Consistency, along with its close relation reliability, is a superpower for freelancers. Producing consistently good work, showing up, and doing what you said you’d do are highly sought-after freelancer traits that clients hugely value in the business world.
The great thing about being consistent (in anything) is that the tasks you perform consistently, for example, working towards a healthy goal or taking steps to grow your business, will compound over time and yield significant results. That’s why being consistent is so powerful.
Here are some tips to help with consistency as a freelancer.
1. Get motivated and know your ‘why’
Motivation is key when it comes to consistency.
If you’re not motivated to do something and don’t enjoy it or don’t know why you’re doing it, it’s unlikely you’ll stick to it. That’s why knowing your why in business is important. Why did you start your freelance business? What’s your overriding goal? What is it about it that brings you joy?
If you keep the bigger picture or the end goal in mind, this can act as a great help in staying motivated. There’s a famous quote by Zig Ziglar that’s worth bearing in mind. He said, “People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing – that’s why we recommend it daily.”
2. Build good freelancer habits and routines
Building good freelance habits and creating and sticking to routines are all part and parcel of consistency.
If you do something regularly as part of a routine, it becomes automatic and builds momentum over time. Furthermore, setting small but achievable goals and celebrating your wins can help motivate you and build confidence.
But no matter how small the steps, the magic is in getting started. You’ll soon begin to see progress and build your core consistency muscle along the way.
3. Ensure your marketing message is clear
To attract your ideal clients, ensure your marketing message is clear and targeted at the right audience.
You should be clear on who you help, how, and why. Also, know who is not right for you!
If your messaging is unclear or constantly changing because you’re trying to market to everyone, it can cause confusion, and you’ll likely not attract your ideal clients.
Whether you market your business primarily via your website or other marketing collateral, clarity (and consistency) is key.
4. Be consistent in all your communications
Similar to the above, your branded documents and assets should be consistent with your logo and brand colors. This helps promote brand recognition with your clients and enhances trust. And it’s not just business cards, letterheads, and social media graphics that will benefit from brand consistency; your invoices will also benefit.
Invoice Ninja, a free leading invoicing software for freelancers and small businesses, offer free, attractive, professionally designed invoice templates that you can customize with your branding.
With the Pro plan, you have a range of customization options, including customizing your invoice emails along with the subject lines and body text.
Try out Invoice Ninja for free here.
5. Post regularly on social media
If you use social media to promote your business, then it pays to post regularly or at least be consistent about when you do post.
For example, if you post daily on LinkedIn and then stop posting or post infrequently after that, then you’ll be less visible, and the algorithm is less likely to show your infrequent posts in your followers’ feeds.
It’s worth remembering that it’s often the case that potential clients may not comment on your social media posts but still see them, appreciate them, and later contact you privately. Additionally, due to your social media activity, you may be top of mind when it comes to referrals. And remember, similar rules apply to email newsletters!
6. Have an accountability buddy or mentor
A great way to stay consistent is to have an accountability buddy, coach or mentor who can keep you on track with your goals.
You don’t even have to hire a professional; you can be accountable to a family member or friend, but it’s worth bearing in mind that if you hire someone, you may be more committed and want to get the most out of your investment.
You can also act as an accountability partner with another freelancer or a group of freelancers in your network, helping one another with accountability goals.
7. Practice self-care
As a freelancer or small business owner, you are the business, so self-care is incredibly important to avoid freelancer burnout.
Daily exercise, regular breaks, and proper sleep will all have a positive impact on how you perform and, therefore, your consistency levels.
In addition to your physical self-care, you need to take care of your overall wellness, which includes mental health. For example, you may be adding more to your workload by being a perfectionist, or you may experience a momentary lack of confidence in your ability, which can lead to anxiety. All things to keep in check.
At the end of the day, consistency beats perfection. Whether that’s showing up, consistently delivering good client work, or sending out your branded invoices on time, everything you do consistently will contribute to building your personal brand, retaining clients, and winning new business.
