In freelancing, a recommendation is a powerful form of social proof. It is a formal endorsement from a client or colleague that validates your work.
What is Recommendation?
A recommendation is a formal, written endorsement from a past client or professional contact. It highlights your skills, work ethic, and the results you delivered on a project. Think of it as a trusted reference that potential clients can review.
Why is this important?
Recommendations are crucial because they build trust with new clients. They act as verified social proof, reducing the perceived risk of hiring you. A strong collection of recommendations can directly lead to more project wins and higher rates.
How does it work?
After successfully completing a project, you politely ask your client for a recommendation. They typically write a short testimonial about their experience. You then display these on your professional profile via platforms or your personal website.
Pros and cons
The pros are clear: they build credibility, attract better clients, and justify your rates. The main con is that they rely on client initiative, so you must proactively request them. A lack of recommendations can make starting out more challenging.
Conclusion
A strong recommendation is a key asset in your freelance toolkit. It transforms your past success into future opportunity. Actively seeking and showcasing these endorsements is a simple yet highly effective marketing strategy.
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