All freelancers including Virtual Assistants (VAs) need to grow their businesses by getting the word out. It’s called marketing and it’s something many freelancers overlook or neglect. Take advantage of their mistake and capture more clients. Here are six ideas to market your freelance services.

Give Away Free Information
Write or create a free report, online course or even a video to give away. Make sure your free information provides value and a solution to a problem for your audience.

In addition to offering the free information on your website, you can also offer it to other business owners to distribute. Make sure they agree to keep your name as author and your contact information intact.

Create a Newsletter
When you gain subscribers, whether they’re customers or not, you have access to them. They’ve agreed to receive information from you and you can provide them with valuable information. Each newsletter is an endorsement for you and your services. Invite them to forward your newsletter to a friend for more exposure.

Ask Satisfied Customers for Referrals
Don’t be shy. When a customer is satisfied, ask them for referrals. In fact, you can create a referral reward program. Each customer who refers a new customer can receive a certain percentage off their next project. Be sure to include a dollar limit on that referral bonus, unless you don’t mind giving away thousands of dollars.

Network
Social networking is a wonderful way to meet new people. It’s also a great way to share your knowledge, skills and expertise. You can offer value to others and in return they may become customers.

Guest Blog
Your prospects read industry blogs, right? Email the owner or owners of the blog and offer to be a guest blogger for free. Your posts will capture the attention of prospects and turn them into customers. Make sure when you sign on as a guest blogger, that you’re able to also create a bio and a link back to your blog or website.

Promotion
Postcards, business cards, benefits flyers, advertisements and magnets on the side of your car… these little promotional items can go a long way toward providing awareness. Invest your money wisely and focus on a few small promotional items.

Marketing doesn’t have to be stuffy and complicated. You can find creative and effective means to spread the word about your business and services. Growing your business takes time and resources. Invest them wisely and reach your business goals.