Freelance Digital Marketing Your Ultimate Guide

Introduction to Freelance Digital Marketing

Are you considering the freelance digital marketing route? Look no further. In this guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about starting—and boosting—your career as a successful freelance digital marketer.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

What does a freelance digital marketer actually do?
How to get started in freelance digital marketing: A step-by-step guide
Tips to help you succeed in your freelance digital marketing career
Is a career in freelance digital marketing right for you?
How much could you earn as a freelance digital marketer?
Key takeaways and next steps
Freelance digital marketing FAQs

(Of course, a great way to see if it’s for you is to take our free digital marketing short course.)

Ready to discover the exciting world of freelance digital marketing? Let’s go!

1. What does a freelance digital marketer actually do?

A freelance digital marketer is a self-employed individual who uses one or several marketing channels and techniques to help businesses promote their products and services.

Freelance digital marketers typically specialize in one of the many digital marketing channels available. Some of the most common freelance digital marketing fields are:

1. Content marketing

Freelance digital marketers specializing in content marketing promote brand awareness using written content. Content marketing encompasses content strategy, copywriting (writing webpage copy), and long-form content writing (like this blog post you’re reading!).

Often, content marketing works in tandem with other digital marketing channels like social media and SEO.

2. Search engine optimization (SEO)

SEO refers to organizing and optimizing content so search engines (like Google, Bing, and Ecosia) recognize it as useful and rank it highly in search results.

Freelance digital marketers specializing in SEO typically work closely with the content team to optimize content for search engines using industry best practices.

Social media platforms have become a marketing pillar in many industries. Freelance digital marketers specializing in social media management work to improve engagement and growth on social media.

They manage brand accounts, experiment with effective strategies, and monitor growth across platforms.

Curious about social media management? Learn about what a social media manager actually does in this guide, and learn how to become a social media manager here.

4. Search engine marketing (SEM)

Although similar sounding, SEM is different from SEO. In SEM, the freelance digital marketer focuses on creating, placing, and monitoring ads on search engine results to promote a business.

They research keywords and monitor the performance of pay-per-click (PPC) ads.

Learn more: What is SEM?

5. Video marketing

Video is becoming an increasingly popular and highly valued content format. Videos can be used across marketing channels and shared on platforms like YouTube and Vimeo for greater engagement.

Freelance digital marketers in video marketing conceptualize, script, and oversee video production.

We’ve outlined some areas a digital marketing freelancer might focus on. Essentially, any kind of marketing job that can be done in-house can also be done in a freelance capacity, too!

We’ve rounded up some of the most in-demand digital marketing skills and professions here.

2. How to get started in freelance digital marketing: A step-by-step guide

Digital marketing can be intimidating if you’re a complete newbie. And even if you’ve worked in the field, starting as a freelancer can feel daunting. Follow this step-by-step guide to get started.

1. Establish your niche

Digital marketing is a broad industry, so niching is key to the success of your career. Try to do everything, and you may find yourself spread thin and constantly feeling like a rookie starting from scratch with every project.

However, niching doesn’t mean you only have to do the same thing every day. For example, my digital marketing niche is content marketing. Within content marketing, I focus on content writing specifically.

In content writing, I’ve decided to write long-form content for mostly B2B audiences. In that context, I’m open to more fields such as SaaS, digital marketing, healthcare, and cybersecurity. I’m also happy to try new subject matter—all within that niche.

Ideally, your niche should be at the intersection of your interests, capabilities, and high availability of well-paying gigs. For example, perhaps you’re interested in social media marketing.

You’ll quickly learn that you enjoy some industries or jobs more within that niche. Maybe you prefer Instagram strategy to Pinterest management, for instance. You’ll also learn that some jobs pay better than others. You can then use that information to choose a niche.

TL;DR: Choosing a niche is crucial to succeeding as a freelance digital marketer. However, take time to try a variety of specialties and industries before you decide—and don’t be afraid to change your mind and pivot later.

2. Build a portfolio

Regardless of your industry and specialty, you need a website as a freelance digital marketer. Digital marketers work online, which makes your website your online office or shopfront. You can find cheap site hosts and simple setup options like Notion to get started.

Your website is foremost proof that you have the tech-savvy and expertise to market yourself. On your site, you can show off various skills, from SEO to copywriting, design, video production, and content writing. You can also host your work portfolio and testimonials, all in one place.

No portfolio or testimonials yet? Be your first client. Write blog posts, grow a personal brand and social media following. Tell clients the SEO results you’ve accomplished with your site. Be your first success story, and watch other clients roll in.

You can learn more about how to create an awesome digital marketing portfolio here.

TL;DR: Every freelance digital marketer needs a website and online portfolio. To prove yourself as a digital media/marketing expert, start with your business and highlight your marketing skills on your site.

3. Find a network

Marketing without an audience or network feels a lot like screaming into the void. Networking is essential to a successful freelance business. Peak Freelance’s study quoted earlier shows that 42% of freelancers find high-paying gigs from word-of-mouth referrals. In 2021, I found 3 out of 5 new clients through referrals!

Networking with other freelance digital marketers will also help you determine how to set rates based on the market and your experience.

On social media platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn, be curious about other freelancers—especially those in your niche or industry. Befriend them, share what you’re doing in your business, and even that you’re looking for work!

Facebook is known for having supportive freelancer groups and communities. Run a quick search for groups with freelancers in your niche. Join and participate actively.

You can also join freelance communities outside Facebook, depending on your niche. For example, I have benefited from being part of Peak Freelance—a community for freelance writers (also how I got those referrals).

TL:DR: You need a network to win at freelancing. Hiring managers and marketing leads tend to rely more on referrals from trusted contacts than job postings. Build your network by actively participating on social media, joining freelancing communities, and patiently building relationships with other freelance digital marketers.

4. Promote your business

Promoting your freelance digital marketing business requires a multi-pronged approach. Self-promotion is key to finding new clients—particularly high-p