Some people love working locally. I’m not one of those people because I don’t like a bunch of in-person meetings, but there are freelancers out here who do a great job serving the people who live nearby…that’s not everybody though.
Some of us start local because it’s comfortable and seems to make sense, only to end up feeling like it’s not working out. If that’s you, it might be time to dig into some secondary niches on top of keeping things local.
Local + Freelancing
If local is your thing, don’t give up on freelancing in your immediate area until you try some new approaches.
You might want to add larger or higher-end business dimension to your niche — for example, if you’re working with non-profits, try dedicating half your business to bigger names vs. ones that are still trying to find their footing.
You might also think about specializing in an industry. Independent professionals like doctors and lawyers might need your help connecting with local clients, or if a particular industry is big in your area (like travel/tourism, manufacturing, or education), think about working with them AND the vendors that serve them.
Still having trouble nailing down a niche? Come talk to other freelancers to get a better picture and outside perspective that can make your freelance life a lot easier.
Megan