Starting Out as a Freelance SEO: Seeking Your Insights
Transitioning to freelance work can be an exciting yet daunting journey, especially for those of us in marketing who specialize in SEO. After several years honing my skills as an SEO and content marketer, I recently took a six-month hiatus for some much-needed reflection. Now, I’m eager to embark on my freelancing path and build my brand from the ground up.
At the moment, I’m in the process of reconstructing my portfolio from scratch due to confidentiality agreements with previous clients. My aim is to focus on diverse personal projects that span the entire spectrum of SEO services. Whether it involves on-page and off-page optimization, technical SEO, local SEO, or e-commerce strategies—I’m keen to showcase my abilities in keyword research, content audits, and conversion rate optimization (CRO).
As I begin this new chapter, I find myself grappling with a crucial question: what strategies have you employed to gain traction as a solo freelancer? Specifically, is it advisable to consider offering my services at a reduced rate—perhaps around $200 for SEO—or even undertake some initial projects for free to establish a portfolio? I recognize that providing free services may diminish the perceived value of my skills, so I am striving to find a balanced approach that works.
I would greatly appreciate insights from fellow professionals who have successfully transitioned from in-house or agency roles to freelancing. Here are a few points I’m particularly interested in hearing about:
- How did you go about building your initial portfolio?
- Did you take on free or low-cost work at the start?
- What strategies proved effective (or ineffective) during your early days as a freelancer?
Your feedback is invaluable, and I’m eager to learn from your experiences and insights. Thank you in advance for your contributions!