Are you selling web dev services (a freelancing brand), web dev products/what you build (product brand), a combination of the two, or something else entirely (i.e. like content monetization through YT/Twitch)?
Basically this boils down to: What are your goals? And if you have multiple, what's your primary goal right now?
Of course you need to also clarify your branding -- what you do, who you do it for, what they get as a result, why it matters.
Think about the people who will support you in reaching your goals.
If you're freelancing -> clients
If you're building products -> customers
If you're monetizing content -> YT/Twitch/Medium/Substack/whatever subscribers
Where do they hang out the most that you can capture their attention?
(Important distinction because, sure, my SaaS clients might be on TikTok, but they're probably not looking to hire a writer while scrolling TikTok so that's not a good use of my time to market on there.)
If you're building multiple things with different audiences, think about it for each.
(For ex: I'm building a membership for creative service providers + many of them are on Facebook and Twitter. I'm also a service provider for corporations, so I'm on LinkedIn and in cold email. Two audiences, different spaces.)
What are other web devs already doing on those platforms, and how can you set yourself apart?
Even if it's just one thing you're doing that others aren't doing that you can do (and do well), that's a great way to bring attention to your content/brand.
(For ex: If you want to monetize your content on YT and most web devs are teaching web dev skills, you could have videos where you're working to show the process while you have a voiceover teaching what you're doing, but it's showing people PRACTICAL skills in a realistic way.)
Think about who's in your professional network who can refer you to potential clients/opportunities.
Chances are you already know people who know people who need your service/product. Leverage that.
Final thought: If you need clients ASAP, focus on outreach 80% and organic marketing 20%. Organic marketing is great for long-term sustainability, but if you need cash now (JJ Wentworth commerical, anyone? lol), then prioritize having conversations with people. That's coffee chats, networking meetups, cold emails, etc.
Fellow freelancer and marketing strategist. :)
Basically this boils down to: What are your goals? And if you have multiple, what's your primary goal right now?
Of course you need to also clarify your branding -- what you do, who you do it for, what they get as a result, why it matters.
If you're freelancing -> clients
If you're building products -> customers
If you're monetizing content -> YT/Twitch/Medium/Substack/whatever subscribers
Where do they hang out the most that you can capture their attention?
(Important distinction because, sure, my SaaS clients might be on TikTok, but they're probably not looking to hire a writer while scrolling TikTok so that's not a good use of my time to market on there.)
If you're building multiple things with different audiences, think about it for each.
(For ex: I'm building a membership for creative service providers + many of them are on Facebook and Twitter. I'm also a service provider for corporations, so I'm on LinkedIn and in cold email. Two audiences, different spaces.)
Even if it's just one thing you're doing that others aren't doing that you can do (and do well), that's a great way to bring attention to your content/brand.
(For ex: If you want to monetize your content on YT and most web devs are teaching web dev skills, you could have videos where you're working to show the process while you have a voiceover teaching what you're doing, but it's showing people PRACTICAL skills in a realistic way.)
Chances are you already know people who know people who need your service/product. Leverage that.
Final thought: If you need clients ASAP, focus on outreach 80% and organic marketing 20%. Organic marketing is great for long-term sustainability, but if you need cash now (JJ Wentworth commerical, anyone? lol), then prioritize having conversations with people. That's coffee chats, networking meetups, cold emails, etc.
This is very valuable
I'm glad you find value in it! It's a lot, but it's actually really simple once you put it in practice. :)
Nice answer Cat, your answers always make me think!
@Tom that's one of the best compliments! I'm glad you enjoy my ramblings.