As a digital nomad, one of your biggest challenges is convincing clients to choose you over large businesses. You may wonder how you can compete with well-established companies with more resources and experience. The good news is that there are several things you can do to set yourself apart and communicate your value, and this article will discuss some of the most effective strategies for doing just that!
Obstacles digital nomads face when competing against large businesses
As a digital nomad, there are a few key obstacles you face when competing against large businesses:
- Lack of resources: Digital nomads are usually individuals or very small teams, which means they lack the resources that larger companies have. This can make it difficult to compete on things like price or marketing. However, it is essential to remember that digital nomads are also very agile and can move much faster than larger businesses. This can be a significant advantage!
- Lack of experience: Another common obstacle digital nomads face is lack of experience. This can be challenging when convincing clients that you are the best option for their needs.
- Lack of name recognition: Another obstacle digital nomads face is the lack of name recognition. This can be hard when attracting cold leads or clients unfamiliar with your work.
- Perceived risk: When choosing between a digital nomad and a large business, some clients may perceive the digital nomad as riskier. This is because they may not have the same level of stability or reputation as a more significant business.
- They may offer lower prices than you: One of the essential advantages of large companies is their ability to provide lower prices. This is because they have economies of scale and can often get discounts on advertising or office space. As a digital nomad, you may not be able to compete on price.
Strategies for Overcoming Obstacles
Here are a few strategies you can use to overcome the obstacles we discussed above:
Develop a niche
One way to set yourself apart from larger businesses is to develop a niche. This could be anything from specializing in a particular industry or type of work to targeting a specific geographic region. By developing a niche, you can become an expert in your field and be seen as a valuable resource to potential clients.
In contrast to large businesses, which often have a more general focus, developing a niche allows you to show potential clients that you understand their specific needs. This can be a strong selling point when competing against larger businesses. With a niche, you can also develop targeted marketing campaigns and attract clients who are already interested in your offer.
Build a strong portfolio
Another way to set yourself apart from larger businesses is to build a strong portfolio, and this is one of the best ways to show potential clients that you can handle their projects. When making your portfolio, be sure to include examples of work that are relevant to the client’s needs.
In contrast to large businesses, which may have template portfolios that show various work, digital nomads can tailor their portfolios to each client. This allows you to show that you are familiar with the client’s industry and have the skillset required to complete their project.
Invest in local SEO
Investing in local SEO can be a great way to attract clients if you are targeting a specific geographic region. Local SEO is optimizing your website and online presence for local search results. This can be done by creating content relevant to the area you are targeting and making sure your website and contact information are up-to-date.
In contrast to large businesses, which often have a national or even global focus, you can appear in search results before them by investing in local SEO. This is because you are targeting a specific geographic region, which gives you an advantage in the search results. In addition, some businesses will be more inclined to work with a local provider that they can meet in person if needed.
Offer a free consultation
One way to overcome the perceived risk of working with a digital nomad is to offer a free consultation. This allows potential clients to get to know you and your work before committing to anything. During the consultation, you can learn about the client’s needs and show them how you can meet those needs.
In contrast to large businesses, which may have a sales team focused on getting a commitment from potential clients, digital nomads can offer a more personal touch by meeting with clients one-on-one. This allows you to build trust and show that you are invested in understanding the client’s needs.
Develop relationships with other businesses
Another way to set yourself apart from large businesses is to develop relationships with other companies in your industry or region. These could be suppliers, manufacturers, or even other service providers. By developing relationships with other businesses, you can show potential clients that you are a part of a larger community.
Though large businesses may have internal teams to handle all their client’s needs like marketing and sales, digital nomads can develop their own network of specialized service providers. If you can establish relationships with other businesses that are the best in their field, you can offer potential clients a complete package that boasts a team of experts.
Build relationships
Another strategy for winning over clients is to build relationships. This could involve networking with potential clients or referral partners or simply keeping in touch with past clients. Building relationships can create long-term connections that will be valuable to you and your client.
In contrast to large businesses, which often have a more transactional approach, developing relationships shows potential clients that you are interested in more than just making a sale. This can be an essential differentiator when competing against larger businesses.
Focus on quality
When competing against large businesses, it is essential to focus on quality. This could mean anything from delivering superior customer service to providing high-quality work products. Focusing on quality can show potential clients that you are dedicated to meeting their needs and exceeding their expectations.
In contrast to large businesses, which often have a mass-market approach, focusing on quality shows potential clients that you are willing to go the extra mile for them. Sending hand-written thank-you notes or following up after a project is completed can be small but impactful ways to show your dedication to quality.
Build a strong online presence
Another way to set yourself apart from larger businesses is to build a strong online presence. Previously, a single person couldn’t compete with a large company regarding things like advertising or website design. But with the rise of social media and other online tools, it is now possible for individuals to create a professional-looking online presence that can rival that of a large business.
Building a strong online presence can be an important way to show potential clients that you are serious about your work and invested in promoting your brand. Creating a blog, designing a professional website, and maintaining active social media accounts are great ways to build your online presence.
Final thoughts
When competing against large businesses, digital nomads have a few distinct advantages. By being personal and focusing on quality, digital nomads can set themselves apart from the competition and win over clients. Additionally, building relationships is key to success in this industry, as is having a strong online presence. With these tools at their disposal, digital nomads have what it takes to be successful in the business world. What strategies will you implement to convince more clients to choose you?
