5 Advantages of Having a Website as a Freelance Proofreader
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Creating a website is one of the best things you can do to up your game as a freelance proofreader. And with loads of easy-to-use website builders around now, it’s never been simpler. In this post, we’ll outline the advantages of having a website as a freelance proofreader.
In short, a website allows you to:
- Present yourself as an individual (and a professional) and stand out from other freelancers.
- Have all the information potential clients might need to find out about you in one place, making it easier to turn contacts from browsers to buyers.
- Include testimonials and work samples to communicate your quality of work to potential clients.
- Post regular content that generates interest in your work and boosts SEO.
- Have a central point of reference for client referrals.
Read on below to find out about these advantages in more detail.
1. Stand Out from Your Competitors
Having a slick website as a freelance proofreader shows the world that you mean business.
Your website allows you to communicate exactly who you are and what you do, not to mention showing clients that you take your work seriously. And, compared to profiles you might have on freelance marketplaces, a website also allows you to inject some personality into how you present yourself as a professional.
As such, having a website will put you head and shoulders above your competition.
2. Streamline the Client Experience
A website allows you to streamline a potential client’s interaction with your business, turning them more easily from browsers to buyers. For a smooth client experience, your website could contain:
- Your contact information
- Descriptions of the services you offer
- Your rates for each service
In a few clicks, your client can easily find out if you can provide the service they need, how much it will cost, and how they can get in touch with you to find out more. You could even include a quote generator so website visitors can get an accurate idea of how much their project might cost. The easier it is for a client to hire you, the more likely they will be to do so.
3. Showcase the Quality of Your Work
But how will new clients know that your work is any good? Your website gives you a chance to prove it.
It’s important to remember how much clients care about their work. You could be handling an author’s first novel or the most important research of an academic’s career. A website gives you a space to build client trust by demonstrating the quality of your work. You can do this by including:
- Testimonials – these are a great way to showcase the success and impact of previous projects, in your clients’ own words.
- Examples of previous work – these give you a chance to really show off your skills. Just make sure to ask clients’ permission before you use them (it’s their work too!).
4. Generate Interest in Your Business
A website also allows you to regularly post content, for example via a blog. Blogging is a great way to show off your expertise, provide valuable content for potential clients, and generate website traffic.
Try to create interesting content your clients (i.e., writers) are likely to be searching for. This might include:
- Writing tips (e.g., spelling, grammar, punctuation, vocabulary)
- News from industries you specialize in (e.g., publishing or academia)
- Tips about the rules in various style guides and referencing styles
Keeping your website up to date with regular content can also boost SEO, which can make you more likely to be found by potential clients via search engines.
5. Make Client Referrals Easier
Finally, having a website as a freelancer offers a consistent and easily shareable way for clients to find out more about you.
You may already have a presence online. And having other online profiles (i.e., on social media) is a great way to promote yourself. However, relying on those alone risks alienating people who don’t, or can’t, use them.
In addition, a website URL can act as a central point of reference for any potential clients. It can be easily sent and accessed by anyone with an internet connection, printed on business cards, and linked to in social media bios and job sites.
Becoming A Proofreader
As you can see, there are many advantages of having a website as a freelancer (and we have only just skimmed the surface here!).
Are you thinking about becoming a freelance proofreader, or do you just fancy brushing up on your skills? You can sign up to our Becoming A Proofreader course today or check out our free trial.
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