Building a Successful Self-Employed Journey: My Social Media Strategy

Since embarking on my self-employed journey and building a clear networking strategy, I’ve found myself in places I never expected to go with social media. As someone who has always kept a small presence on platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn, it feels strange to now say that, in building my business and striving to market my services to as many potential leads as possible, I now use Instagram, Snapchat, and even BlueSky as part of my social media toolkit.

Marketing is crucial for any business, but so is having a network of colleagues and professionals who will recommend your skills. Traditionally, LinkedIn has been the go-to platform for businesses to market themselves. However, since the beginning of this year, in order to attract potential clients, I’ve focused on exploring cost-effective ways to raise my profile. I’m proud to say that to date, my marketing costs have remained under four figures, and I’m thrilled to share that I’m now also registered on the following directories:

Cambridge Network

UK Business list

NextDoor

The combination of using LinkedIn and other tools has allowed me to generate some leads with positive results. While setting up these valuable platforms, along with becoming a member of the Chartered Quality Institute and IPSE, has taken up a significant amount of time, I’m extremely proud of the effort I’ve put in to build momentum for long-term success.

For anyone considering the leap into self-employment and running your own business, my experience so far has shown that persistence, despite the occasional setback, truly pays off. It’s also essential to stay focused on why you’re making this change—it strengthens your determination to succeed. For me, my drive is my family. This isn’t just about the present; it’s about the future and showing my children the importance of hard work, while also giving them something to be proud of.

Though I’m still in the early stages, with a few agreements already in place and more to come, I’m incredibly proud of what I’ve achieved so far. The hours I’ve dedicated to marketing my business, knowing that the hard work will pay off, have been worth it. And as I write this post today, sitting in the comfort of my garden on a sunny day, I feel that this journey has also helped shape me into a different person. The main reason behind it all? To spend more quality time with my family.

If you’re thinking about making that leap, go for it. Strive for that balance between work and home life. But, be honest with yourself—things may be challenging at first. However, the rewards will come with persistence and hard work.