A down side to freelancing is that you have to find your own clients, this can be a pain but you don't always have to spend thousands a year on advertising. I've listed some useful tips that might help you advertise your skills without spending a penny, hope it helps.
Main Portfolio
This is your CV! Forget about any qualifications you have, most clients don't want to be bored with a list of qualifications they want to see what you can do. So blow their mind with an original and fresh portfolio. If a picture says a thousand words then a flash animation must say…. Well a lot more. So take care and pride in designing your portfolio it's the most important part of being a freelancer designer.
Showcase Your Work
Be proud of the work you do and don't be afraid to let others see, Here's a list of showcase sites that will let you can submit your sites for free.
Word of Mouth
It's amazing how much work you can get from this. If your clients are local take the time to meet them, go armed with business cards and brochures. Chances are you'll bump into another local business owner who hasn't got a website and is keen to get their business on the web, especially if the business next door is doing the just that.
Blogging
Another great and cheap way to promote your portfolio. Write frequent articles and tutorials about the industry or whatever your strongest skills are whether it be Flash, Photoshop or hard coding. If you do create a blog try and keep all your code open source, what is it with blogs charging for code and tutorials these days? Help your fellow designers.
Video Showcase
I'm sure you have all seen the speed painting videos on YouTube? These videos have millions of hits each. If you have some great flash animations or another unique talent get them on the video site networks. It doesn't cost a penny and if you capture someones imagination it will spread like wildfire and your site will see a hike in hits.
Online Networking
Join design communities and forums, not only will they help promote yourself you'll become a better designer as they are a fantastic source of inspiration. Just take a look at Deviant. They have some of the most incredible work I've seen. The digital arts vector section will blow your mind.
Here's a few more communities.
Conclusion
Like I said you don't have to spend thousands per annum on advertising, the biggest advertising network is right at your finger tips you just have to know where to go. Sign up to a couple of the sites I've listed above and get your work noticed, you might not get loads of new projects overnight but the least you'll get is the opinion of other designers which could help make you become a better designer in the long term.
This post is tagged Freelance Design, Portfolio
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