5 Tips To Help You Find More Work

By Anna @BubbleJobs

If you’re part of the three million trapped in a part time job, with Christmas fast approaching you’re probably getting nervous. So in response to yesterday’s national statistic I thought today’s post would be on how best to seek out more hours by freelancing alongside your current contract in the digital sector.

Although my main source of income is courtesy of my lovely employers at Bubble HQ, I too freelance in various places so feel qualified to pass on what I’ve learnt with particular focus on how to establish an online presence.

1. First and foremost, if you’re to freelance in the digital industry, you need a strong website. When compiling this, think of it as the central hub of all your marketing efforts. It’s the place where potential clients will come to see who you are, who you’ve worked with, what you’re about etc.. so make sure it’s original and easy-to-navigate.

2. As part of the digital sector, you really should embrace Twitter as a marketing tool. Now I don’t mean you should use your feed to bore everyone with an endless 140 characters plugging yourself. You definitely shouldn’t do that! But what you should do is follow people in your industry that inspire you. Follow competitors, follow target clients, follow people they follow. It may take a bit of time but it will give you a real insight into the wants/needs of your chosen industry. When it comes to your content, share your expertise as well as useful posts you find online. Interact with other Twitter users, respond to tweets, retweet interesting ones, join #hashtag discussions specific to your sector. Be “SOCIAL” on the platform, after all you never know where your next lucrative Twitter convo is coming from…

3. For the digital design types amongst you, Pinterest is a great way of showcasing your work. Make sure you include keywords in your description and categorise your boards – I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – you never know who might stumble upon your work.

4. If you’re already blogging that’s great…but who is reading it other than your mum, your dad and your respective other half? What if you’re actually a literary genius deep down but to no avail? Tip number 4 wants you to consider guest-blogging. Find key influencers with a vast number of subscribers in your industry and broach them with a topic. Say you’re a web designer, you could post about affiliate marketing paying particular attention to the design elements that would maximise affiliate promotions etc… Furthermore if the kind blog owner gives you an author’s bio, you could always request a link back to your new, pro website enhancing SEO and exposure.

5. My last tip is a bit of a throwaway one but I do think it’s important especially amongst graduates. Stop watching Jeremy Kyle. It’s been trending all morning so I know you’ve got ITV on. It wasn’t so long ago that I was doing the exact the same thing but I’m telling you, don’t do it to yourself. “I wouldn’t kidnap your baby – I don’t even know if she’s mine.” Really?! These are the people that will probably name a child ‘Hashtag’ next…. Oh wait… But on a serious note, do turn off all distractions. Take the time to sit down and set yourself specific goals. Be realistic and try to put a time-element into your plans!

Tags: Freelancing, jobs, social media, Under-employment

About the Author

Anna Geary Anna Geary is the Social Media Manager for Bubble Jobs. As a natural chatterbox, Anna is responsible for all things social, engaging and growing the Bubble community everyday. You can follow her on Twitter here or add her to your circles on Google + here.