Many professionals are at work-independent writing, design, consulting, and many more-often wonder the question of professional identity. Terms like “freelance” and “freelancer” are quite often used interchangeably, but which one would suit best for you? This piece explores the difference between these terms, which one to choose as good, and ways of positioning oneself in the right way for the industry.
Understanding the Terms: Freelance vs. Freelancer
Let’s dispel this dual identity of “freelance” and “freelancer” by going to basics. And at face value, they’re synonyms. But subtleties lie in:
Freelance is an adjective to modify a noun (such as a freelance writer) or to be a verb (“I freelance as a graphic designer”).
A freelancer is a noun-to indicate a person who does freelance work; hence, “I am a freelancer.”
The two words can describe the same worker, who works independently without one employer. Perhaps though, how you want to self-identity or whether to add “freelance” to your title may be the difference between how you will get an answer you want from clients and how clients may see your professional brand.
Benefits of Being Named as a “Freelancer”
There are plenty of benefits naming oneself a “freelancer,” among them are these
Ease of Readability and Identification
“People are often used to hearing the term “freelancer” in business and so will understand immediately what you mean if you say that you are a freelancer. If you say, “I’m a freelancer,” most people understand that you work for yourself.
Professional Identity
It gives you a definable professional identity to introduce yourself as a freelancer. Some of the confusion in explaining what you do will probably clear up quickly when talking to clients and potential employers.
The term “freelancer” is also quite handy to acquire work much faster since many hiring clients and employers look for freelancers. Some portals, such as Upwork and Fiverr, consider independent professionals as freelancers, hence it is useful on such networks.
Titles Based on Skills
You might title yourself based on the area of your skills; for example, “Freelance Writer, Freelance Developer, or Freelance Photographer.” More context is provided about your expertise in the above titles, and this can come in handy in attracting the right kind of client.
Why “Freelance” Instead?
Some practitioners prefer the use of “freelance” as an adjective merely for position purposes. Here are some reasons why “freelance” can be an attractive option:
Focus on Skills
For instance, saying “I do freelance work in marketing” or “I’m a freelance designer” will focus on skills rather than your employment status. It makes it possible to talk about the work you provide instead of the status as an independent worker.
Diversity in Titles
If your job scope is wide or does not neatly fit into a specific title, then using “freelance” as an adjective might give you leeway in describing who you are. Like for example, “I do freelance consulting services,” which gives a broader vista of what you can do.
Avoiding Stereotypes
The word “freelance” sounds sometimes unreliable or not very professional. So you may literally attract a client who values expertise based on skill over employment status, by labelling your work as “freelance.”
Positioning for Contract-Based Work
Freelance is one of the few terms that can sound business-orientated in a particular industry. The term “freelance” sounds much more professional if you are looking to acquire corporate clients or larger projects.
Which One’s Right for You?
Freelancer or Freelance: The choice mainly depends upon the industry you are working in, your occupational goals, and your audience. Here’s how you can decide on the best for your brand:
Consider Your Audience
However, if you are catering to a micro-enterprise or an individual, self-branding yourself as a “freelance” might help your potential clients easily latch on.
For an even large company or agency, a more professional look and feel may be conveyed by self-branding as a “freelance [skill or service] provider”.
Review Your Brand Image
Think about what you want your clients to think of you. Do you sell a single product, like writing or design? “Freelancer” might feel pretty obvious. If you’re selling a number of skills, “freelance” may offer a murkier declaration of your work.
Choose for SEO
Many are turning to the Internet for the services offered by freelancers under the categories “freelance writer” or “freelance developer.” And, if you have “freelancer” in your name, the chances that you appear when it is precisely what they are searching for will increase.
Personal Preference
The choice, therefore, is all yours solely on which best suits you. Many professionals tend to prefer one over the other, and how you feel using it is likely to make others feel the same way.
Positioning yourself professionally is going to attract the clients and grow your business. Here are some effective tips:
Create an Online Presence
Build your website or professional profile on LinkedIn, Upwork, or Fiverr and put it everywhere for it to be a brand.
Portfolio
Show the world what you have done and what you can do in a more organized portfolio. You may be a “freelancer” or “freelance” professional but there will still come a time that clients want to see some proof about your expertise.
This is the skill or expertise that defines you. Ensure that you add skills that are specialized in an industry or specific certifications to enable potential clients to view the focus you have in a niche, making you very attractive for those who require such specific knowledge.
Network Wisely
Networking is really helpful for freelancers. One should attend as many industry events, online forums and participate in social networks with the potential clients as possible. The contact can be brought to the possibility of getting word-of-mouth and repeat business.
Conclusion
Would you call yourself “freelance” or “freelancer?” It all depends on your target group, on your brand name, and ultimately on your own preference. Both words have advantages; however, they depend on the group of clients you deal with and the image that will be created by the term you prefer. Then, either one is fine if you would position yourself professionally, promote your skills efficiently, and build a good reputation in the profession.
FAQs
1. May I use “freelancer” and “freelance,” discretively, at the option of the client?
Absolutely, and some of us simply use both terms-sometimes with the same client-to be sensitive to our client. While you might want to position yourself on a corporate project as a “freelance writer,” there is clear utility in using the term “freelancer” when you are freelancing for smaller clients. The point of each of those individual relationships is to make sense.
2. Is this going to damage my credibilidade as a “freelancer”?
Not necessarily. The word “freelancer” is perceived as a professional and recognized term. For some, however, depending on specialties or some clients, it will be easier to refer to oneself with the title “freelance” specialist. You should tailor the title to your audience to keep credibilidade.
3. Should I include my specialty in my title?
Add your specialty, e.g. “freelance graphic designer” or “freelance marketing consultant”, which clearly defines your expertise but also boosts visibility on online searches.
4. Which one’s better for SEO?
Both work very well for SEO purposes generally, but “freelancer” does have a slight edge just because search trends favor more niche words. Many people specifically search for freelancers in certain fields, so “freelancer” would be useful when drawing web traffic.
