How to become a freelance digital marketer from home in 10 steps:
- Decide on a freelance digital marketing specialty.
- Obtain the right digital marketing training.
- Gain relevant experience as a freelance digital marketer.
- Create a digital marketing portfolio.
- Start a digital marketing blog.
- Determine the price of your freelance digital marketing services.
- Set up a legal business entity as a freelance digital marketer.
- Promote your digital marketing services.
- Send proposals to potential digital marketing clients.
- Obtain testimonials from your digital marketing clients.
In a YouTube video, Aaron Young of Define Digital Academy shares about becoming a successful freelance digital marketer. According to him, individuals should focus on achieving expertise in specific areas. “I've found in my own career I've now been able to charge up to 20 times more,” says the Google Ads specialist. “I've built up credibility with my clients where they see the value in paying me that higher amount of money.”
On Reddit, rankeey says success in freelancing involves a combination of:
- Skill
- Networking
- Effective self-promotion
The Reddit user also adds that freelance digital marketers can potentially earn substantial income as they:
- Deliver high-quality results
- Build a solid client base
- Continuously adapt to industry trends
Digital marketing roles are among the most popular freelancing jobs these days. In fact, a Fiverr Pro survey says 54% of marketing leaders are now turning to freelancers more than ever. Clutch also reports that 34% of small businesses outsource digital marketing services. Meanwhile, Statista projects that by 2028, the majority of U.S. workers will be freelancers. This surge is driven by the appeal of freelance digital marketing. This is because the industry offers greater flexibility than traditional employment. With freelancing, professionals also get access to a global market of potential customers.
We break down how to become a freelance digital marketer from home into 10 steps. As a digital marketer myself since 2014, I've tested different ways to boost and create passive income. So, I've also shared 6 actionable tips to boost your income potential.
1. Decide on a Freelance Digital Marketing Specialty.
Deciding on a specialty is your first step towards becoming a freelance digital marketing professional. Choose which specific services to offer customers. Work on establishing yourself as an industry expert.
Examples of online marketing specializations include:
- Affiliate marketing
- Content marketing
- Email marketing
- Pay-per-click and Google Ads
- Search engine optimization (SEO)
- Social media marketing
On Reddit, Bizarround shares about discovering SEO as a digital marketing beginner. “I stumbled upon SEMrush and found a niche with low competition but decent traffic potential,” the Reddit post reads.
“Spent nights tweaking meta tags and building backlinks like a mad scientist.” Eventually, he managed to earn $7.34 from an affiliate commission. “I'm thankful for that humble start,” adds the Redditor. “There's a path forward for every earnest learner out there.”
2. Obtain the Right Digital Marketing Training.
Obtaining the right digital marketing training equips you with the necessary skills to become a capable freelancer. There are a plethora of digital marketing resources available online. For example, you can find free digital marketing courses on YouTube.
One of the top results when you do a quick search on YouTube is this 27-minute video from Senator We Run Ads.
Additionally, interested learners can check out paid and free courses on Udemy.
Meanwhile, other top digital marketing programs from industry experts are:
- TikTok Rapid Growth Program by Keith Krance
- Instagram Hacks University by Taijaun Reshard
- TikTok Insiders by Maxwell Finn
- Online Revenue System by Nick Ponte & Tom Gaddis
- 6-Figure Agency by Billy Willson
- Paid Traffic Mastery by Kasim Aslam
- The Blueprint Training by Ryan Stewart
- Traffic Hacks Accelerator by Greg Morrison
- Local Lead Generation Training Program by Dan Klein
3. Gain Relevant Experience as a Freelance Digital Marketer.
Gaining relevant experience as a freelance digital marketer gives you great industry advantage. With it, you can show prospective clients that you can successfully do marketing tasks for their business.
Gaining experience as a beginner can be quite tricky, so consider these ideas:
Use your digital marketing skills in your own freelance business. You can use the digital marketing skills you have learned to promote your own business. If you specialize in social media marketing, create pages for your freelancing business. Start posting content and engaging with your audience. This will attract clients and serve as a portfolio to showcase your work.
Use your digital marketing skills to promote another projecyt you're working on. You may have another business or side hustle, such as an affiliate marketing blog or an eCommerce store. You can use your digital marketing skills to promote them and gain experience.
Get hired as a digital marketer. Consider starting your digital marketing career with an entry-level position at a company. Quora user Evan Cole Vitale says beginners can start on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Freelancer. You can gain experience as you offer your services at “competitive rates,” writes the digital marketing consultant.
Many digital marketing companies do not require experience for entry-level roles. This is because they prefer to train new employees in their own processes. Working as an employee allows you to gain real-world experience. You can even earn while learning. Plus you can benefit from having your co-workers' insights and support.
Work for free. If you’re struggling to find paid clients, offer your services for free to gain experience. Reach out to local businesses with weak online presence. Or ask family and friends with businesses if they need help. In exchange for your work, request a testimonial or referral. Free work removes the pressure of paid projects. Moreover, they can help you build confidence in your skills.
4. Create a Digital Marketing Portfolio.
As you gain digital marketing experience, it's important to document your journey. The best way to showcase this is through a freelance marketing portfolio. Platforms like Upwork or Fiverr automatically display client jobs and testimonials. However, having a website offers additional benefits. For example, you can:
- Control what potential customers see.
- Use SEO to attract new clients.
- Use paid advertising to promote services.
- Aggregate experiences from multiple platforms.
- Showcase experience in an environment without competition.
According to Jave_Ali, building a digital marketing portfolio “takes time and effort.” Platforms like WordPress or Wix can be useful in creating a “professional-looking website.”
Meanwhile, Reddit user rautsan says a good portfolio should always include:
- Work samples
- Case studies and results
- Client testimonials
- Certifications and credentials
5. Start a Digital Marketing Blog.
Starting a marketing blog on your website portfolio is a smart move. Blogging can help showcase your expertise. It can also attract potential clients through search engine traffic. You can also use PPC ads to promote your blog posts for relevant keywords. This will direct potential customers to your site and view your services. Once there, your blog serves as proof of your skills and the quality of your work.
A former engineer, MarcoJHB chose to become a freelance digital marketer. According to a Reddit post, creating blog posts can help you gain some attention online. “If you manage to do it well, you might get noticed from the posts,” he writes. “Or at least you could show off your stats to potential clients.”
According to Demand Gen Report, 44% of businesses read 3 to 5 pieces of content before engaging with a vendor. That said, a blog can significantly boost your chances of landing clients.
Pro Tip
Many keywords are already very competitive to rank for on Google. However, you can increase your chances of ranking on the first page of the search engine by:
- Targeting your specific service niche.
- Including the city near where you live.
For example, Best SEO Specialist in Dallas Texas. This improves your chance of gaining visibility among local businesses.
6. Determine the Price of Your Freelance Digital Marketing Services.
Determining the price of your freelance digital marketing services directly impacts your profitability. Reddit user and digital marketing consultant digital-mathur says earnings can range anywhere from $15 to $100 per hour. However, your potential income depends on your:
- Experience
- Skills
- The type of services you offer
Of course, you should also consider your competitors and the financial capacity of your target clients. You can research rates on Upwork and Fiverr to get a general idea of average pricing. Here are the median hourly rates for some common freelance digital marketing jobs:
- Social media management: $20 to $30 per hour
- SEO: $15 to $30 per hour
- Email marketing: $11.50 to $25 per hour
Aside from hourly rates, freelance digital marketers may also“charge fix project fees.” Some even establish long-term agreements with their clients and set up a retainer. A retainer is a contract where a business pays a fixed monthly fee to a freelancer for ongoing services. Digital-mathur also adds that freelance marketers can command good income if they have:
- A strong portfolio
- A specialized skill set
- The ability to market their services effectively
7. Set Up a Legal Business Entity as a Freelance Digital Marketer.
Setting up a legal business entity is not a requirement as a freelance digital marketer. However, it can provide you with certain benefits. For example, a Limited Liability Company is a popular option among US-based marketers. An LLC can provide the following advantages:
- Limited liability protection. An LLC can shield your personal assets if your business gets sued by a client.
- Scalability. You can get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) when you register as an LLC. This enables you to hire employees as your business grows.
- Separation of personal and business finances. An LLC enables you to open a business bank account. You can keep your business income separate from your personal account.
- Tax benefits and deductions. An LLC allows you to choose how you are taxed and deduct business expenses. You can also take a Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction. This can potentially lead to a 20% savings off your qualified business income.
- Enhanced credibility and professionalism. An LLC can show clients that you are serious about your business reputation. It makes you more attractive to work with.
Betterly.io founder Alexandre Bocquet warns that failure to file can “trigger penalties.” So it's important to do your research since requirements vary from one state to another. “For example, California requires you to file a Statement of Information with the Secretary of State every other year,” he writes on LinkedIn. “Make sure you understand all the requirements from your state before filing for an LLC.”
8. Promote Your Digital Marketing Services.
Actively promoting your digital marketing services to potential clients can open doors for you as a freelancer. This can be done through a variety of digital channels. Beyond your website and social media, it’s also a good idea to market your services through freelancing platforms. Prospective clients are actively searching for digital marketing support there. In any case, you want to be effective in building your brand and promoting it.
Chris Do says marketers should “embrace their unique story” and “play the long game.” He emphasizes that focusing on your story goes beyond simply advertising your services. Instead, you are making authentic connections with your audience. When done right, you can even create a community “It's not about transaction. It's more about transformation,” says The Futur CEO and founder. “The long-term plan is to make it easier for people to find you than your competitor. To make people fall in love with who you are as a creative human being.”
9. Send Proposals to Potential Digital Marketing Clients.
Sending proposals to prospects helps you convert leads into paying clients. Creating detailed and enticing proposals that can convince customers about working with you.
Redditor DigitalKanish a good digital marketing proposal should have the following elements:
- Introduction of the company. You should “highlight expertise, experience, and any notable case studies.” Doing this “sets the stage and builds credibility.”
- Understanding the client's challenges and goals. This demonstrates you're not simply “selling a service.” You are “offering a solution” for your customers' unique needs.
- Highlighting opportunities. Presenting “opportunities for improvement” can be an excellent clincher for your proposal. Share past examples where you've achieve similar results. With this, you can showcase your “capability and experience in handling such scenarios.”
- Plan of action and justification. This section should feature “high-level strategy, proposed timelines, and expected outcomes.”
- Service overview. This should explain how each solution will “contribute to achieving the client's goals.”
- Pricing and details. When doing this, marketers should focus on “the value provided, rather than just the cost.”
DigitalKanish also adds that it's better not to share a proposal directly with a client. Instead, marketers can “walk them through the proposal.” Doing it in “a call or meeting” provides opportunities for expanding points and addressing questions.
10. Obtain Testimonials From Your Digital Marketing Clients.
Obtaining testimonials from your digital marketing clients can boost your social proof. As a result, you can sway buying decisions and attract new clients. WiserNotify says 72% of customers trust a business more after reading positive reviews.
Meanwhile, over 70% of customers will leave a review for a business when asked. As a freelance professional, you should actively request testimonials from each successful client.
Redditor WholeProfessional758 says newbie marketers can work with businesses without any marketing presence. In the example provided, the Redditor helped two local businesses with profit-sharing arrangements. According to the post, beginners can do this to gain testimonials.
Juddie also points out that testimonials not only build trust and credibility. They can also drive conversions and sales. According to the former business analyst, marketers should “repurpose testimonials” across various platforms. So once you get reviews, post them on your website and social media channels. Use them on your marketing materials. The more people the testimonials reach, the higher your chances of having new clients.
6 Actionable Tips To Boost Your Freelance Digital Marketing Income Potential
1. Achieve Mastery in Your Digital Marketing Skills.
Achieving mastery in your digital marketing skills turns you into an industry authority. You can optimize your earnings as you master one area of expertise. You can charge expert rates for one service. This is better than charging entry level or mid-level rates for multiple services.
Redditor BVic_Thor says being a jack of all trades is only advisable “in the early stages” of one's career. “However, specializing in one area can be more profitable in the long run,” the post reads. “Businesses generally pay more for a specialist and being one helps you segment your target audience.”
2. Do Affiliate Marketing on the Side.
Doing affiliate marketing on the side can be a good way to earn extra income. This business model lets you earn commissions by promoting products for different brands. In her blog, online business mentor Luisa Zhou says “79% of marketers use affiliate marketing to engage existing customers.” Meanwhile, AffiliateWP warns that the average conversion rate for affiliate marketing is only at 0.5% to 1%. This shows that converting traffic into actual sales can be highly challenging.
3. Avoid Platforms for Long-Term Client Relationships.
Avoiding platforms for long-term client relationships is ideal in freelance digital marketing. While platforms like Upwork and Fiverr can be great for beginners, it's best to move your relationship off these sites. Doing so makes it possible for you to avoid fees. Instead, you can bill clients directly.
Reddit user enlguy complains that Upwork has recently gotten expensive for freelancers. “I think the new pricing is killing it for people,” reads the post.
4. Network With Other Freelancers.
Networking with other freelancers has multiple benefits that can boost your income potential. It allows you to exchange skills and knowledge to improve your skills. Making connections with other professionals can also lead to more projects.
Freelance social media marketer Sílvia Pinho says freelancers can use social media platforms to connect with others. “I personally love building a network in Instagram,” she shares in her YouTube vlog. “I love finding people whose work I admire and starting a conversation with them.” In addition, Silvia adds that joining relevant Facebook groups is also a great way to build a network.
According to Silvia, networking can help with:
- Client referrals
- Sharing advice
- Understanding the challenges of freelancing
5. Raise Rates Regularly as a Freelancer.
Raising rates is a must as you gain skills, expertise, and confidence in your field. As a freelancer, you need to “be a good boss to yourself by raising your rates regularly,” says Afoma Umesi. “You can’t scale by charging the same rates for years and years.” In a CarrerFoundry blog, she mentions she raises her rates every six months and with every new client. “How you choose to raise yours is up to you,” she adds.
Reddit user ObviousCarrot2075 also shares a short sample script freelancers can use when asking for an increase:
6. Use AI in Digital Marketing.
Using AI in digital marketing can help you be more efficient in your work. You can get more done in a shorter amount of time and make more money. AI is changing the game for digital marketing, so you have to learn how to leverage the technology. But you have to do it the right way.
Redditor TheIndieBuilder emphasizes there's a difference between using AI and relying on it. According to their post, they use AI for tasks like:
- Photo editing
- Audio enhancement
- Content editing
- Keyword research
However, the Reddit user does not use AI for copywriting.
What are the Most Important Skills for Freelance Digital Marketers?
- Research skills. Freelance digital marketers need to have research skills. Understanding client audiences is crucial for creating effective campaigns. Marketers must dig deep to uncover insights that drive results.
- Technical skills. Digital marketing demands familiarity with various tools and platforms. Successful marketers need to navigate software, analyze data, and implement strategies using technology.
- Negotiation skills. Freelance digital marketers need to be good negotiators. Each new client relationship requires discussing project scope and rates. The ability to articulate value and reach fair agreements ensures long-term success.
- Communication skills. Effective communication is the cornerstone of impactful marketing. Digital marketers must craft messages that connect with audiences and inspire action. This skill extends beyond writing. It also includes visual and verbal communication across different channels.
- Creativity skills. Creativity sets great marketers apart. They need to develop unique campaign concepts. This may include designing eye-catching visuals. Creative thinking helps break through the noise of a crowded digital space. Digital marketing often requires finding fresh angles and presenting ideas in compelling ways.
- Copywriting skills. Copywriting is a fundamental skill that spans all areas of digital marketing. The power to write persuasive and engaging content is essential. Strong copywriting drives engagement and conversions. This is true whether it's for social media, websites, or email campaigns.
How Much Can a Freelancer Earn in Digital Marketing?
A freelance digital marketer can earn $52,948 per year. According to ZipRecruiter, yearly earnings can go as low as $25,000 and as high as $74,000.
Meanwhile, hourly pay ranges from $12.02 to $35.58 and averages at $25. Of course, exact earnings depend on various factors, such as a digital marketer's:
- experience level
- job title
- services provided
- client acquisition method
- location
Is Freelance Digital Marketing Right for You?
Freelance digital marketing offers flexibility and diverse project experiences. It allows you to work remotely for multiple clients. Plus this career path can potentially broaden your skill set. However, freelancing comes with challenges. Instead of one supervisor, you'll answer to several clients, each with unique demands. The workload can often exceed that of a traditional job. Besides, you're responsible for unpaid tasks like client billing, self-promotion, and skill development. Moreover, your income is directly tied to your active work hours.
Local lead generation presents an alternative path with potential for passive income. This business model involves creating and ranking niche business websites. Your goal is to attract traffic for local businesses. While it requires initial effort, the long-term benefits can be significant. In most cases, you will need to do 6 weeks to 6 months of SEO work. Once a site ranks well on Google, you can charge your clients $500 to $3,000 per month for leads.
Local lead generation offers several advantages over freelancing. You own the websites, which gives you greater control. You're building digital assets rather than working on client properties. This ownership can lead to more stable and scalable business. As such, providing lead generation services is better than working as a freelance marketer.
The passive income potential of local lead generation is particularly appealing. After the initial setup and client acquisition, your sites will continue making money - even with minimal ongoing maintenance. involvement. This contrasts sharply with the constant hustle required in freelance digital marketing.
Case in point, I'm earning up to $52,000 per month providing local lead gen services to small businesses. I've done different online businesses over the years, including dropshipping and affiliate marketing. For me, lead generation has been the most sustainable and lucrative. My clients happily pay me each month as I bring them more business via organic leads.
