In the social media age we’re living in, you can lose your reputation in the blink of an eye. And that’s a problem, because your reputation is everything in the freelance industry. But never fear — today we’re talking about 10 different ways you can establish your reputation as a freelancer or virtual assistant. Join us as we discuss practical strategies you can implement right now to impress both current and potential clients!   Podcast Outline: [0:00] Introduction to the topic of building a great reputation as a freelancer - Craig explains the importance of your reputation and tells a story that illustrates how companies can quickly earn a bad reputation.    10 Ways to Build a Good Reputation as a Freelancer or Virtual Assistant [3:20] #1 Design a great online presence - the importance of having a good website that will impress potential clients, along with other key elements to include in your online presence.  [6:14] #2 Specialize your services - two options for specializing your services and reasons why they establish a good reputation with your audience. [7:41] #3 Publish good content - tips on how to be a content marketer and examples of different platforms you can use to publish content. [8:46] #4 Build your email list - how giving away free value-added content allows you to nurture relationships and ultimately establish your reputation. [9:43] #5 Overdeliver on your services - examples of how you can serve clients well and exceed their expectations. [11:00] #6 Contribute to your community - an illustration of how you can invest in local networking or online communities in a way that will inevitably build your reputation. [11:59] #7 Solve problems with your services and content - how to be solution-focused with all the content you’re sharing online and presenting on your website in your services page. [13:20] #8 Showcase your portfolio and/or testimonials - advice for different types of testimonials to put on your website and different items to put in your portfolio to leverage the power of social proof. [14:35] #9 Onboard with excellence - how to create a seamless onboarding process to impress new clients. [15:58] #10 Actively learn new skills and gather certifications - the value of certifications and how they demonstrate your commitment to professional development. Craig shares examples of certifications and badges you can share on social media and post on your website. [16:59] Recap of the 10 ways to build your reputation as a freelancer or virtual assistant - Craig explains how you can implement these strategies in your own business. [18:02] How to learn more about acquiring new skills and leveling up your current skill sets at Freelance University    Resources and tools discussed in this episode: Freelance University  Website Writing Success course Facebook Groups  WordPress  Squarespace  Wix  LinkedIn  Kajabi   YouTube  ConvertKit  LinkedIn Recommendation  Facebook Review  Instagram  Upwork  Rotten Tomatoes Asana  Trello