I can’t stress the importance of having a business website or blog. If you’re a freelancer looking to expand your business, a personal website can open the door to new opportunities. Potential clients might stumble upon your work online and hire you for an upcoming project. Plus, you can include a link to your personal website with every job application or resume.

In the past year and a half, my personal websites generated three freelance contracts. I had more responses, but many companies wanted “something for nothing,” and I had to pass on the opportunities.

Nowadays, it doesn’t take much to create a personal site, and most freelancers advertise their businesses with a blog. You can setup a blog in minutes and add content immediately. With new blog software, advance HTML skills aren’t required, and you can easily add images, multiple pages, links, and much more.

Once you’ve created a blog, it’s time to promote the site.

There are many ways to promote a site. You can submit the URL to search engines, or choose a paid advertising strategy. Of course, there is always the free approach. Include relevant keyword phrases in the blog or website’s description. Update the website regularly, and learn how to network. Visit online forums, participate in discussions, and include a link to your personal blog.

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