I read a great article at Vandelay Design Blog about 9 tips on how to start marketing yourself as a freelancer.

It’s definitely worth a read because it has a few tips any entrepreneur or freelancer will find valuable–that is, if you actually put them to use.

That’s the hard part right?  There is no shortage of advice out there, but there is a shortage of action after receipt of said advice. 

The three tips that really stood out to me in this article are the following:

#1 Consider Your Ultimate Goals.  Many entrepreneurs, me included, rush right into the work instead of taking the time to set goals and figure out just where they want to be at the end of the year or at the end of five.  It makes it hard to get anywhere without a roadmap.  Taking time to set goals and milestones is well worth it because it gives you something to aim at.  You’ll know better which work to focus on and which to ditch.  It will start to become clearer where you should put your marketing efforts and where you shouldn’t.

#4 Consider Your Ideal Target Market.  Taking the time to figure out who can benefit from your work and more importantly who will pay for your work is incredibly helpful.  When I started taking more time figuring out who I could sell articles to and writing them with these people in mind, I sold 4 the next day.  It helps to know your market.

#9 Consider Blogging.  A blog can be a great way to get attention to your portfolio.  It’s also a great networking tool and a good way to establish yourself as someone who knows what he or she is doing.  Plus you can impress people with your amazing writing skills!  You can start a free blog at Blogger.com or WordPress.coms

Your blog may also open up additional revenue streams–it’s almost impossible that it wouldn’t.  Either you’ll meet a new client or another freelancer who wants to team up on a project or you find an advertiser.  Blogging is a great way to show others what you are doing and what your are about.

Read also, 9 Ways to Be a Better Blogger and Marketer.