Freelancers can quickly make simple websites nowadays.
Anyone can use site builders to launch one within hours, but very few actually generate leads and traffic.
The reality is that personal websites wont automatically give you more freelance projects.
Although your freelance business needs a website, haphazardly building it makes you look unprofessional.
Slow down and reassess your content.
In this article, well discuss the most damaging yet common mistakes that freelancers commit when building their sites.
Solely Relying on Generic Template Website Designs
Website builders use templates to make site building simpler.
The entire design process wont take more than a few hours.
With that said, we advise against solely relying on themespecially if you have web design experience.
Templates are convenient and accessible.
The best approach is to use builders wisely.
Overlooking Basic SEO Guidelines
Search engine optimization (SEO) is crucial to Google SERP visibility.
That way, your site ranks higher on SERPs.
Becoming an SEO specialisttakes time, but you dont necessarily have to be one to start optimizing your pages.
SEO basics like keyword integration already go a long way.
Otherwise, theyll immediately exit your site.
Apart from putting together a gorgeous, navigable layout, pique your readers curiosity with engaging, persuasive content.
Good copywriting consists of several elements.
Also, keep your service descriptions concise.
Beating around the bush with marketing fluff and overused buzzwords will just come off as annoying.
Using them wont violate any copyright infringement laws.
Websites likePexels,Pixabay, andShutterstockgive you access to thousands of cheap, if not free, stock images.
Albeit convenient, you should use stock photos sparingly.
Since millions of other users use them across various platforms, they typically appear generic and impersonal.
Parading them across your site looks spammy.
Readers are also less likely to find stock images interesting, especially if theyve already seen them elsewhere.
We suggest investing in original assets.
Give your readers insights into your freelancing business with real images of yourself and your remote workstation.
You could even post candid photos of you working.
Do your photos look amateurish?
Use photo editors to improve the overall quality of your website images significantly.
As a newbie, explorebeginner-friendly photo editing programsfirst.
Using Outdated, Weak Samples for Your Online Portfolio
Freelancers tend to use outdated portfolios for various reasons.
Either way, reusing old work yields negligible advantages.
You might not realize it, but your skills evolve every day.
Taking on different clients with varying project requirements gives you opportunities to grow and improve.
Try comparing your old and new output.
We suggest updating your portfolio at least once a month.
Investing All Resources Into Making an Aesthetically-Pleasing Website
Maintaining a personal website requires much effort.
Otherwise, youll lose your spot to your competitors.
Prioritize your projects, not your website.
Although a high-traffic, lead-generating site opens business opportunities, it doesnt actually run your freelance business.
Treat your website like a tool.
once you nail enough projects in your pipeline, ease up on marketing and focus more on completing orders.
Client acquisition is just the first step.
You wont get paid until you fulfill your duties and promises as a freelancer.
Foregoing Social Media Marketing Strategies
You cant expect your website to appear on your target markets SERPs right away.
Google rarely ranks new websites.
Try pulling visitors from your social media accounts to gain visibility on Google SERPs.
you could even offer incentives like free e-books or discount codes.
Once your website starts gaining traction, considerlearning social media marketing tacticsto bolster your campaign.
Google crawl bots assess both paid and organic traffic, after all.
Also, invest in quality creatives.
Personal websites require routine maintenance and updates.
