If you read through our last lesson, you may have noticed that a particular social media platform was completely missing. We stressed the fact that Instagram and TikTok are both extremely useful platforms for freelancers looking to boost visibility around their business, but didn’t call attention to Facebook. This was entirely intentional.
Facebook deserves its own lesson because this platform provides freelancers with an invaluable asset that the other two social networks don’t offer: direct access to a highly targeted audience within your niche. This is done via Facebook groups and is a feature that should absolutely be utilized throughout your freelancing journey.
Regardless of your specialty, it’s likely that a Facebook group has been created that caters to your specific area of expertise. There are groups for photographers, virtual assistants, marketers, real estate agents, and more. Search for the group that pertains to your niche or target client and join.
Being a member is free and tremendously beneficial because these groups act almost like an informal job board. Instead of posting on a site like Indeed that appeals to people from all professional backgrounds, many business owners will share a job opening within a Facebook group that’s guaranteed to be comprised of experts in their field of need. As a freelancer, this is great news for you! Potential jobs will be at your fingertips, so don’t hesitate to introduce yourself and promote your services when an opportunity pops up.
Another perk of being in a group with like-minded individuals is the chance to network. Take the time to build relationships with some of the other freelancers within the Facebook group. These connections will be useful if you ever need to outsource or subcontract some of your workload due to the level of demand and vice versa.
Additionally, the communities cultivated within Facebook groups serve as great sounding boards for freelancers at any stage of their journey. Whether questions on how to set up a freelancing profile, strategies for increasing profitability, or advice on building out a team, members of the group are, typically, eager to help and provide insight from their personal experiences.
While Facebook groups are a powerful marketing tool, simply being a part of one isn’t enough. To see real results, you must be active and engaged.
1) Make sure to read group rules. Oftentimes, groups only allow self-promotion on certain days of the week. If you post about your services outside of this window, you could be removed from the group.
2) Give as much as you take. Don’t just respond to job postings, but actively contribute to group conversation. Show your value and expertise by commenting on a discussion thread or offering a piece of advice to a fellow member.
3) Be prepared. When a job posting goes live, the comment section will fill up with potential candidates quickly. By having a completed portfolio on-hand, you’ll be able to respond immediately, which helps you get ahead of the crowd.
