If you do freelance work of any kind, and you are not business blogging, you are leaving money on the table.
I’m my own case study in this installment. This applies to all service providers though, be they writers, accountants, or marketers.
Unless you’re doing exactly the work you want to be doing for exactly the clients you want to work for, you should be blogging. Here’s why:
Network
In the short time I’ve been blogging, I’ve met so many wonderful people. Some are clients, some are colleagues, some are friends. I have grown my network, and developed some powerful alliances. I’ve been contacted for new work as a direct result of this site; something that never happened with just my portfolio. What’s more, I now have a talent pool I can call on, and a talent pool that will call on me.
Search
How did those clients find me? Some by following the web, some via google. My blog has added immeasurably to my google-ability.
Archives… a record of your brilliance
This is a big one. Let’s say you’re looking for a handyman. You google “handyman Toronto”. One of the results is for Handy Henry’s Home Repair, a blog. You visit the site and can read everything that Henry’s posted. You can get a pretty good sense of Henry’s capabilities by reading his blog.
With a business blog (btw, I consider my personal site almost cool a business site; that is to say that I write with the knowledge that what I say might in some way effect my business.) you can quickly establish your credibility. I should be careful of my use of the word quickly. Building an archive of solid work takes time. But once its there, its golden.
I experienced this very effect this week. It’s just such an efficient way to choose service providers.
Specialization
Your blog can help you find specialized work. Show the world that you’re an expert on 18th century gerbil cages, and someone will hire you to do what you’re passionate about.
This is just so incredibly powerful. Can you think of another tool that does all of the above and helps you live your passion?
Please forgive the abject enthusiasm for the form. I’m a true believer though. I’ve experienced it first hand. You should too.