4 Affordable Online Marketing Tips For Freelance Translators

Some things you do will help improving your visibility – getting people to recognize who you are and what you do. You also need to do brand marketing online to build your reputation and credibility.

You probably already know the advantages of online marketing. Not only is it the quickest and cheapest way to reach a larger market, but it’s also now the only way to reach many of your clients.

Once you have that, the next step is to make sure your message is connecting with those that need your services. To make it work, however, you need to apply it to a mixture of different marketing activities.

Any affordable online marketing strategy must include two parts –cheap email marketing and social media marketing. Here are 4 tips for a successful marketing result:

1- Diversify your social media marketing

If you think it starts and ends at Facebook and Twitter, think again. There are tons of social media sites in a variety of languages. As a translator, you have at least two separate core markets to focus on – your pair languages. Those are your goldmines.

For example, Chinese translators should look to market on Chinese language social networking sites such as sina.com.cn or douban.com. Of course there are similar sites in Farsi, German, Hindi, Russian, etc.

Think about it! There are almost 1 billion Chinese internet users, many Chinese and/or international companies are getting on those sites regularly to advertise, to get information and to connect with their target market.

Unfortunately there are too many service providers making the same mistake over and over again – too much advertising, not enough networking. Or worse yet, spamming strangers with sales pitches that go directly into the trash. No wonder those online marketing attempts often get no results.

Don’t make that same mistake! You need a long-term affordable online marketing plan. Remember the know-like-trust rule. Woo your potential clients with your knowledge, build trust and they will buy from you over and over again.

2- Track and measure your online marketing activities

You have to know the ROI (return on investment). Don’t automatically assume money is your only investment. The time you spend on a marketing task is also a precious asset. Sweat equity can turn into gold, if applied properly.

Keep testing different channels and methods. There are plenty of tools online you can use to track and measure your email marketing or social media marketing campaigns. Without knowing what works and what doesn’t, all your marketing efforts are like shooting in the dark – taking you nowhere with wasted money and time.

3- Combine affordable online marketing with in-person contact

No matter what your excuses are, your offline marketing activities such as meeting potential clients, attending social gatherings and getting out there in general cannot be replaced by online marketing activities.

At the end of the day, nothing builds trusts and stronger relationships like a face-to-face meeting. Again, it’s about connecting. When people can connect your name and face with the service they need, you’ve succeeded.

4- Focus on marketing to your existing list of clients

Statistics show that existing clients spend 7 times more than new clients. So it pays to cater to your existing database. They are also more receptive to your marketing messages. If they are happy clients they’ll also spread the word for you. And because they are already sold, you don’t have to spend as much time.

Don’t be tempted to give discounts to new clients. If you want to encourage more business, have a referral program in place. Reward those who bring referrals to you.

____________________________________

Want more online marketing tips for your freelance business? Sign up for my free ezine here: