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<p><em>Are you sure you want to become a photographer? There are already a lot! Will you manage to pay all your bills if you are a graphic designer or a virtual assistant? The market is already saturated! How many times did we hear this type of comment? Today, let us give you a few tips on standing out when you work in a competitive market. Indeed, it can be more challenging, but it is not impossible.</em></p> <p></p> <h3>Starting as a freelancer is not always easy</h3> <p>Here is a reminder: becoming a freelancer or an entrepreneur is not only rainbows. You need to consider financial insecurity and the search for interesting clients and projects while trying to earn an emergency or a retirement fund. It can even be more difficult for those who work in a more competitive market.</p> <p>A way to face this instability is to keep your job and work on your projects on evenings and weekends, the time to get enough revenue. Some also choose to get a part-time job to ensure being able to pay the bills. Nevertheless, there are several advantages to becoming an entrepreneur and your own boss. It can bring you more flexibility, whether it is regarding the schedule, the place of work, or the projects. Whatever your job title, there are strong chances that you can manage to get clients.</p> <p></p> <h3>Five tips to stand out in a competitive market</h3> <p>Now, what can you do if you have the impression of being invisible because there are already many people providing services in your field? What can you do to stand out from the crowd and get clients? We found five tips to help you.</p> <p></p> <p><strong>Aim for a strong contact network</strong></p> <p>What helps a freelancer to be successful when they start? A website or social media pages may not make a tremendous difference at this step. To stand out in a competitive market, we suggest to aim for a strong network of contacts. Indeed, your entourage can make a significant difference by recommending you when they see a relevant business opportunity. Consequently, do not hesitate to tell your friends and family that you are seeking<a href="https://www.momenteo.com/blog/how-to-find-your-first-customers" target="_blank"> your first clients</a>. Then, try to meet other professionals.</p> <p></p> <p><strong>Get a flawless brand image</strong></p> <p>Then, what can you do to increase your chances of having someone who wants to work with you? Another strategy to help you stand out is having a flawless brand image. At one glance, your potential clients will know you are credible and professional. It is true that when you start, you might not have the budget to hire a graphic designer or a brand strategist, but remember to use consistency. Use the same brand components (logo, color palette, font, tone) everywhere, whether on your website, social media, or important documents.</p> <p></p> <p><strong>Find what makes your offer unique</strong></p> <p>Standing out is vital if you feel that the market is too competitive or saturated. But what can you do to achieve it? One of the first steps is to analyze your competitors and the other professionals in your field. What types of services do they offer? What are the most important competitive advantages? After this analysis, find what makes you and your offer unique and try to meet your potential clients&rsquo; needs. It can be to look for a specific target audience, the fees, the inclusions, etc. If you have watched Breaking Bad or Better Call Saul, Saul Goodman is a good example of a professional who successfully stood out from the crowd. Whether it is with its target audience or colorful suits, he knows how to be noticed.</p> <p>Discover <a href="https://www.momenteo.com/blog/saul-goodman-best-strategies-for-entrepreneurs-and-freelancers">Saul Goodman&rsquo;s best strategies for entrepreneurs</a>.</p> <p></p> <p><strong>Participate in events</strong></p> <p>Another way to stand out from the competition when you are in a competitive market is to participate in various events. Be visible! It can be to attend networking events, participate in training courses or webinars, or participate in professional happy hours. It will allow you to improve your network and get the opportunity to discuss with your target audience. It could also be interesting to register for relevant courses or work from a <a href="https://www.momenteo.com/blog/9-benefits-of-working-from-a-coworking-space" target="_blank">coworking space</a> occasionally. In sum, do not stay home 24 hours a day and seven days a week.</p> <p></p> <p><strong>Provide excellent service</strong></p> <p>Finally, to stand out in a competitive market, remember to offer excellent service to your clients. More precisely, as mentioned by Michel in his portrait of a freelancer interview, &lsquo;&rsquo;under promise and over deliver!&rsquo;&rsquo; By ensuring you meet your clients&rsquo; needs, you increase your chances of them wanting to work with you again and refer you to others, which can give you a hand in making your business grow. Moreover, you could also take the time to collect testimonials from satisfied clients and display them on your website or social media to increase your credibility.</p> <p></p> <p>In conclusion, finding your first interesting clients and projects may take a little more time. Whether you want to be a freelance photographer, graphic designer, or virtual assistant, there is likely some place for you and your services. You only need to use relevant strategies to make yourself known and go one step at a time.&nbsp;</p> <p></p>