That’s all changed now, thanks to the rise of no-code tools.

What used to take developers months and years to create has now pared down to weeks, sometimes days. For simple requests, developers can use no-code tools to spit out project outputs in just a few hours.

Entrepreneurs no longer need to rely on developers for easy tasks—they can instead invest in their services for more intricate work and custom projects. Plus, they’ll save time and money.

If you’re curious about the advantages and limitations of this type of software, stick around for an insightful read on what’s happening in the world of no-code.

The promise of no-code tools 

As a new or aspiring business owner, you’ve got a lot on your plate.

From building your website to setting up your internal document storage systems to automating your email marketing campaigns, there’s a lot to do.

If you have plenty of cash flow, by all means, hand over the reins to a developer and focus on more important tasks like growing your business.

But if you’re tight on funds or prefer to save money wherever you can, you’re going to love the options no-code tools can give you.

As a developer, learning no-code platforms opens you up to more opportunities and can help you learn new skills. By getting familiar with no-code tools and pairing that with your technical knowledge, you can learn to exceed client expectations.

You’ll be able to do everything from turning projects around faster to building basic structures with no-code and then using your coding skills to customize the skeleton. Ultimately, no-code tools will help you become infinitely more valuable to organizations and streamline your own workflow.

With that said, let’s review some additional benefits entrepreneurs and developers can look forward to when using no-code tools.

Create and resize visuals with ease

With no-code tools, entrepreneurs can enhance the visual appeal of their products and improve the user experience. As the trend toward hybrid work models continues, these tools are especially useful since they allow remote team members to participate in visual design processes effortlessly and effectively from anywhere in the world.

In the marketing space, the rise of upscale API has been revolutionary. These tools can convert low-resolution images to high-quality ones with ease—making it simple for anyone to create professional-looking visuals at scale for their website, app, and social media profiles.

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Both Picsart and Canva offer this feature.

With enhanced image features, entrepreneurs and developers can use tools like Picsart and Canva to improve image quality and auto-resize visuals to the perfect ratios for a variety of marketing channels in just one click.

Build websites and platforms with drag-and-drop features 

From Wix to Squarespace to WordPress, there are many tools you can use to build your own website or platform using drag-and-drop features.

This trend has been particularly significant in the online medical industry, where entrepreneurs and developers are leveraging no-code tools to build innovative platforms that connect patients with healthcare providers.

Here’s an example of a simple, engaging website online physicians can develop using no-code tools:

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Of course, a developer could easily come in to spruce it up and add more custom design, but consider whether this is necessary given the industry.

At the end of the day, it’s best to think about your unique target market before adding more customization to your site. For instance, if you’re in the creative arts space, putting extra flair on your site with custom code would be on brand. But if you’re in the virtual assistant industry, going the extra mile may not be necessary or worth it.

Streamline data management processes

One of the biggest problems for technology companies is that managing business processes often requires elevated technical skills to make it all work.

Thanks to no-code tools, you can achieve the same results without high competence. Take, for example, the Reverse ETL process provided by Hightouch. With this process, businesses can extract data from their central data warehouse and feed it directly into their operational systems and SaaS tools. That way, they can reduce the need to hire a team of developers and data experts.

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Not only can this help streamline the data management process, but it can also help teams leverage and interpret data better so they can ultra-personalize the customer experience.

In the past, tackling a data monster like this took brilliant minds and tons of code to set up. Now, businesses can access rich insights in real-time whenever they want.

Build custom mobile apps 

Mobile app design is another exciting area where no-code tools have made a significant impact.

With these tools, entrepreneurs and small business owners can design and launch mobile apps without specialized coding knowledge. This opens up a world of opportunities for those looking to test new ideas or launch a startup on a budget.

Building custom mobile apps also has advantages for freelancers, creatives, and service-based entrepreneurs.

For instance, with Passion.io, anyone can create their own branded app to sell memberships, digital products, and personalized services—think health coaches, personal trainers, and online voice actors, for example.

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For entrepreneurs that are interested in building businesses in order to sell them, no-code app builders offer a way to quickly prototype and test ideas without the need for a dedicated development team. With these tools, business owners can create custom applications to sell products or services, streamline operations, and eventually, sell their businesses.

Potential limitations and criticisms of no-code tools 

Regardless of how powerful no-code tools are, even the most cutting-edge technologies have limitations.

Let’s quickly review some of the downsides to no-code tools.

Some security measures still require code 

As more entrepreneurs and developers turn to no-code tools to streamline their workflows and create web apps without code, it’s essential to remember the potential security risks associated with these tools.

For example, many no-code tools and SaaS apps rely on providers like SAML or OAuth to manage user access. While these both provide secure authentication methods, it’s essential to understand the differences between SAML vs OAuth to make an informed decision about which one to use.

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Regardless of the option you go with, you’ll need a developer to help you set everything up.

Depending on what you’re making, working with a developer can ensure your no-code creations and logins are as secure as possible. Some developers may take this opportunity to upsell other security services that entrepreneurs may need but can’t set up on their own.

Ultra-custom designs still require code 

Want your website or app to feel like an immersive experience? Dreaming of creating an online space with custom illustrations, interactivity, and a dynamic nature? Do pre-built templates make you cringe?

If so, you’ll have to opt for custom code.

Each industry caters to different customer needs, and therefore each website will require different features. This holds true in real estate web design, for example, where some essential features are prone to require some custom coding.

Websites or apps in the real estate industry often require specific features such as property location search filters, interactive maps, virtual tours, and seamless integration with MLS databases to provide an optimal browsing experience for potential buyers and renters.

And as convenient as no-code is, it’s limited by specific parameters.

To get an ultra-custom site or app, you’ll need to reach out to software developers or software engineers that are fluent in a variety of coding languages, including HTML, JavaScript, and CSS.

No-code is simpler but still has a learning curve 

Some no-code tools feel super intuitive, but don’t expect to literally build a new website in just a few minutes.

While you’ll have drag-and-drop capabilities, there’s a lot that goes into building a website, from design to copy to SEO and beyond. Whether you’re a business owner or a developer, expect to put in some elbow grease to learn how these tools work.

Wrapping up 

There’s a lot more where this came from, but this quick guide is a great start for anyone curious about what no-code tools mean for businesses and developers.

As a quick recap, here are the pros and cons we covered today:

Pros

• Create and resize visuals with ease
• Build websites and platforms with drag-and-drop features
• Streamline data management processes
• Build custom mobile apps

Cons

• Some security measures require code
• Ultra-custom designs still require code
• No-code is simpler but still has a learning curve

Now, it’s your turn.

Are you a business owner that needs flexible tools to build things with ease? Maybe you’re a developer curious about pairing no-code software with your advanced skills? Make a move by testing out some of the tools we covered today and check out our awesome deals on build-it-yourself software.

You have clients that depend on you, deadlines to keep up with, and if you want to continue staying in business, growth goals to chase after.

When you’re pulled in many directions, the only way you can keep the balancing act together is by creating a productive work environment.

And that’s what we’re here to help with today.

Let’s take a look at 11 key ways you can make freelance work super productive.

1. Mind your work hours 

Set yourself up for success by creating a set work schedule and sticking to it. Use dedicated apps to keep track of your work hours, schedule projects, and set deadline reminders.

During work time, keep your head down and focused on one key task or project at a time. Limit distractions and interruptions by turning off background apps and setting your phone on Do Not Disturb mode. If you’re in a noisy environment, use noise-canceling headphones to limit noise pollution.

We also recommend logging the average time it takes you to complete each project type so you can allocate relevant time estimates in your work calendar in the future.

2. Focus on your ideal client

Many freelancers waste time chasing people and projects they don’t align with just to make a buck. Not only is this detrimental to morale and productivity, but it can also cause unnecessary client conflict.

Instead of speaking to everyone, get a grip on the project themes you knock out of the park. Then create a data-driven ICP (ideal customer profile) for each theme.

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An Ideal Customer Profile will help you identify your target audience’s key characteristics, buying habits, and preferences. With this information, you can tailor your work to meet their needs, which can help you create a more effective and targeted business model.

3. Reduce eye strain and screen fatigue

You might think that forcing yourself to work for hours on end without a break is productive, but if you’re harming your eyes or brain health, how productive can you be long-term?

When you’re freelancing, you’re likely working with multiple screens—your laptop, phone, and maybe even a dual monitor setup.

To prevent eye strain and screen fatigue, build in breaks to step away from your computer so you can give your eyes and brain some rest.

Eye strain caused by screens is called computer vision syndrome or CVS. In some studies, participants experienced some level of CVS after just two continuous hours of computer usage.

When possible, limit screen time to under two hours. When you’re in front of a screen, wear blue light glasses or use a filter like F.lux to warm up your screen.

4. Work during your peak energy hours 

Everyone has an opinion about what an “ideal workday” looks like. But truly, you’re the only one who can make that call.

Your ideal work day is whatever helps you actually get work done. So, if you have more energy from 12pm–4pm, work then. Or, if you prefer to take care of work in the evenings, work then. Forcing yourself to work against your natural energy flow can cause unnecessary burnout and productivity lags.

5. Create a supportive office environment conducive to remote work

Create a dedicated workspace that’s comfortable, ergonomic, and private. Limit distractions by securing a private room at a coworking space, renting an office, or choosing a quiet area in your home.

You can also work at a local coffee shop or library if the ambiance is warm and quiet.

At the very least, make sure you have a comfortable chair with back support. Keep your shoulders relaxed and your wrists straight by adjusting your desk so that your arms are parallel to the surface. Keep your arms and elbows at a 90-degree angle.

6. Take care of your mental, physical, and emotional health

Your health affects your mood, ability to focus, and overall well-being. That’s why it’s crucial to prioritize eating three healthy meals a day, getting enough sleep, and stretching and moving your body.

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Don’t forget to schedule routine check-ups with your doctor and dentist, too, to make sure you’re health is on track. You can even schedule an appointment with an online doctor if you’re pressed for time!

7. Use tools to get ahead 

Streamline your business by creating a system and process for everything you do. Secure tools that can help you automate these systems and save time.

For instance, if freelance writing is one of your tasks, consider using an AI Blog Writer to help beat writer’s block. While an AI writer isn’t a writer replacement, it’s a great tool to use for brainstorming or for when you feel stuck.

Other tools you might use to get ahead include:

• A Work Operating System (Work OS)  for project management and submitting client deliverables
• A task manager for daily todos
• A calendar tool for meetings, appointments, and online bookings
• An email marketing tool to automate segmented email campaigns
• A social media scheduling tool to plan, create, and schedule social media content

8. Consider outsourcing redundant tasks or tasks you don’t specialize in 

Whether you’re looking for jobs on the side to help pay for college or you’ve turned your hustle into a full-time business, consider outsourcing redundant tasks to virtual assistants or sub-contractors.

For instance, if you sell flower arrangements, consider outsourcing your flower delivery services so you can focus on running other important aspects of your business.

If you’d like to hire a team to help you scale your freelance business, you’ll need an HR system in place, too. In this case, consider outsourcing to an HR firm like Bambee or getting your hands on reliable HR software.

9. Plan your week ahead of time 

Get ahead of the week by carving out time every Friday or Monday to plan your week carefully.

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Be sure to schedule:

• Buffer time to prevent bottlenecks
• Uninterrupted time blocks to complete projects
• Free time
• Appointments
• Meetings
• Deadlines

Pro-Tip: Schedule something fun to do during your time off. Looking forward to something can help you stay motivated and nurture a healthier work-life balance.

10. Celebrate your wins, big and small

Whether you finished a typical 10-hour project in six hours or you just secured a major client, don’t forget to celebrate your wins, no matter how significant or minor they may seem.

Celebrating your achievements and being proud of yourself gives you the courage and motivation to stay the course which can encourage better productivity.

Recognizing your wins can also encourage you to continue setting productivity goals and business milestones, keeping you on track toward business growth.

11. Prevent feast-and-famine cycles 

Nothing curbs productivity more than living in a feast-and-famine cycle.

The good news? Since the movement of “quiet quitting” and “the great resignation,” there’s been a greater demand for freelancers than ever before.

In other words, there are plenty of clients you can secure to help you prevent steep increases and plummets in profitability.

But you’ll also have to prioritize other measures, such as:

• Focusing on building long-term relationships with soulmate clients
• Managing your cash flow with intention and strategy
• Creating a manageable business budget
• Securing clients on retainers and contracts
• Adding a termination clause preventing clients from canceling contracts without notice
• Creating a mutual value exchange

Build a more productive freelance business

While there’s more where this came from, these 11 tips can help you set yourself up for higher productivity and greater satisfaction in your freelance work.

So think about, what’s one action you can take today to become more productive? Pick one tip on our list to start with. Then choose another. And another.

Over time, you’ll build in healthy habits to keep you productive and on track, consistently.

That’s it for now, sumo-lings.

To your success!

PS: Need productivity tools? Stop overpaying for software and check out these AppSumo deals instead!

If anything, that proves that freelancing is here to stay. But most importantly, it shows that freelancing is incredibly competitive, and you need to stand out from the crowd for success.

That’s where a well-designed website comes into play. A freelancing website is the modern-day equivalent to a business card; a window display into the value you bring to the table. It should convince visitors that you are the expert they need to solve their top pain points.

It sounds simple, right? Unfortunately, not all freelancing websites are created equal. Most freelancers slap together a quick site without taking the time and attention it deserves, which often results in poor conversion rates.

To take your freelancing website from below-average to out-of-this-world, you must optimize it for maximum conversions. Today, we’ll teach you how to turn your freelancing website into a conversion powerhouse.

1. Use a branded domain name

Treating it like a business is the key to success in the freelancing world.

Why? Well, because it is a business. And behind every good business is a brand.

In this case, you are the brand. So you can keep the brand as your legal name (which is very common for freelance writers), or take it one step further and market yourself under a new name.

For example, Maria West chose to use the branded name DTC Mom instead of her name. But she still shares the face behind the brand on her website, killing two birds with one stone.

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Using DTC Mom helps visitors know right off the bat that she specializes in DTC products for moms (and children, for that matter).

Maria also uses the branded domain for DTC Mom. Using a branded domain name shows clients that you are committed to your business and are willing to invest in building your brand.

If it comes down to a client choosing between you and another freelancer, having a branded domain versus a free portfolio site might be all it takes to push that client into your open arms.

2. Create a consistent design with branding elements

What is the first thing you do when you land on a poorly designed website or one that’s slow to load? You bounce.

Why? Because you instantly think it’s spammy and untrustworthy. You return to the search engine results page to find the next best option.

If visitors to your freelancing website have a similar experience, your bounce rates will be through the roof, and conversion rates will plummet. And that’s what we’re trying to avoid.

People typically access your site using a variety of devices. Whether they are using a small mobile phone or a desktop computer, your website should respond to the screen size for optimal viewing pleasure.

Using a headless CMS, you can easily load your content to a website, mobile app, or any other channel using your preferred framework.

You can also reach a global audience because a headless CMS offers full localization support and a translation workflow for rich text, URLs, SEO metadata, and responsive images. Say goodbye to slow page speeds for good!

But page speed isn’t the only factor to consider. You should also prioritize the design and aesthetic of your website.

Ask yourself these questions:

• Can my visitors find what they are looking for?
• Is the design consistent with my social platforms? (LinkedIn, Twitter)
• Is my logo visible on all pages?
• Is the font professional and consistent across the site?
• Does the color scheme fit my brand?

A well-designed website is pleasing to the eyes, easy to navigate, and includes consistent branded elements.

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DTC Mom does an excellent job here as well. Her logo is front and center on every page of her website. The design elements match the exact gray color in her logo. And her portfolio examples align with her branded name.

Nothing on her website is confusing or hard to find. Everything is wrapped up in one cohesive bow. And it’s clear that her expertise is in DTC products serving mothers and children.

3. Add a well-developed portfolio

A portfolio is one of the first things clients will check for on your freelancing website. They want to see your past work to understand if you are a good fit for their needs.

Treat your portfolio like a trophy case. Highlight the shiniest things you’ve worked on. And don’t be afraid to toot your own horn. Put your best work, the stuff you’re most proud of, at the top to show off your skills.

If you are a freelance writer specializing in a few sectors, highlight each niche by creating separate categories and organizing your portfolio accordingly.

Looking for some inspiration? Use Alyssa Towns’ portfolio page as a guide.

You can share a few pieces from each niche to showcase your diverse skill set. Then share an additional link with the entire portfolio for filtering options by publication or subject.

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On the flip side, if you only have a few pieces of work to show off, that’s fine too. The goal is to give your clients a little sneak peek of what they can expect when they hire you.

4. Share a unique value proposition

As we mentioned earlier, the freelancing space is quite crowded. What do you bring to the table that makes your work unique from the next writer?

Clients can’t read minds. And first impressions count. You need to be very straightforward on your freelancing website about why you are the best person for the job.

Grace Baldwin outlines six reasons she’s the go-to freelancer for SaaS companies and proudly displays this information on her “About” page.

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Displaying your unique value proposition can have enough power to propel a client to book a discovery call or go right into placing orders. It’s a must-have.

5. Showcase client testimonials to build trust and credibility

In digital marketing, most businesses gather key customer information, like names, credit card details, and personal addresses. They use this data to help a business personalize content for the consumer.

Consumers love personalized experiences, but data privacy is a top concern. To follow privacy laws and keep consumer concerns at bay, companies generate a privacy policy to display on their website. This message assures customer that their sensitive data is safe.

Now, you might be wondering what this has to do with freelancers. Well, adding client testimonials to your freelancing website provides that same sense of trust with new visitors.

When it comes to selling a product or a service, trust is everything. So use positive reviews as evidence that you are the cream of the crop and produce high-quality work.

For example, if you worked on a project for a car cleaning business that sells various products like floor mat cleaner, leather cleaner, or tire shine, ask them if they would be willing to write a testimonial. Clients with a good experience are typically more than willing to share some kind words.

Once you have compiled a few positive testimonials, display them loud and proud by adding them to your portfolio page on your website. Or better yet, park them on your home page like freelancer Rochi Zalani does.

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People are more inclined to purchase from a business with positive customer feedback. Don’t underestimate the power of social proof. It builds a sense of trust in seconds.

6. Write an engaging “About” section

Freelancing websites are similar to employment websites: they aim to connect with the right people by reducing as much friction as possible.

For example, Salarship uses filtering on its website to make it easier for job seekers to find a job that fits their industry and experience without spending hours scouring through job listings.

And on a freelancing website, a client should be able to tell your expertise and niche within seconds of landing on your website.

Your important information should be easy to find on your home page or on a dedicated “About” page.

Ideally, you want to build a case that proves you can meet all of the client’s needs (and do it better than anyone else).

Not sure what to add to your “About” page? Take a note from Kelly Fiorini, who breaks down the process into three simple steps.

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Her strategy works because it shows that the process is simple. She is an expert in her craft, and the client barely has to lift a finger. It’s almost impossible to say no to purchasing the service.

7. Build a blog that positions your business as an industry leader

It’s crucial to produce top-notch work for your clients while managing various administrative duties that help keep your business running smoothly.

Balancing these responsibilities can be challenging, but focusing on process improvement for your work can help take your business to new heights.

With an efficient workflow and the proper tools, you can deliver the best content to your clients while simultaneously establishing yourself as an industry expert.

Agnee Ghosh does so by writing in-depth guides on becoming a freelance writer or overcoming burnout. When you can teach someone your craft, you know you are a subject matter expert.

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Plus, it’ll help drive organic traffic to your website. It’s a win-win.

8. Create compelling lead magnets

A high-quality lead magnet is another way to drive organic traffic to your freelancing website.

By sharing an SEO-friendly template or guide, your website can rank in search results whenever people look for information about that topic.

It can also help build your email list with leads who aren’t quite ready to commit.

For instance, Kelly Fiorini uses a free guide to teach people how to edit content and capture the email addresses of visitors who aren’t ready to spend money on outsourcing the editing process.

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But there’s still work to do after the lead hits the download CTA button. It’s critical to track these leads to determine where they are in the sales funnel and when to take action to move them closer to the sale.

Thankfully, you don’t have to do this all manually. With a tool like Plus, you can track and analyze your leads to engage at the right times and prevent warm leads from going cold.

9. Add your contact information

As basic as it sounds, make sure your contact information is easy to find.

Generating organic traffic to your website is hard enough. The last thing you want is for your visitors to bounce because they can’t find your email address or another way to get in touch with you.

Not sure how to display it? Use Jessica Jone’s website as the perfect example.

She created a dedicated landing page for customers looking for more information about her branding services. She also included a “Contact” link in the website header and footer, so it’s easy to find from any page on the site.

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You can also add a contact form if you want to streamline your emails into one CRM platform or share your direct email for simplicity.

10. Display a detailed pricing page

Reduce the time wasted on back-and-forth pricing conversations by creating a dedicated page for all your pricing information.

Emily Krings has a dedicated page that clearly outlines the price for her different services. Of course, there’s always room for custom quotes.

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But as someone who’s hired many freelance writers, the pricing page is one of the first things I look for on a freelancing website. Why? Because this information helps me understand if I can afford to hire the person.

After all, we’re all on a set budget. If the writer doesn’t fit within my allocated budget, I understand that I need to continue my search. But if the price falls within my desired range, I can continue my due diligence by checking out their portfolio and reading testimonials.

It’s important to note that the pricing page isn’t just beneficial to the client. It works both ways.

As the writer, it helps filter out clients that aren’t worth your time. Because there’s nothing more frustrating than spending days or weeks going back and forth over email just to find they can’t afford your rates.

Turn your freelancing website into a conversion powerhouse

The highest-converting freelancing websites cover all of the bases.

Little things matter, from a well-designed website with branded elements to properly displaying customer testimonials. The key is to reduce friction during the sales process and establish yourself as an expert in your niche.

It’s not always about increasing conversions—if you can also increase the lifetime value of each customer, that’s even better. So sprinkle in a few lead magnets to build your email list for future upselling or cross-selling opportunities.

With these simple tips, you’ll be on your way to creating a freelancing website that draws in visitors, builds trust from the start, and then turns them into brand advocates. And nothing is better than business from referrals.

For discounts and other offers on tools that’ll help you on your freelance journey, check out the AppSumo store. We have plenty of courses to help to grow your business to new heights.

That’s right.

Freelancing is a great way to gain experience as a business owner, supplement your income if you work full-time, and/or finally take that leap toward doing something you love.

If this sounds appealing to you, it’s worth knowing that success as a freelancer isn’t a given. But there are steps you can take to set yourself up for success.

Enter: Automation tools.

As a freelancer, automation is key to saving ample time on mundane, repetitive tasks. With automation tools, you can boost your productivity so you can get more done in less time.

Ready for a full overview of the top automation tools we recommend for freelancers? Today, you’re in for a treat.

Tools for time management 

With change data capture (CDC), you can transfer data in real time as changes happen.

Because critical systems contain essential data to help drive decisions, real-time access to this data is necessary to stay competitive.

Here are some tools that’ll allow you to track and manage the time you’re investing in your freelance pursuits:

1. Time Doctor

This SaaS tool offers a full host of time management solutions.

Some of its highlights include a time-tracking dashboard that allows you to keep track of your tasks, clients, and projects you’re working with and how much time you’re spending on each one.

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These detailed reports can help you calculate accurate invoices and payroll figures quickly and easily.

2. Toggl Track

Toggl Track (formerly known as Toggl) is another great option for monitoring and managing time. It offers efficiency-boosting features such as project rate billing, idle detection, and an offline timer.

Some of ToggleTracks most celebrated features include its intuitive, easy-to-use design and impressively equipped free version, which includes a timeline, auto-tracker, weekly reports, and more.

3. TimeCamp

TimeCamp’s suite of time management solutions is designed to help users make better decisions about their work.

In addition to offering attendance tracking and logging work time, this tool offers reports and insights that measure each activity’s productivity.

Tools for a steady workflow

With the use of remote support software tools, freelancers can connect to and manage devices from any location. This enables seamless process automation, remote maintenance of IT infrastructures, and quicker resolution for technical issues.

Here are some of our favorite remote support software tools for a steady workflow:

4. Trello

If ease of use is a priority for you when looking for software to help manage projects, Trello is an excellent option. Its design is built around Kanban-style boards that allow you to display elements of your work according to stages in a process.

Trello is easy to learn and implement and offers automation features like Butler, a bot feature that automates due date notifications, assignments, and other administrative tasks.

5. Todoist

This scheduling app allows you to create and add descriptions to items on your calendar and organize individual tasks into different projects. Once created, you can filter these tasks by assignment status and priority level.

Todoist is an affordable option for freelancers and small operators because its free version offers all of its signature features for up to five collaborators or 300 active tasks.

Tiered subscriptions are available if you need more collaborators or tasks.

6. Typedesk

Solo entrepreneurs and small teams reclaim several hours each week thanks to Typedesk. Create text shortcuts that work across all your apps and websites for all your repetitive text content!

Forget manual copy & paste and ditch repetitive typing!

7. HubSpot

HubSpot is a great tool if you’re looking to create a steady workflow for sales and other CRM-related tasks.

For example, HubSpot lead scoring can automatically calculate a customer’s propensity to make a purchase, saving you hours of prospect strategy work.

Tools for social media

Social media plays a big part in advertising your freelance services and booking new clients. Using a social media scheduler is an efficient way to schedule your social media posts, or even repost or curate posts from other sources automatically.

Here are some popular tools you can use to streamline social media marketing:

8. Buffer 

This management software has already become a popular tool for publishing and scheduling social media posts. Buffer has earned its reputation because of its ease of use and generous feature offering through its free version.

Users can choose between (or mix and match) features that analyze social media engagement, post and plan new content, and efficiently manage inboxes and messaging.

9. Hootsuite 

Hootsuite is one of the most all-inclusive options for automated social media management. With Hootsuite, you can schedule automated posts and uncover insightful analytics to see how well your social media content is performing.

Hootsuite can also help you add social listening, influencer identification, and other engagement analytics to your social media platforms.

10. Planable

As its name implies, Planable is a social media collaboration tool that emphasizes easy and efficient planning when automating post-scheduling and content management.

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Planable also offers a platform for client-user collaboration on social media projects and multiple options for customer support.

Tools for personal branding

Building a brand identity is an essential part of maintaining your business’ reputation. Use these tools and services to make sure your brand maintains a consistent look and feel:

11. Canva

Its accessibility, affordability, and robust free version make Canva one of the best-known options for basic graphic design and branded content creation.

Though not as advanced as Photoshop, Canva offers everything that you need to get started creating branded print and digital materials.

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The Brand Kit features are great for managing fonts, logos, and colors to help you maintain a consistent visual style.

12. Picsart

Design suites and photo editing tools are extremely useful and practical for freelancers that want to develop or improve their personal branding.

Picsart offers a wide range of options for perfecting the images you choose to represent your business. With Picsart, you can edit photos, choose from a large menu of layout and template options, and create multi-layered graphics.

13. Visme

Though pricier than other options, Visme offers users the ability to add a highly professional-looking touch to slideshows, presentations, and other visuals.

When you’re trying to make a positive impression on important stakeholders, Visme can help ensure that your social media posts, infographics, ads, and other materials have the polished visual aesthetics you need to stand out.

Tools for finance management  

Creating accounting reports as a freelancer can be challenging. Having a tool that automates these kinds of tasks can help you free up time to put in hours into the work that really matters.

Here are some great options to stay on top of the financial side of your freelance work:

14. Ruul 

Ruul offers a selection of finance-management tools including invoice options and payment collection.

It also enables users to manage and create legal documents like non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) and contracts. The ability to create, store, and share these materials all in one platform can have a huge impact on the efficiency of your workflow as a freelancer.

15. Bonsai

Are you looking for a financial management resource specifically designed for freelancers? Bonsai might be the answer.

In addition to the contract, expense, and payment management services, this suite of efficiency-promoting tools also overlaps with some of the time management workflow solutions mentioned earlier. This makes it an excellent value.

One standout feature is the option to create proposals with customized branding and package options.

16. Rippling 

Rippling is an all-inclusive HR software. It specifically supports finance management by offering payroll and benefits management — great features if you run a small team. Its features are also easy to customize and adjustable for businesses of all types and sizes.

Rippling also offers peace of mind by protecting user data through Amazon Web Services, which uses transport layer security (TLS) to secure sensitive information.

Tools for networking

Freelancers may enjoy more autonomy than other types of workers. But effective and accessible communication tools are still necessary.

Here are some resources to help everyone stay on the same page:

17. Slack 

As one of the best-known business messaging apps available, Slack offers a selection of highly customizable shared online spaces for communicating with colleagues.

This platform allows users to send asynchronous messages or chat in real-time. The service also allows users to schedule send messages and create “huddles” for teams to communicate about specific areas or projects.

18. LinkedIn

For many freelancers, LinkedIn has become an indispensable networking tool. It is, essentially, a social media platform specifically designed for nurturing business connections.

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Developing your presence on LinkedIn allows you to take advantage of features such as the ability to search among the vast number of job postings, companies, and potential professional connections.

Once you have made these connections, you can set your account to notify you of any invitations, endorsements, and other opportunities that your growing list of contacts may provide.

19. Indeed

If your freelance journey has led you to need the services of a job board, it’d be hard to find a more battle-tested option than Indeed.

Its familiar and easy-to-use design will come in handy whether you are seeking new opportunities for yourself or are ready to recruit new talent to join your work.

Bonus: 7 tips to succeed as a freelancer in the digital era

Aside from using automation tools to minimize administrative tasks, consider implementing the following tips to boost your freelancing career.

1. Develop a portfolio

Be prepared to showcase your best work.

Depending on your field, it may be helpful to present as much variety here as you can. For example, if you’re a freelance writer, feature examples of top-quality writing that focuses on a diverse assortment of topics.

2. Invest in your brand

Remember to keep the big picture in mind and consider the overall impression that your freelance work is making on clients and other stakeholders.

Strong branding will help develop a memorable identity for your endeavor that’ll pay off much longer than a one-time gig.

Visuals also matter! Design suites and photo editing tools are extremely useful for freelancers that want to develop or improve their personal branding.

3. Work with people you love

Be honest with yourself and others about whether or not you feel in alignment with the people you’re working with and the projects you’re working on.

Healthy, honest relationships with clients and colleagues are vital to staying in business for years to come.

4. Get a business license

You’ll have enough on your plate managing clients, projects, and connections. Don’t put yourself at risk of legal trouble by neglecting your profession’s governing body or the laws that apply in your city, state, or country.

5. Build rapport with other freelancers and clients

Engaging on networking platforms like the examples mentioned above may not lead to paid work every time.

But remember to be courteous and open-minded. Some of the connections you make could turn out to be highly valuable in the future.

6. Stay up-to-date on industry trends

Stay informed on the events, organizations, publications, and influencers that are driving your industry forward. Change is inevitable and you’ll need the information they provide to stay relevant.

7. Protect your clients

Being a freelancer doesn’t imply that you handle small or unimportant clients. Regardless of the level of business to which you provide services, maintaining data security is key.

Losing client information or data not only means risking hours of work that will have to be redone, but also the risk of compromising confidential information. Hence the importance of keeping information secure.

Maintaining data security is one part. The other is to ensure that data is adequately stored and backed up. Having a Virtual Dedicated Server (VDS) can help you store key information on your own site, so you can give access to your clients knowing that their information will be protected and backed up.

Companies like VPSBG allow businesses and freelancers to use their VDS services, offering them to make specific configurations to their needs, such as bandwidth, storage capacity, and automatic backups, among others.

Set your freelance business up for success

As a freelancer, you’ll inevitably face challenges over how to streamline your career—and you may not have a team of assistants at your fingertips every time.

But thankfully, technology has come to the rescue.

These automation tools can help you accomplish more with less hassle, so you can have time and energy to focus on more important aspects of your job.

The key is all in how you use them. Be sure to have a strategy in mind before implementing any of the tools we shared today.

For discounts and deals on more tools that help you on your freelance journey, check out the AppSumo store. We have many offers you might like.

Well, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll share the latest roundup of great ebook landing page examples you can leverage to design your own seamlessly. You’ll learn what’s unique about each, why it’s good, and the key takeaway you can emulate.

What is an ebook landing page?

An ebook homepage is the page that people from your audience go to in order to access, download or purchase your ebook.

The landing page copy is aimed at persuading readers of the unique selling point of the ebook.

Here’s anr example from Tinuiti where they promote the  State of Email ebook.

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1. The Headline tells what the ebook is about and the subheading helps readers visualize what the ebook can help them achieve.
2. The landing page features the image of the ebook, making it easy for the readers to also visualize what the document is about.
3. This paragraph gives readers some background on the “why” of this ebook.
4. Bullet points listing out what’s in the ebook and setting the reader’s expectations  from the get-go. Notice how each of these bullet points makes a promise that anyone serious about email marketing cannot resist.

The function of an ebook landing page is to bring together persuasive elements that collectively help convert more visitors into leads.

Now that you know what an ebook landing page is, here are the essential elements that make a great ebook landing page.

What makes an effective ebook landing page

Before we jump into showing different examples of excellent ebook landing pages, let’s first discuss what makes a good landing page.

A strong headline

The headline is the first thing visitors will see when they land on your ebook page, so you need to make sure it’s up to par—enticing visitors to stay and scroll through the entire landing page.

How do you craft a solid landing page?

• Be straightforward: It helps the reader have a clear idea of what’s in it for them. e.g., Free ebook: 15 Types of Emails Everyone Should Send
• Tell the readers the main benefit of reading your ebook. e.g., Goodbye Writer’s Block, Hello Smart Copy
• Stir your readers’ curiosity: This is essential to get your readers’ attention. e.g., Is Email Marketing Dead? Here’s What 15 Experts Had to Say

Eye-catching images

Using images on an ebook landing page helps to keep users’ attention and reduce bounce rates.

This is simply because we all respond to visual data and process it better than any other data type. Case in point: the human brain processes images 60,000 times faster than text.

Moreover, images can boost the conversion power of your ebook landing page. According to Social Media Today, companies that create custom visual content have a 7x higher conversion rate.

Here’s how to capitalize on images on your ebook landing page.

• Illustrate some of the written words to make the information more digestible.
• Create shareable visuals (make quotes and statistics visual).
• Tailor each visual to the required image size of different social media platforms.

A short and simple lead generation form

Your target audience should not have to go through hurdles or many pages before putting their finger on the ebook. Doing so will hinder the user experience, and eventually drive down your engagement metrics.

The lead generation form should be straightforward—including only the necessary fields. Some marketers even argue that simply asking for their name and work email is just enough.

A single and clear CTA

An ebook landing page should also have a compelling call to action. You can place the CTA button multiple times on the page, but it’s recommended not to use CTAs with different outbound links.

According to ZoomInfo, landing pages with one link resulted in an average conversion rate of 13.5%, while pages with two to four links (with different outbound destinations) resulted in an average conversion of 11.9%. For five or more links, conversions drop even lower, to 10.5%.

Compelling copy 

Your ebook landing page copy should have the sole goal of converting visitors. A common mistake most marketers make is limitingthe landing page copy to the description of the ebook.

Here’s what you should do instead:

• Tell readers how the ebook will change their lives. e.g., this ebook will help you increase your conversion rates and pipeline.
• Use social proof to convince readers to take action. e.g., this ebook has been downloaded by 150,000 marketers.
• Make your text easy to read by using short sentences and paragraphs.

Now that you know what makes a great ebook landing page, here are a few examples of landing pages to take inspiration from.

10 ebook landing page examples that generate leads

Here are our top picks for the best ebook landing pages you can learn from.

1. Salesforce’s CRM Handbook

What’s unique about it: A one-pager beautifully designed with Salesforce’s brand colors.

See it here

Why we think it is good

Right from the headline, Salesforce lets you know what the ebook is about and goes on to show you how you can leverage the handbook to get results for your company. They’ve kept the copy minimal, with only two well-spaced-out subheadlines that bring the reader more focused on the practical advice they’ll get from the book.

Salesforce added a TrustArc trust badge that lets visitors know their information is secure and that they can trust the content inside the ebook.

It should also be noted that this ebook is primarily used as a lead magnet for C-level executives. That’s why the lead capture fields are geared towards getting more information about the company.

Salesforce can then leverage this information to easily segment leads.

Key takeaways: Keeping your ebook landing page short is an effective way to keep your readers focused on your core message.

2. 100 Days Of Growth by Sujan Patel & Rob Wormley

What’s unique about it: A laser-focused CTA

See it here

Why we think it is good

Sujan Patel & Rob Wormley are successful marketers who wrote an ebook together and created a unique landing page that helped them make over 10,000 sales in 6 months. So, of course, there are several things the duo had to nail down well.

First, the bold and uppercase used let them put an emphasis on the headline. Also, the one-liner explanation sentence gets the point across and adds to the purpose of the ebook.

They also kept the content minimal but added several persuasive components to hook readers and get them to take their desired action of buying the ebook. For example, the subheading (“PROVEN WAYS TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS FAST”) shows what readers will get from the ebook, then adds a preview button that allows them to glimpse the content behind the paywall.

They also added testimonials from top marketers to make the landing page content more relatable and drive action from the target audience. They used the same call to action twice and placed it both above and below the fold to maximize clicks.

Key takeaways: Especially if you’re trying to sell your ebook, it’s a great idea to let your readers enjoy a preview of the actual book before they can commit to buying it.

3. Taboola’s 5 Steps to Launch a Great Discovery Campaign

What’s unique about it: Very minimal copy, more visual content

See it here

Why we think it is good

The first thing you’ll notice about Taboola’s ebook landing page is its unique design. It’s a single-page landing page divided into three easy-to-navigate sections highlighted by colors.

They added the “Download” CTA button to each section and made them stand out from the background using a different color.

The few words in the three sections explain the book’s content and its importance to the reader. In the second section, instead of using a lot of copy, Taboola has simply listed the 5 chapters that make up the execution of a discovery campaign. This way, visitors get a taste of what to expect after downloading.

The third section calls out their target audience and the unique results that using the ebook can bring them.

Key takeaways: Simplicity also wins when it comes to ebook landing pages. You can cutthe many words and leverage a great design to hook your readers.

4. Optimizely’s case study ebook collection

What’s unique about it: More words, less visuals.

See it here

Why we think it is good

Optimizely’s ebook landing page has more words than the three above. Still, they’ve managed to keep the design simple with straightforward typography and a harmonious color scheme.

This ebook landing page invites visitors to drill down into the ebook’s content. The landing page is divided into two sections. On the left side is the written content, and it leaves ample room for the extensive lead capture form on the right side.

Combined, the three descriptive sections provide an overview of the ebook and create expectations for readers. In essence, they provide the audience with the information they need and allow them to decide whether or not they want to proceed with the download.

Key takeaways: Being thorough in your ebook description on the landing page helps target those genuinely interested in your ebook.

5. Foundr’s Idea to Brand ebook

What’s unique about it: Using social proof and Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) to convince visitors to download their ebooks.

See it here

Why we think it is good

The most striking part about this landing page is the use of video testimonials. This constitutes compelling social proof, and when people see many customers describing how the ebook helped them build their business from the ground up, they are more likely to be convinced.

The landing page exploits the fear of missing out (FOMO) at the end to create a sense of urgency and prompt action. They also provide a sneak peek inside the ebook by sharing a few strategies the reader will discover and the exact pages where they’ll find them.

Interestingly, there is no clickable link on the landing page other than the CTA button. They used the same CTA button 5 times on the ebook landing page.

Key takeaways: You can also leverage psychological triggers like FOMO and social proofs to elicit action from your target audience.

6. Impressa Solution’s Guide to Outsourcing Blog Posts

What’s unique about it: Highlighting the ebook’s value

See it here

Why we think it is good

First thing, this landing page asks rhetorical questions to agitate the target audience’s pain points and then tells how the ebook will help alleviate those pain. They used a larger font to draw the reader’s attention to the questions and give them reasons to read the text below.

The text shows the value of using the ebook by mentioning the benefits and what you can do with the ebook. Also, the lead capture form they used is pretty minimalist and only requires the essential information like name and email address.

Key takeaways: Sometimes all you need to convert your target audience is to paint a picture of their life with your asset and show them how it makes it easier for them. Highlight the value of your asset to the audience.

7. Impraise’s Guide To Remote Performance Management

What’s unique about it: A straightforward and beautiful design that is constant with the company’s brand.

See it here

Why we think it is good

The most beautiful ebook landing page on our list goes to Impraise. They used an attractive color scheme to present a beautiful interface to the readers. The colors are consistent with the company’s brand and complement the typography used. They made the short lead capture form stand out by using white to break up the pale background color and dark orange to highlight the unique CTA on the landing page.

The content is limited to a few words and a snappy headline to describe what the ebook is about. They also used bullet points to list the most important takeaways users will gain from the content. At the bottom of the page, they listed recognizable companies they have worked with to boost their credibility and trust.

Key takeaways: Great design is as important as great writing.

8. FreeAgent’s Guide to Freelancer Finances

What’s unique about it: It lets readers preview every chapter.

See it here

Why we think it is good

The featured image indicates a unique resource with concrete actions to help the target audience get better at what they do.

They used checkboxes to draw readers’ attention to the three main results they could enjoy by applying the book’s advice.

The text on the top fold is kept very short, and they used a bright green color to make the CTA stand out and draw attention to it. As an alternative to the short copy, they let the preview links do most of the talking. They describe the ebook chapters in a few words and provide a link that readers can use to get an instant preview of each chapter.

Key takeaways: One of the best ways you can get somebody excited about your ebook is to give them a clear idea of what to expect from it. Providing a preview lets you do that very well.

9. Transform’s 98 Hunger Control Shake Recipes ebook

What’s unique about it: A simple lead capture form.

See it here

Why we think it is good

The headline and the unique CTA clearly mention the free aspect of the ebook to the reader. The design is quite simple and does not use too many colors and it features an illustration of the book in question. The minimal lead capture form only asks for the visitor’s name and email address to download the document.

The landing page also provides an overview of the problems the book solves and focuses on the specific takeaways their target audience will love. The authors also showcased the publications they have appeared in and added an interesting “about us” note below with a picture to build trust and credibility.

Key takeaways: Depending on your target audience, asking them to complete too many fields before downloading the ebook can hurt your conversion rate. Consider sticking to the core information you’ll need from them.

10. Net Solutions’ Marketing Strategies

What’s unique about it: Highlighting their unique selling point (USP) to compel readers to download.

See it here

Why we think it is good

The Net Solutions landing page is one of the simplest and most well laid out. The headline clearly describes what the ebook is about, and there is almost no descriptive content in the top fold. This helps them, direct readers, directly to the section where they present their unique selling point.

They clearly state what they are offering the reader and emphasize that factor to attract and hook people to download the ebook. They also use statistics and research data to make their point and convince visitors of the ebook’s value.

Key takeaways: Find what makes you stand out from the competing companies and use it to your advantage. Igniting your USP helps the reader see the unique value you’re bringing to their table.

What you need to do next!

By now, you probably have tons of ebook landing page ideas rushing into your head, and you can’t just wait to get started. Great!

Bringing your vision into a beautiful and well-optimized ebook landing can be challenging. It can require a lot of design skills and, mostly, your time. That’s why you need to kick things off  with tools that offer a library of ebook landing page templates and provide easy-to-use features to bring home your vision.

Here are a few tools you can use for this

• Page Maker: You can use this tool to create unique ebook landing pages that make a great first impression and drive tons of conversions in minutes. It also allows you to edit and manage your engagement metrics, thanks to its built-in analytics tools. The most exciting part is that it requires no prior experience or coding skills; the user-friendly interface does most of the legwork.
• Swipe Pages: This is a landing page builder that offers many templates that can inspire your ebook landing page. The interface is pretty intuitive, and the drag and drop feature makes creating a landing page a breeze. Here again, you don’t need to be a coding junkie to design a professional-quality ebook landing page.
• Way: This is also an easy, no code, drag-and-drop, and component-ready platform you can use to bring any ebook landing page design vision into reality. This works especially great for marketing and sales teams and can help create beautiful and responsive ebook landing pages in seconds.

When it comes down to it—it’s all a small business really needs to care about. It’s the commonly desired outcome that underlies every strategy, every objective, and every KPI of basically any business.

So why is it so hard to achieve?

For small businesses and freelancers, it may feel as though growth is only accessible if you can get your hands on huge piles of cash.

We’re here to tell you that’s not the case, thankfully.

Growth marketing has emerged as a potent practice for business growth in recent years, utilizing data and digital tools to identify and act on high-return marketing opportunities.

But what is it, really? Why is it so powerful, and what are the strongest, most foundational growth marketing strategies you can implement today to multiply your business’s bottom line?

What is growth marketing?

Though you’ve probably heard the term slung around, growth marketing (also sometimes called growth hacking) is still a relatively new practice.

The approach marries the existing body of work around the theory of marketing with the use of digital analysis and tools. Combined, you can garner insights on where and how to most effectively achieve rapid, scalable growth—which is the highest goal of any growth marketer.

In this way, growth marketing is as much a management philosophy as it is a business practice.

Companies like Airbnb and Uber are good examples of the ideal of growth marketing.

They both prioritized aggressive growth, reach, and influence in their earlier years over traditional business metrics like profitability and having a positive balance sheet.

Of course, the results were mixed. But there’s no denying the effectiveness of the approach in getting their services out there to a global audience and making their respective founders very wealthy.

Why do you need it?

So why should you consider growth marketing over the tried-and-tested legacy marketing approach?

For starters, your competition is likely on board the growth marketing hype train—and not just because it’s trendy. In business, if an approach is effective, it will be used against you.

And growth marketing is certainly effective. At this point, no one would deny the utility of SEO (search engine optimization), email marketing, and A/B testing—all of which are growth marketing tools.

To help you on your journey, here are 8 easy-to-implement, high-return growth marketing strategies used by small businesses to achieve insane growth.

8 effective growth marketing strategies for small businesses

1. Leverage user-generated content

Here’s yet another acronym to add to your business dictionary: UGC.

UGC, or user-generated content, is what it sounds like—material generated by consumers relating to the brand or company.

The most common examples of UGC include user reviews of products, pictures or video stories of the product experience on social media, or testimonials.

Clever marketers can repurpose this content in their own marketing communications, which is not only cost and time-effective but also offers several unique benefits.

One major benefit is an enhanced feeling of authenticity. Audiences absorb positive sentiments about a company to a greater degree when it’s coming directly from real people like themselves.

The most famous example comes from Starbucks, which challenged its customers to design their own versions of the company’s red cups with the hashtag #RedCupArt, with far-reaching results.

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Thousands of posts from customers eager to get their designs featured were generated as a result of this challenge. That left Starbucks with a lot of marketing material at the sweet cost of zero dollars.

EmbedSocial suggests that 93% of marketers who practice both UGC and non-UGC techniques agree that UGC content performed better than traditional branded content on social media.

How might your business do the same? Alternatively, consider whether your enterprise already has UGC at the ready that you just haven’t utilized in your marketing yet. This could be something like product reviews or customer images.

2. Hyper-personalize your campaigns

The mass marketing approach is a privilege awarded to companies with products and services broad enough to be targeted to anyone at all. Think Coke, for example.

Chances are, this isn’t a viable option for your business. So flip it on its head—what about micro-marketing?

Micro-marketing is the practice of adjusting your marketing communications to suit the needs and preferences of an increasingly smaller group of people.

The idea is that the smaller the group of people, the more personal you can make your communications. And more personal communications indicate true familiarity, care, and attention. This leads to a greater response.

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This is why 99% of marketers say that personalization helps enhance customer relationships.

But how do you go about making your marketing hyper-personal?

It starts with great CRM (customer relationship management) software. This is software that collates data collected from customers into a database where meaningful insights can be identified.

For example, Salesforce lead scoring ranks prospective customers to assess their viability in the sales funnel. With the highest-ranking leads identified, you can then craft highly-targeted campaigns directed to them that draw from their preferences, purchase behaviors, and other elements to increase the chances of conversion and retention—key growth metrics.

3. Practice omnichannel marketing

Omnichannel marketing is the practice of crafting seamless customer experiences across a multitude of marketing channels.

Distinct from simply running your communications across several channels, omnichannel marketing aims to offer individual customers the same repeatable and reliable purchasing experience they’d get on your primary channel (say, your ecommerce site) across all the other touchpoints of your business.

For example, if you were running a price promotion campaign across print and digital channels, an omnichannel approach would seek to synchronize the percentage discount, creative materials, copy, and landing page to each other. This offers a consistent experience regardless of where the customer is acquired.

In practice, doing omnichannel right is simple enough. You can synchronize creative content across your business by using talented copywriters, for example.

The real challenge comes from instituting an omnichannel approach from within the operational departments of the business. But, if you can achieve that, you stand to benefit by satisfying customers equally no matter the source, leading to far greater positive word-of-mouth, and hopefully, growth.

Benefit how much, exactly? Well, Omnisend identified a 287% greater purchase rate with omnichannel campaigns compared to single-channel in their research.

4. Create relevant content regularly

If you’re like most entrepreneurs, you probably think of content production as a necessary evil.

It requires constant input and attention, the return on investment isn’t immediate, and it likely means you’re going to have to spend a lot of time updating your social media pages.

But, when done right, producing content your customers value is a sure-fire way of increasing brand familiarity, multiplying conversions, and unlocking foundational growth.

Content production shows authority on a subject, engages prospective customers, and ranks you higher in search and discovery.

Look at how this language tutoring company uses content to its advantage.

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By offering bite-size snippets of genuinely valuable content to its language-learning audience (this example teaches some common American conversational phrases), they turn what is typically used as a pure advertising channel into a place to engage, learn from, and share with other language users—AKA, other prospective customers.

5. Repurpose old content

Speaking of content, you don’t have to go hiring a social media agency and hiring content marketers to offer something truly valuable to your audience

Instead, why not go through the archives?

If your business direction hasn’t changed beyond recognition, then you likely have a treasure-trove of content ready to be dusted off and repurposed for new growth.

Could that old blog that still has strong search intent be split into a series of social media posts?

What about that infographic you commissioned, could you turn it into a video to support your YouTube presence?

Repurposing content is great for a cash-strapped business, as it can often be done without the use of professional help. If you are repurposing images from previous campaigns, you can even use a free online photo editor to avoid paying someone to do it. If done correctly, it won’t be perceived as old by the audience.

6. Invest in white-hat SEO and link building

If you’re not familiar with the intricacies of SEO and link-building, we get it.

It’s complex, somewhat mysterious, and subject to constant change.

This is why it’s probably a good idea to outsource it to experienced, trusted professionals.

It’s expensive but totally worth the investment. Performed correctly and consistently, white-hat SEO and link building are reliable methods for getting your business to the top of Google’s first one for key search terms.

“White-hat” is Google’s term for SEO that is above board. It’s fair, compliant with Google’s guidelines, and conducted in a way that benefits users. Practices like link and keyword-stuffing, or using automated link-building software are “black-hat” examples, and they could cause you to incur penalties.

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Here’s some insight from Justin Grossbard, the co-founder of the foreign exchange market comparison company Compare Forex Brokers on the power of link-building.

7. Offer something free and valuable

This may seem old-hat to you entrepreneurs who’ve been in the game for a while, but its long-term usage does nothing to reduce its effectiveness.

People love free stuff. Maybe now more than ever.

There are a million ways to do this, from free trials to welcome gifts, promotional stationery, high-end branded gifts and basically just giving your product away for free.

The power and efficiency of giving away free promotional products can be truly astonishing in terms of impressions. An ASI report suggests that a branded pen that costs $1 will be kept for an average of nine months and generate 3,000 impressions. That’s 1/10th of a cent per impression.

You can slap your logo on any number of white-label products destined for promotional giveaways. But there are a few tips and tricks here to maximize their effectiveness.

First, give something that has high utility. Bags, pens, and clothing are all good examples, as they can and probably will be used a lot over time.

However, when designing your promotional products it is essential that you brand it properly. There is no point in investing in merchandise if everyday people do not recognize and remember your brand. That is why it’s recommended to use a combination mark logo in these cases, as visuals and words together offer multiple visual cues that increase retention of the logo in people’s memories.

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8. Work with micro-influencers and affiliates

We spend most of our time hammering home our company’s messaging to our existing and target audiences.

The thing is, you’re often preaching to the choir. Being comfortable and preaching to your existing audience won’t lead to the kind of explosive growth you’re looking for here.

So, instead, why not leverage an existing audience by working with micro-influencers and affiliates?

They’ve worked hard to build a large number of highly-engaged fans, and if your niche overlaps with theirs in some meaningful way, collaboration is all it would take to reap the benefits of their tireless efforts (and vice-versa).

For example, see how these travel nursing agencies partnered with nursing career guidance company BetterNurse to take advantage of its audience (professional or trainee nurses).

By being featured on a webpage where nurses from around the world congregate, they have effectively created an onboarding funnel.

But that’s not all—BetterNurse benefits from this as well by earning a referral fee for every nurse who signs up.

Think about how you can work with influencers and affiliates—maybe you could turn your fiercest competitor into your closest ally.

Unlocking growth

If there are a thousand ways to skin a cat, then there are at least a million ways to grow your business.

Putting growth at the top of your priorities (even over profitability) is a worthy strategy that has paid off for some of the world’s most influential companies.

Be creative, don’t be afraid to try new things, and understand that explosive growth could be one under-examined strategy away.