Covid-19 came as a surprise to us all. Within a matter of weeks, the business world as we know it has probably changed forever. Some businesses have stopped temporarily, and some shops have closed permanently. Others carry on with home-based employees. It will be interesting to see who goes back to regular commutes, and who joins the remote movement.
Freelancers are accustomed to working remotely, but they are also directly affected when clients trim their marketing budgets and shut down temporarily or permanently. In the case of a crisis, it’s important to get creative in order to keep generating income.
Check in with Your Existing Clients
Businesses have many needs when a crisis like Covid-19 happens. Any crisis means an increased need for communication. Clients will need help with publishing new working hours, office closures, and new workflows. Even if they’re continuing on as usual for the time being, that needs to be communicated.
In the last few weeks, you might have seen your favourite restaurant posting notices of new hours, restaurant closures, and pick-up only instructions. This level of communication requires a significant level of planning and strategy. Google My Business, social media, and website (among other things) need to communicate these changes clearly, concisely, and consistently.
Your client often won’t have the time to think about this level of detail and communication as they are managing building closures, customers, calls, and employees on short notice. Offer up your services in helping them during this difficult time, and suggest ways that you can help.
On the flip side of this, you might also want to offer up re-opening strategies. How can you help your clients explode back onto the scene when the time is right? Talking with them and considering how you’re going to “re-launch” provides them with a positive outlook and something to look forward to. Maybe their business has changed and they’re staying fully remote when this crisis is over. How can you help communicate that message, show it in a positive light, and gain them new customers?
If you can provide a discount, trade, or favour for them, now is the time. Building trust and showing kindness will help your business in the long run.
Target Global Clients and Networks
The great thing about working globally is that there is always someone working. Much of the world might shut down during a crisis like Covid-19, but there are still places that are open somewhere, operating as usual. Networks like Toptal allow you to acquire clients globally, which provides ongoing opportunities even if your local area or client base has mostly stopped working.
Working globally means you’ll have a constant stream of revenue, regardless of local economy, natural disasters, or crises.
Work on Establishing Static Income
With any additional time that you might have during this time, work on improving your workflows, automating processes, and establishing static income. There are several ways to establish static income, including affiliate marketing/monetizing your blog or website, creating or improving online advertising for a product or service, or re-selling website hosting (companies like WP Engine offer partnerships where you can re-sell server space to clients). All of these things can solidify your income and ensure you’re able to survive any future work interruptions or down times.
Once the crisis is over, this will be additional money in your pocket and it will always be there for you during future downtimes.
Summing it All Up
We’ll get through this in the end, but the business world has likely changed forever. Kindness, compassion, and giving everyone the benefit of the doubt is essential in helping everyone survive this crisis. Maintaining close client communication, searching for global opportunities, and establishing static income will help freelancers keep their revenue flowing.