How To Become a Freelance Digital Marketer in the UK 2024

Last updated: 20/02/2024 Written by: Ruby Layram

freelancer bullet proof plan how to become a freelance digital marketer

Becoming a freelance digital marketer can be a rewarding and flexible career choice. In this guide, we will explore the steps of how to become a freelance digital marketer in the UK in 2024. We will cover the definition of freelance digital marketing, the responsibilities of a freelance digital marketer, the pros and cons of freelancing, and the qualifications and salaries associated with this career.

How To Start a Freelance Digital Marketing Business Key Takeaways

  • Digital marketing services have high demand in 2024 as an increasing number of businesses are starting to amp up their social media presence.

  • Freelance digital marketers help businesses to achieve their goals on a contract basis.

  • Becoming a freelance digital marketer in the UK involves showcasing your knowledge, applying to jobs and collecting positive testimonials.

  • Most freelancers spend time building up their skills and portfolio before landing paid work.

  • One of the best ways to attract clients as a freelance digital marketer is through social media. Marketers can create content that establishes themselves as an expert and encourages their audience to reach out.

Also read: How to become a freelancer in 2024

What is Freelance Digital Marketing?

Freelance digital marketing involves being a self-employed contractor who helps companies, organizations, or individuals with their marketing goals and strategies. Freelance digital marketers can have different specializations and work remotely, collaborating with the organization's marketing team. They are responsible for tasks such as content marketing, SEO, social media management, search engine marketing, and video marketing.

Freelance digital marketers are skilled professionals who understand the intricacies of online marketing and use various strategies and techniques to meet their clients' objectives. They work on a project basis or offer their services on a retainer basis, providing ongoing support to businesses in achieving their marketing goals.

By leveraging their expertise and staying up-to-date with the latest trends in the industry, freelance digital marketers can effectively reach and engage target audiences, improve brand awareness, drive website traffic, generate leads, and ultimately increase conversions and revenue for their clients.

Also read: What is freelancing?

What services do freelance digital marketers offer?

Freelance digital marketers often specialize in specific areas of digital marketing to offer a comprehensive range of services. Here are some common specializations:

  • Content Marketing: Creating and promoting valuable and relevant content to attract and retain a target audience.

  • Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Optimizing websites and content to improve rankings on search engine results pages.

  • Social Media Management: Developing and implementing social media strategies to increase brand awareness and engagement.

  • Email Marketing: Designing and executing email campaigns to nurture leads and drive conversions.

  • Pay-Per-Click (PPC) Advertising: Managing and optimizing paid advertising campaigns to drive targeted traffic and conversions.

  • Video Marketing: Creating and promoting videos to engage users and deliver key messages effectively.

By specializing in a specific area, freelance digital marketers can position themselves as experts and attract clients who require specialized skills and knowledge in those areas.

What Skills Do You Need To Be a Freelance Digital Marketer?

Successful freelance digital marketers possess a combination of technical and soft skills that enable them to excel in their roles. These skills include:

  1. Strategic Thinking: The ability to develop and implement effective marketing strategies that align with clients' objectives.

  2. Analytics: Proficiency in using analytics tools to analyze data and make data-driven decisions.

  3. Creativity: The skill to create compelling and engaging content that resonates with target audiences.

  4. Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively convey messages across various channels.

  5. Adaptability: The ability to navigate and adapt to changes in the digital marketing landscape.

  6. Collaboration: The capacity to work collaboratively with clients, team members, and other stakeholders.

how to become a freelance digital marketer

Pros and Cons of Being a Freelance Digital Marketer

Before starting your journey as a freelance digital marketer, it is important to be aware of the pros and cons of digital marketing as a side hustle in 2024.

Freelancing as a digital marketer has its advantages and disadvantages. It provides professionals with the freedom to choose their projects, work schedule, and clients, which can lead to a more fulfilling and flexible career. Freelancers also have the opportunity to scale their business and increase their earning potential.

However, freelancers face challenges that should be considered. One of the main drawbacks is the unpredictable income that comes with freelancing. Without a steady stream of clients, freelancers may experience financial instability. Additionally, freelancers are responsible for marketing their own business, which requires time and effort outside of client projects.

Maintaining a work-life balance can be difficult for freelancers as they often work irregular hours to meet client deadlines. Moreover, freelancers do not have the same access to benefits such as healthcare, retirement plans, and paid time off as traditional employees do.

Other side hustles to consider:

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Becoming a Freelance Digital Marketer in 2024

Starting a freelance side hustle is no easy feat so it is important to assess whether you are the right fit before investing your time and effort The best way to know if freelance digital marketing is for you is to ask yourself these questions.

  1. Creativity: Do you have a creative mindset that allows you to come up with innovative ideas and solutions?

  2. Writing and Editing Skills: Are you proficient in writing and editing content that engages and persuades the target audience?

  3. Analytical Mindset: Can you analyze data and metrics to derive meaningful insights and optimize marketing strategies?

  4. SEO Knowledge: Do you understand the principles of search engine optimization and how to improve website rankings?

  5. Technical Proficiency: Are you comfortable working with digital tools, platforms, and analytics to execute marketing campaigns?

  6. Design Sense: Do you have an eye for aesthetics and the ability to create visually appealing graphics and layouts?

  7. Community-Building Skills: Can you effectively engage and build relationships with online communities and influencers?

    By honestly evaluating these skills and qualities, aspiring digital marketers can determine whether they are well-suited for the challenges and demands of the profession. It is important to continuously hone these skills and stay updated on the latest trends to thrive in the ever-evolving digital marketing landscape.

frelance digital marketer

How to Become a Freelance Digital Marketer

In the following section, we will take a look at how to become a freelance digital marketer in the UK. We created this guide by reviewing the strategies of successful freelance digital marketers (that we will link below). We also have a lot of experience from our own freelance writing careers so understand how the processes of becoming a freelancer works.

It is important to understand that success comes from consistency and patience. It may take several months to land your first paid job.

  1. Explore different areas of digital marketing: Familiarize yourself with the various aspects of digital marketing such as content marketing, SEO, social media management, search engine marketing, and video marketing. This will help you identify your interests and choose a specialization that aligns with your skills and goals.

  2. Build a portfolio: Create a portfolio of your work to showcase your expertise and capabilities. Include examples of successful campaigns, websites, and client testimonials. This will help you stand out to potential clients and demonstrate your value as a digital marketer.

  3. Sign up to freelance platforms: The easiest way to find jobs as a beginner freelance digital marketer is to sign up for freelance marketplaces and job boards. Here, you will be able to find a range of entry-level jobs that you can apply to. Bark.com and UpWork are good options for marketers and are both free to use.

  4. Apply to jobs: Landing your first paid job relies on consistency. Start applying for freelance marketing jobs as soon as possible and apply to as many as you can. When we started freelancing, we applied to 25 different openings before landing our first gig. From there, it got easier every time.

    Read: How to write a freelance cover letter

  5. Promote Your Business: One way to speed up the process of getting paid work is to create a social media account that you can use to promote your services. Instagram and TikTok are both excellent platforms for freelance digital marketers to share their work, offer advice, and connect with potential customers.

  6. Ensure Legal Requirements: Familiarize yourself with the legal requirements for freelancers in your country, such as registering as self-employed, obtaining necessary licenses, and complying with tax regulations. Understanding and adhering to these requirements will help you operate legally and professionally.

  7. Stay consistent: It can take a while to land your first paid opportunity. Try to apply for jobs and post on your social media every single day for at least 1 month before adjusting your strategy.

What Qualifications Do You Need To Become a Freelance Digital Marketer in the UK?

While formal qualifications are not always required to become a freelance digital marketer, having relevant certifications and training can be beneficial. Certifications can help you to prove credibility in the competitive digital marketing industry. Some qualifications that can significantly contribute to a freelance digital marketer's success include:

  1. Digital Marketing Courses: Completing comprehensive digital marketing courses equips freelancers with a solid foundation in various aspects of digital marketing, including content marketing, SEO, social media marketing, email marketing, and analytics.

  2. Social Media Marketing Certifications: Obtaining certifications specific to social media marketing can demonstrate expertise in creating and implementing effective social media strategies, managing social media campaigns, and maximizing engagement and ROI on social platforms.

  3. SEO Training: A digital marketer's understanding of search engine optimization (SEO) is crucial for improving website visibility and driving organic traffic. SEO training can provide freelancers with the necessary skills to optimize websites, conduct keyword research, and analyze SEO performance.

  4. Graphic Design Courses: Having knowledge of graphic design can be valuable for creating visually appealing and engaging digital content. Basic design skills enable freelancers to develop eye-catching social media graphics, infographics, and visual assets for websites and campaigns.

These qualifications can be obtained through various channels, including online courses, workshops, or educational platforms. To grow your freelance career and increase your rates, it is a good idea to continuously improve your skills and learn new things.

How Much Do Freelance Digital Marketers Make in the UK?

The freelance digital marketing industry offers great earning potential for professionals with the right experience and skills. The salaries for freelance digital marketers in 2024 can vary based on several factors, including:

  • Experience level

  • Specialization

  • Location

  • Client base

On average, freelance digital marketers in the UK can earn between £20,000 and £50,000 per year with the average salary being £41, 986. However, highly skilled and experienced freelancers have the potential to earn six-figure incomes.

As a beginner, you may start off receiving lower rates. However, you can increase your earnings by upskilling, gaining a good reputation, offering specialist services and targeting high-paying niches.

Conclusion

Becoming a freelance digital marketer in the UK in 2024 offers exciting prospects for individuals with the right skills, qualifications, and strategies. The world of freelance digital marketing provides the opportunity to carve out a successful career filled with flexibility and competitive salaries.

By following the steps outlined in this comprehensive guide and continuously improving their skills and knowledge, aspiring digital marketers can thrive in the ever-evolving landscape of the digital marketing industry. It is crucial to stay updated on the latest trends and network with other professionals to stay at the forefront of the industry.

With the ability to create their own schedule, choose projects that align with their interests, and earn a living doing what they love, freelance digital marketers can enjoy a fulfilling and rewarding career path. The demand for digital marketing services will continue to grow, presenting ample opportunities for freelancers to showcase their expertise and establish themselves as industry leaders.

FAQs

  • The best way to start freelance digital marketing with no experience is to showcase your skills on social media. This is a good way to attract customers whilst building a portfolio that you can lin to in job applications.

  • Yes, freelance digital marketing has great potential in 2024. The demand for digital marketers is on the rise as more and more businesses realize the potential of social media for driving traffic to their products and services.

  • Success with freelance digital marketing requires good marketing skills and the ability to stay on top of trends. One of the biggest challenges faced by freelance digital marketers is the ever-evolving nature of the industry. With new technologies and algorithms constantly changing, staying updated and relevant can be a daunting task. This requires freelancers to continuously educate themselves and adapt to the latest trends.

All of our articles are written to help our readers to learn about different side hustles, how they work and how to start earning money from them. Although we mention potential earnings, it is important to understand that there is no guarantee that you will make money from any of the side hustles that are mentioned on our site. Making money from a side hustle requires consistency and significant effort. While we aim to provide useful insight into each side hustle opportunity, it is down to you to follow the right steps towards making any profits.

About The Author

Ruby is the founder of The Rich Girl Guide and has been writing content around personal finance, side hustles and wellbeing for over 3 years. You can find some of Ruby’s published articles on The Motley Fool UK, Tradingplatforms.com and Buyshares.co.uk.