The Joys of Working with Startups

Freelance Marketers in Startups and SME Businesses

I love working as a freelance marketer for small and new businesses. Why do I love working with SMEs are Startups?

Thanks for asking!

4 reasons to love working for small businesses:

1. Malleability

   
   
   
   Startups have to adapt rapidly all the time. In the early stages, routes to success are hazy and distant. To clear that misty path, you must explore, create and be willing to fail. There is room for experimentation and that room is a playground for freelance marketers.
   
   Also the word “malleability” trips off the tongue in the most delightful way, so any opportunity to use it!
   
   

2. Trim Practices

   
   
   
   What do I mean by trim practises? SMEs don’t have surplus resources to throw around so they trim the fat. Internal structures are simpler in small businesses. That means there isn’t a frilly team structure or rigid protocols for every task. Complex management hierarchies overcomplicate communication and big HR departments triple the admin.
   
   SMEs and startups streamline their teams to make sure they are economical with resources and that makes life much simpler for freelance marketers like myself too. Getting the sign-off to try a new marketing approach is quick and easy.
   
   Streamlined practices usually equals sustainable practises too.
   
   

3. Tradition is a Dirty Word

   
   
   
   Tradition is the enemy of innovative new business and startups are rewriting the old rules. Best practice is what we decide it should be, not what our predecessors chose for us. There is a paradigm shift happening in employment and startups are leading the charge. With that comes transparent salaries, remote working opportunities and mental health support.
   
   I struggled with the framework of the 9-to-5 and decided to make my working life work for me instead. I now work as a freelance marketer and content creator and I choose to work with likeminded organisations that align with my working ideals.
   
   

4. Bold & Brave Personalities

   
   
   
   When I’m working with any new client, even more important than a goldmine of assets is a strong brand personality AND the willingness to show it. Established businesses can end up having a public image straitjacket that marketers struggle to escape. They grow concerned about losing customers and being too bold with their political stances on hot topics.
   
   But research shows that customers like brands to show their politics and affiliations. Transparency leads to trustworthy, likeable brands who gather a community of likeminded customers to them as a result. Startups and micro-businesses do this very well.

Working as a freelance marketer for small businesses can of course have its downsides too but for my part, the pros outweigh the cons.

I help small businesses in Norwich, Norfolk and beyond to boost their organic marketing strategy. If you think I could be right for your start up or SME, get in touch.

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