Which One Matters Most for Your Freelance Marketing Career... Social Media or Website?

You did it.

You’ve finally made the move to go after your dreams to become your own boss as a freelance marketer, but now you’re faced with major decision paralysis.

All the neo-gurus tell you to get on social media and post daily, but classic marketing tells you to invest in virtual real estate. Should you be posting value on Instagram, growing a massive following on TikTok, becoming a thought leader on LinkedIn, or launching a professional website?

Is one more effective than the other? Do any of these even really matter when landing premium clients? Let’s talk about it.

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But First, A Case on First Impressions…

Imagine your dream client on your website. They’re ready to hit that “Work With Me” button, but before they schedule a call, they hop over to your Instagram. Your website screams premium service, but your feed? It looks like a sleep ghost town with an old post from 2022 and a lackluster bio that just says “DM for rates.” Suddenly, they’re not so sure anymore. Or, flip the script. Your social presence is through the roof, but your website is non-existent, and clients can’t tell if you’re legitimate or just another influencer. 

We all know first impressions are worth their weight in gold, yet mastering the science can feel tricky when you’re already balancing how to run your business, do your bookkeeping, and make new connections. Now, you’re expected to have a pristine website and a glowing social media presence to match? I know. It can seem like a lot. Take a deep breath and get ready to nail your online appeal, because spoiler alert: It gets to be fun.

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Social Media: The Digital Handshake

Let's start with the elephant in the room, social media. It's free, it's immediate, and let's be honest, it's where most of us spend way too much time anyway. But is it the golden ticket to freelance success? Let's break it down.

Social media is like the world's biggest networking event, minus the awkward small talk and stale coffee. You can connect with potential clients while sitting in your pajamas (though we recommend dressing up for those Zoom calls). Plus, your work can literally go viral overnight - something your website rarely does unless you've discovered the next big tech breakthrough.

The pros? They're pretty juicy.

• Free marketing that actually slaps.

Your content can reach thousands of potential clients and peers without spending a single dime. And don’t be fooled with the majority dropping their entire budget on sponsored posts. It’s completely possible to build a loyal audience and engaged community just by being yourself when you have a streamlined social media marketing strategy in place. All it takes is one sizzling post to put you in front of thousands of potential clients.

• Your personality is your superpower. 

Lean into showing your personality (yes, that matters in business). Trust me. The last thing anyone wants to see is another robotic talking head spewing generic tips. The era of boring business content is dead (thank goodness). Your hot takes, niche interests, and unhinged 3 AM thoughts? That’s your secret sauce. Whether you’re sharing your productivity hacks or geeking out about your industry, people connect with people. (Think about it. Imagine if you shared your oddly specific playlists for different work tasks and your dream client slid into your DMs because of it. It may sound a little out there, but it happens.)

• Network without the cringe. 

You can slide into DMs professionally (but you have to do it the right way). I think we can all agree cold DMs get a bad rap. Personally? I can’t stand them, and unless you’ve left genuine comments on a few posts, I wouldn’t recommend sending a message. Social rules aside, there is an art to online networking that can land you phenomenal friendships and relationships within your industry. (In my experience, prioritizing genuine connections has landed me some of the best client work as a result of quality referrals from my peers. 

• The ultimate trust builder.

Social proof is built-in (nothing sells like others seeing people love your work). When you nail your social media approach and let your personality shine, your community becomes your built-in hype team. Every comment, share, and save is like a digital high-five that everyone can see. In the virtual landscape of freelance work, social proof carries significant weight because it’s real people, real reactions, and real validation in real time. 

But here's the catch (there's always a catch, right?)

As lively as social media networking, marketing, and exposure can be, there is a fair share of awkward energy to navigate. You’re basically building your empire on digital quicksand, where algorithms endlessly change and your content’s lifespan is shorter than a goldfish’s attention span. Don’t get me wrong. Your content will live on your feed (as long as the social networks allow), but you’re also fighting for attention in an endless sea of digital waves. Is this really where you want to invest all of your precious energy? 

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Putting yourself out there on social media is a wild yet sophisticated ride that requires strategy, adaptability, and a strong stomach for uncertainty.

• Algorithms change faster than Instagram influencers change outfits
• You're basically renting space on someone else's platform
• That viral post you spent hours on? It might get lost in the feed within hours
• You're competing with cat videos and dance challenges for attention
• Professional boundaries can get... interesting

While these perceived challenges might sound like a lot (when you’re probably already overthinking what to post), they’re just part of the growing pains. I wouldn’t recommend avoiding these pitfalls or hiding from social media, but rather to build your approach on a solid strategy. 

Remember, it’s about building a presence that can open the door to new connections. Don’t let all of the other noise get to you because at the end of the day, people will get to know, like, and trust you for you.

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Your Website, Your Digital Home Base

Now, let's talk about websites because as hot as social media marketing is right now, there’s no competing with having your own place. One that doesn’t rely on algorithms, doesn’t judge your posting schedule, and definitely won’t hide your content because you didn’t jump on the latest trend. 

Your website is a personalized piece of virtual property that works for you whether you’re in your flow state banging out client work or taking that much-needed mental health day. While everyone else is hustling, fighting for attention, and posting social media posts, your website sits there like your own private island in the digital ocean.

Here's why having a website might be your best move.

• Your house, your rules.

That’s right. No algorithm changes, no platform politics, just pure, professional you. Want to switch up your entire portfolio at 3 AM? Feel like writing a 2,000-word case study about your favorite project? Want to rebrand or leave things as is? The beauty of having a website is no platform can suddenly decide your content’s worth or relevancy. It’s just you, doing your thing, exactly how you want to do it. 

• Look sharp with that professional edge.

It screams "I'm serious about my business" (in a good way). Having a published website is like showing up to a network event with a perfectly tailored fit, well-presented offer, and the right amount of service to others while everyone else is still trying to figure out who to talk to. Your website sends a clear message. When potential clients land on your site, they’re not seeing a variety of video tips, photos, or memes. They’re getting direct access to the goods, your stellar work. It’s the difference between “I do some freelance work” and “I run a successful business.”

• SEO can bring clients to you while you sleep (yes, really!)

While you’re out living your best ‘laptop lifestyle’ life, your website is out there working for you. This is the power of a well-oiled search engine optimization (SEO) machine. With some intentional planning, keyword research, and strategic implementation, SEO sets a strong foundation where potential clients can find you during their search for the perfect freelancer.  

• Launching your website can be affordable, simple and straightforward.

If your mind is racing with website ideas, take it and run now. Don’t let the idea of publishing a million-dollar website stop you from getting your domain up and running. You don’t need to hire a professional designer if you’re just starting out either. If you’re on a budget and still want something that exudes sophistication, keep it simple with this affordable and easy to design website builder. If you ask me, it’s the industry’s hidden gem, and you can do a lot with it. 

But let's make sure we cover solid ground and cover potential cons because:

• You need to drive traffic to it (it won't magically find itself) and SEO is a whole animal of its own.
• Technical issues can pop up at the worst times so you will need to ensure you check on your site often. 
• It's an investment either way. Whether you go for an affordable website host or not, you are still investing your time into how you present yourself.

Either way, the cons are merely growing pains and I promise you it is so worth it. Besides, who says you can’t have both a glowing website and engaging social media presence?

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Making It Work Without Losing Your Mind

Here's the thing. Asking whether you need social media OR a website is a normal part of the freelance journey. At the same time, it’s like asking whether you need shoes OR pants. Sure, you could technically get by with just one, but why would you want to?

Think of it this way. Your website is your home base,  the professional, polished version of your business. Social media is your networking tool where you meet people and show your personality. They work together not against each other. 

"But wait!" I hear you cry, "I barely have time to eat three healthy meals… how am I supposed to manage both?" Here's a practical approach you can base your implementation on. Take what you need and leave the rest. If one tip feels like too much right now, see how you can make it work with your schedule. Remember, the most important part here is consistency.

Your Actionable Game Plan for A Glowing Website and Social Media Success 

1. Start with your base:
   • Set up a simple, clean website (it doesn't need to be fancy)
   • Include your best work, clear services, and how to contact you
   • Make sure it looks good on mobile (because that's where most people will see it)
2. Pick ONE social platforms:
   • Choose based on where your ideal clients hang out. Facebook is a great place to start, and we can dive into this in another article. 
   • No, you don't need to be everywhere. Please don't try to be everywhere
   • Master one platform before even thinking about others
3. Create a sustainable schedule:
   • Website updates: Monthly? Quarterly? Annually?
   • Social posts: Daily? Once per week?  2-3 times a week? Just make sure you prioritize quality over quantity, always.
   • Engage with others: 15-30 minutes daily whether you’re responding to messages, leaving meaningful comments on posts, or sharing a funny meme with a peer to stoke the fires of your relationships.

The Reality of Putting Yourself Out There 

Here's what most "gurus" won't tell you. Neither your website nor your social media presence matters as much as the quality of your work and how you treat your clients. As much as your online presence matters, it’s just a tool to showcase your expertise and connect with potential clients. 

Don’t let the noise of the online world distract you from delivering work that keeps your clients coming back for more, referring you to other business owners, and leaving you raving reviews. Otherwise, you’ll have a beautiful website and social media presence with nothing to back it up. 

One last word to the wise? Your online presence is a marathon, not a sprint. If any of this feels overwhelming, take a step back and readjust your implementation. Start with what feels manageable and let the rest build from there. The worst thing you can do is try to do everything at once and burn out before you even get started. Besides, if you’re reading The Modern Freelancer, you’ve already taken a great step forward and your success is inevitable.

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