In today’s day and age, if you are going to start a business you need a website – there is no way around this. How else are you going to show prospective clients what you have to offer? This is particularly true if you plan on working as a freelancer of any kind. Imagine a writer or web designer trying to sell his or her services without the help of a website. This would be a very difficult (if not impossible) task.
Fortunately, you can create a website for free by taking a few basic steps. This may not give you everything you want and need in terms of functionality and features, but at least you will have a web presence – and that alone is a big step for many people.
Use a service such as Blogger or WordPress to create a free website.
With both, you are able to choose from multiple layouts and customize your site in a number of different ways.
Note: both of these services can also be used if you have your own domain. While not free, you can pick up a .com domain name for right around $10. It may be worth spending the money so you can “own” your website as opposed to hosting on a third party service.
Become Familiar with the System You Have Selected
For example, millions upon millions of people rely on WordPress as their content management system of choice. For this reason, there is loads of information available online. From tutorials on getting started to more detailed design advice, you are sure to find everything you are looking for.
Edit, Edit, and Edit Some More
Just because you are creating a website for free does not mean it has to appear “amateurish.” Instead, you should do your best to give your site a professional look and feel based on your particular style as well as the industry in which you will be working. Areas you need to check and consider as you are designing your website:
- Always remind yourself of your audience and their purpose
- Create a consistent layout and style
- Keep your homepage very simple and clean
- Organize your topics into recognizable categories
Tip: there is more to creating a website than a great design. You also need to include high quality content. Not only is this essential in communicating with potential clients, but it is a must if you have the desire to rank highly in the search engines.
Once you have the basics of your website in place, it is time to dive into the finer details.. You should include the following information at a minimum:
- Experience – About Me Page
- Testimonials – Social Proof
- Samples – Show What You Have Done
- Contact information – Make It Easy to Find You
These are four bits of information that you must include on your site, no matter what type of services you are selling as a freelancer.
It is a myth that you are required to spend a lot of money to create a website for your freelancing business. Follow the tips above and you will have your very own website in no time at all, without spending anything but your own time.
