valuable content but also ensuring the security of your subscribers' information. Shockingly, 94% of malware is delivered via email. Implementing robust security measures, such as encryption and authentication protocols, is crucial to protect both your subscribers and your brand reputation. By prioritizing email security, you build trust with your audience and demonstrate your commitment to protecting their privacy.

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Email marketing continues to evolve, but these shocking facts highlight the enduring effectiveness and importance of this digital marketing strategy. By leveraging personalization, segmentation, automation, testing, and prioritizing security, you can maximize the impact of your email campaigns and achieve impressive results for your business. Stay informed, adapt to new trends, and continually optimize your strategies to harness the power of email marketing successfully.

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Do you still doubt that email marketing is a strategy that is not going anywhere anytime soon? Leave a comment below with your answer.

11 Captivating Mysteries That Are Mind blowing

 We are all familiar with that eerie tingle down our spines when faced with unknown mysteries. Throughout history, mankind has confronted perplexing mysteries that, to this day, remain unsolved or have recently been solved. These enigmatic mysteries have puzzled and eluded countless minds, leaving behind a haunting presence that lingers in our collective consciousness. Their existence and significance continue to stir our imagination, pulling at the strings of our deepest curiosities. So, hold on and resist the urge to make hasty assessments, for in the list that follows, we will embark on a captivating exploration of these inexplicable tales. Take a journey into the depths of these enduring mysteries and let your thoughts wander as we delve into their mysteries, leaving you with a multitude of questions to consider.

1. The Bloop

The bloop sourced from https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/bloop.html

In the vast depths of the Pacific Ocean, a mysterious and chillingly loud sound was detected. It later came to be known as "The Bloop." This otherworldly noise, recorded in 1997, captivated scientists and conspiracy theorists alike. Resembling an immensely powerful underwater creature, the Bloop emanated from an unknown source, defying explanation. With its colossal volume, surpassing that of any known marine creature, this enigmatic sound sparked theories of undiscovered sea monsters or even extraterrestrial activity. 

Theories of secret underwater military exercises, ship engines, fishing boat winches, giant squids, whales, or some sea creature unknown to science cropped up as scientists and enthusiasts raced to find answers to this sound. Since 95% of the ocean remains undiscovered, scientists discovered in 2005 that the sound originated from an iceberg cracking and breaking away from an Antarctic glacier. 

2. The Hessdalen Lights

The Hessdalen lights sourced from

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udmMDhu0xmY

In a remote valley in Norway, an eerie phenomenon known as the Hessdalen Lights has perplexed scientists for decades. Appearing as unexplained bright orbs of light, these spectral illuminations defy conventional scientific understanding. Witnesses have reported sightings of these elusive lights since the 1940s, with the frequency of their occurrence reaching a peak in the 1980s. Scientific studies and investigations have revealed that the lights emit both ultraviolet and infrared radiation, ruling out any simple explanations. 

While theories range from atmospheric plasma and geological anomalies to extraterrestrial visitations, the true nature of the Hessdalen Lights continues to elude us, leaving us in awe of their spectral presence. People in the Hessdalen valley still witness these lights to this day, despite the fact that they occur about 20 times a year. The most common description from witness accounts is that of “lightphenomena seen when it is dark outside” Moreover, there have been sightings during the day, although there are no pictures to prove their sightings. Pictures by various citizens are proof that the lights still appear to this day. 

3. The Tunguska Event

Sourced from 

https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna25455896

In a remote region of Siberia near the Podkamennaya Tunguska River, an extraordinary event unfolded on June 30, 1908, known as the Tunguska Event. Without warning, a tremendous hot explosion occurred, leveling trees over an area of 2,000 square kilometers. The force of the blast was estimated to be equivalent to a few hundred times the power of the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima. Astonishingly, there was no impact crater or any remnants of a meteorite found at the site. 

The exact cause of the Tunguska Event has remained a subject of intense speculation, with theories ranging from an exploding comet or meteoroid to a black hole passing through Earth's atmosphere. The locals believed it was a visitation by the god Ogdy who cursed the area by blasting the forest, killing animals, and ripping trees apart. To this day, more than 100 years later, the Tunguska Event continues to captivate researchers and serve as a stark reminder of the immense forces that shape our world. 

4. The Philadelphia Experiment

The USS Eldridge sourced from 

https://www.military.com/off-duty/2020/05/04/truth-behind-wwiis-creepy-philadelphia-experiment.html

In the realm of conspiracy theories, the Philadelphia Experiment holds a prominent place. According to the tale, during World War II, in the fall of 1943, the U.S. Navy conducted a top-secret experiment in Philadelphia to render the USS Eldridge, a naval destroyer escort, invisible to radar. Allegedly, the experiment involved manipulating electromagnetic fields, leading to bizarre consequences. Witnesses claimed to have seen the Eldridge vanish before their eyes, reappearing moments later, with some crew members reportedly fused into the ship's hull or driven to insanity. While the official account denies the experiment's occurrence, the Philadelphia Experiment continues to fuel speculation about government cover-ups, time travel, and the manipulation of physical reality, leaving us to ponder the limits of scientific exploration. 

5. The Roanoke Colony

Sourced from 

https://www.science.org/content/article/archaeologists-start-new-hunt-fabled-lost-colony-new-world

In the late 16th century, the Roanoke Colony in present-day North Carolina became one of the most enduring mysteries in American history. Established by English settlers, the colony vanished without a trace, leaving behind only a cryptic message carved into a tree: "Croatoan." The fate of the colonists, including women, children, and men, remains unknown to this day. Numerous theories have emerged, ranging from assimilation into nearby Native American tribes to massacres or even supernatural occurrences. The mystery of the Roanoke Colony continues to baffle historians and archeologists, leaving us to ponder the haunting fate of those who vanished without a trace in the lost colony. 

6. The Mary Celeste

Sourced from

https://www.history.com/news/what-happened-to-the-mary-celeste

On December 4th, 1872, the merchant ship Mary Celeste was discovered adrift in the Atlantic Ocean, its crew mysteriously missing. The vessel was fully operational, with its cargo intact and personal belongings left behind, including half-eaten meals and six months worth of food and supplies. No signs of struggle or foul play were found, adding to the mystery. Theories of piracy, mutiny, or attacks by sea monsters emerged, but none provided a definitive explanation. The fate of the crew of the Mary Celeste remains an unsolved puzzle, captivating the imaginations of maritime historians and sparking endless speculation and endless studies and research about what truly transpired on that fateful voyage and why an experienced captain like Benjamin Spooner Briggs would abandon a well functioning ship. 

7. The Nazca Lines

Sourced from 

https://www.esa.int/Applications/Observing_the_Earth/Ancient_desert_markings_imaged_from_orbit

Etched into the arid Peruvian coastal plain, some 400 kilometers south of Lima, the Nazca Lines have bewildered researchers and archaeologists for centuries. These massive geoglyphs covering an area of approximately 75,358.47 Ha, created by removing the reddish-brown iron oxide-coated pebbles to reveal the light-colored earth beneath, depict various intricate designs, including animals, plants, and geometric shapes. The true purpose and methods behind their creation remain a captivating mystery. Some theories suggest that the Nazca Lines served as an astronomical calendar or markers for ceremonial or religious rituals. Others propose extraterrestrial connections or messages meant for celestial beings. The mysterious nature of the Nazca Lines leaves us questioning the motivations and ingenuity of ancient civilizations. 

8. The Somerton Man

Sourced from

https://www.news.com.au/national/south-australia/somerton-man-mystery-solved-professor-identifies-man-found-on-beach-in-1948/news-story/d66ba706a66e30561dbe0ba355edbfe0

In 1948, an unidentified man was discovered dead on Somerton Beach near Adelaide, Australia. What made this case extraordinary was the lack of identification and the bizarre circumstances surrounding his death. With no identification on his person and labels removed from his clothing, investigators found a hidden pocket with a scrap of paper bearing the words "Tamam Shud," meaning "ended" or "finished" in Persian. The meaning and origin of this cryptic phrase, as well as the man's true identity, have remained elusive. People who saw him before his death could not remember the man who they say was like any other person in the crowd on a busy day. Various theories, including espionage, secret codes, or even an undetectable poison, have been proposed. The mystery of the Somerton Man continues to intrigue amateur sleuths and experts alike, begging the question of who he was and what secrets he carried to his grave. Until this day, his identity and cause of death remains unknown. 

9. The Dyatlov Pass Incident

Sourced from 

https://ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/eth-news/news/2021/01/a-new-take-on-an-old-mystery.html

In 1959, a group of experienced hikers embarked on an expedition in the Ural Mountains of Russia, only to meet a tragic and puzzling end. The Dyatlov Pass Incident, named after the group's leader, Igor Dyatlov, remains one of the most chilling unsolved mysteries in history. The hikers' bodies were found scattered across the snowy terrain, exhibiting strange injuries, including internal trauma and external wounds reminiscent of a brutal assault. The circumstances surrounding their deaths were baffling, as there were no clear signs of a struggle or external attackers. Speculation has ranged from avalanches and hypothermia to paranormal encounters or even government conspiracies. The mysterious events of that fateful night continue to fuel speculation and keep investigators and enthusiasts alike awake, searching for answers. 

10. The Voynich Manuscript

Sourced from

https://m.northcoastjournal.com/humboldt/the-voynich-manuscript/Content?oid=8202691

Discovered in the early 20th century by an antiquarian named Wilfrid Voynich, the Voynich Manuscript has eluded decipherment and fascinated researchers ever since. This 240-page book, dated to the early fifteenth century, is written in an unknown language and adorned with intricate illustrations of plants, astronomical diagrams, and mysterious symbols. It has stumped cryptographers, linguists, and historians. Despite extensive efforts to crack its code, the true meaning and origin of the manuscript remain elusive. The mystery of the Voynich Manuscript has given rise to numerous theories, including secret codes, alchemical recipes, or even an elaborate hoax. Its mysterious contents and cryptic nature continue to intrigue and baffle those who dare to venture into its mysterytic pages. The book resides in Yale University’s library, having been donated to their rare book collection in 1969. 

11. The Antikythera Mechanism

Sourced from https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-84310-w

The Antikythera Mechanism, a remarkable ancient artifact discovered in 1901 inside the wreck of a Greco-Roman ship that sank, probably not long after 70 B.C., off Antikythera, a small island between Crete and the Peloponnese, has baffled experts for over a century. This intricate mechanical device, dating back more than 2,000 years, remains a captivating mystery of ancient technology. Its purpose and origin continue to spark debate and speculation among researchers. With its complex system of gears and dials, the Antikythera Mechanism was capable of predicting astronomical events and tracking celestial movements. Its astonishing level of sophistication challenges our understanding of the technological achievements of the ancient world. Unraveling the secrets of this mystic device has shed light on the advanced scientific knowledge possessed by civilizations of the past, leaving us in awe of their ingenuity and inspiring further exploration into the depths of history. Yet no one is close to unraveling the real purpose or origin of the Antikythera Mechanism.  

Finding More Profitable Alternatives To Freelance Platforms for Success

As a freelancer no one really gives you the better or more profitable alternatives to freelance platforms when you are starting out. Starting out as an African freelancer, all the advice I received was to go on Upwork, or Fiverr, or Freelancer to set up a profile and start reaping the benefits of the game. True to their words, I landed my first client and spent two months writing a novel. It was an exhilarating experience. However, acquiring clients like her soon became a new job for me. I learned all the tricks I could master from YouTube and other forums, applied them to the hundreds of proposals I sent, filtered and edited my gigs, optimized my profile, and tailored my requests per client. Yet, getting clients became a daunting task that I work up dreading to do. Snagging a client or two was simply not sustainable for a young lady who had just moved away from home and was ready to face the world head-on. Don’t get me wrong, these platforms are great for making money, but I don't believe they should be the long-term go-to for any freelancer.

Disadvantages of using freelance platforms for your freelance work

• **High fees**: Freelance platforms typically charge a commission on each project awarded to a freelancer, which can range from 5% to 20%, significantly eating into a freelancer's profits.

• **High competition**: The sheer number of freelancers competing for work on these platforms makes it difficult to stand out from the crowd and win projects.

• **Low pay**: Many clients on freelance platforms are primarily focused on finding the lowest possible price, which often leads to freelancers being underpaid for their work.

• **Unreliable clients**: Not all clients on freelance platforms are reliable. Some may not pay on time or at all, which can strain a freelancer's finances.

• **Lack of support**: Freelance platforms typically offer limited support to freelancers, making it challenging to resolve issues with clients or the platform itself.

What Are The Better or More Profitable Alternatives to Freelance Platforms?

You might be wondering, "What are the better alternatives? If I don't get clients on these freelance platforms, do I just give up?" The answer is a resounding NO. Why? Because there are indeed better alternatives you can use to find clients. Let me share with you my go-to alternatives:

• **Direct client relationships**: One of the best ways to find work as a freelancer is to build direct relationships with clients. This can be achieved through networking, attending industry events, or even cold-calling potential clients. Building such relationships often leads to loyal, repeat clients.

• **Referrals**: Once you have a few satisfied clients, they are likely to refer you to their friends and colleagues. This word-of-mouth marketing can bring in new work without requiring excessive effort on your part.

• **Own website**: Having your own website is an excellent way to showcase your work and attract new clients. You can also utilize your website to sell your products or services directly to customers.

• **Social media**: Social media platforms offer a great way to connect with potential clients and promote your freelance business. Be sure to create profiles on major social media platforms and regularly share your work. Remember, showing up and actively engaging with others accounts for 80% of the work.

• **Job boards**: Job boards can be a valuable resource for finding freelance work. However, keep in mind that some job boards may charge a fee to post a job. Currently, I rely on the LinkedIn job board, but there are other platforms like Toptal, Behance, Jooble, and those specifically tailored to African freelancers, such as RemoteAfrica, Asuqu for Nigerian freelancers, and Kuhustle for Kenyan freelancers. It's important to note that certain job boards may require a subscription fee before you can send an application, so exercise caution and be aware of scammers.

By utilizing these methods, you can find work as a freelancer without relying solely on freelance platforms. This approach gives you more control over your work and income.

Additional Tips For Finding Work As A Freelancer

• **Be specific about your skills and experience**: When marketing yourself to potential clients, be clear and specific about your skills and experience. This helps clients understand how you can benefit their business.

• **Be confident**: Whether bidding on projects or networking with potential clients, exude confidence in your abilities. Demonstrating confidence shows clients that you are serious about your work and confident in your ability to deliver results.

•  **Be patient**: Finding steady work as a freelancer may take time. Don't get discouraged if you don't find work right away. Continue marketing yourself, networking, and eventually, you will attract clients willing to pay for your services. Like I stated before, 80% of the work comes from just showing up.

Benefits Of Each Alternative

• **Direct client relationships**: This approach provides you with the most control over your work and income. You can set your own rates, negotiate your terms, and establish long-term relationships with clients.

• **Referrals**: When you do excellent work for a client, they are likely to refer you to their friends and colleagues, leading to new opportunities with minimal effort on your part.

• **Own website**: A professional website acts as a platform to showcase your work and attract new clients. Additionally, it enables you to sell your products or services directly to customers.

• **Social media**: Utilizing social media platforms allows you to connect with potential clients and promote your freelance business effectively. Ensure you maintain profiles on major social media platforms and consistently share your work.

• **Job boards**: Job boards can be an effective way to find freelance work. However, remember that some may charge fees for job postings.

The best alternative for you depends on your specific needs and goals. If you desire maximum control over your work and income, direct client relationships are the way to go. Referrals work wonders if you're seeking new opportunities effortlessly. For establishing a robust online presence, having your own website or active social media profiles can yield great results. Freelance marketplaces or job boards serve as viable options if you're seeking work without paying exorbitant fees.

It's essential to note that freelancing comes with no guarantees. Finding work may require considerable effort, and high-paying gigs may not always be readily available. However, if you're willing to put in the work, freelancing can be a fulfilling way to make a living.

Tips For Finding Success With These Better Alternatives To Freelance Platforms

• **Direct client relationships**

• Network with individuals in your industry by attending events, joining online forums, and connecting on social media.

• Cold-call potential clients after conducting thorough research and preparing a clear pitch.

•  Offer free trials or samples of your work to demonstrate your skills and generate interest.

• **Referrals**

• Deliver exceptional work to impress clients and increase the likelihood of receiving referrals.

• Ask satisfied clients for referrals by sending thank-you notes and politely requesting recommendations.

• **Own website**

• Create a professional website that is visually appealing and easy to navigate, highlighting your work and services.

• Regularly update your website with new work and any changes to your offerings.

• **Social media**

• Establish and optimize profiles on major social media platforms and regularly share your work to engage potential clients. Don’t overwhelm yourself, you can just pick the platform where your ideal clients love to spend their time on.

• Actively interact with potential clients on social media by following them, joining conversations, and showcasing your expertise. You can do this by joining groups.

• **Job boards**

• Post your resume and portfolio on relevant job boards to make it easier for potential clients to find and learn about your skills and experience.

• Tailor your application materials to specific job requirements when applying for positions.

Remember, success may not come overnight, so stay persistent and focused. With time and dedication, you can build a thriving freelance career.👉