Hey there, it's Jianne from MYZD! Let's chat about something that can really kick your freelance career into high gear here in the Philippines - having a professional website. It's not just an online version of your portfolio, my friends. It's like your secret weapon to help you rise above the crowded freelance market, reel in more clients, and ultimately, level up your career.

Alright, let's dive into the nitty-gritty of why having a pro website is so important for freelancers, the cool benefits it offers, and the different paths you can take to build your own. Buckle up and let's get going!

The Hiring Process: Your Website's Role

Picture this: A potential client or hiring manager is checking you out as a freelancer. They'll typically go through a three-step dance: skim through your resume, scroll down your social media channels, and hop onto your website. Your resume is like the appetizer, giving an overview of your skills and experience, your social media channels add some flavor, offering a peek into your personality, but the main course? That's your website.

Think of your website as your online casa. It's your space to show off your work, spill the tea on your services, and flaunt some glowing testimonials from your happy clients. Plus, it's a platform where you can strut your stuff - be it blog posts, videos, or any other content that screams 'expertise'. A professional website serves up a full, delicious picture of who you are, what you can do, and why clients should totally hire you.

Social Media vs. Website: The Smackdown

Now, don't get me wrong, social media channels like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram can be handy for waving your freelance flag, but they don't quite measure up to having a professional website. Here's why:

• Control: Imagine you've just crafted the perfect post showcasing your latest project, complete with photos and a witty caption. You upload it to your favorite social media platform... and it gets buried under a pile of memes, political rants, and cat videos. On your website, though, that post is front and center, greeting every visitor with a dazzling display of your skills. It's like comparing having a billboard on a busy highway (your website) versus a flyer tacked onto a crowded bulletin board (social media). Your website is your kingdom, where you call the shots. You decide what goes in, how it's presented, and when to tweak things. With social media, you're playing by their rules and algorithms.

• Credibility: Picture this: you're a potential client, and you've got two freelancers in mind. Freelancer A has a LinkedIn profile with a nice headshot and a list of skills. Freelancer B, on the other hand, has a sleek, professional website with a portfolio of work, glowing testimonials, and a blog full of insightful articles. Who are you going to trust more? That's right, Freelancer B. Your website is like your 24/7 sales rep, always there to make a solid first impression and convince clients you're the real deal. A pro website is like your online business suit, giving you instant credibility. It tells potential clients you mean business, and you've poured time and effort into showcasing your work like a pro.

• Visibility: Imagine you're a tiny boat in the vast ocean, trying to get noticed by passing ships (aka potential clients). Social media is like a small flare, visible for a while but easily lost amidst other distractions. But a website? That's like a lighthouse, standing tall and shining brightly, guiding those ships straight to you. Plus, with the right SEO magic, your website can appear right when clients are actively searching for the services you offer. Now, isn't that a nice scene? A website is like your online beacon, helping you get spotted in the vast sea of the internet. By sprucing up your website for search engines, you can reel in clients hunting for the specific services you offer.

So, there you have it. The smackdown of social media vs. website. While both have their place in your freelance toolkit, when it comes to control, credibility, and visibility, a professional website is your undisputed champion.

Your Website-Building Options

So, ready to build your website? You've got a couple of routes you can take:

• DIY: Roll up your sleeves and build your website yourself using website builders like Wix or WordPress. This route needs a bit of time and tech know-how, but it hands you the reins to your site.

• Hire a Freelancer: If the DIY route isn't your cup of tea, you can hire a freelance web designer. This might put a dent in your wallet, but it can result in a pretty snazzy-looking site.

Each option has its pros and cons, and the best one depends on your needs, skills, and budget. But what if you could get the best of both worlds? Imagine having a snazzy, professional-looking website without spending a fortune or pulling your hair out over tech woes? That's where MYZD steps in!

MYZD to the Rescue

Let me introduce you to MYZD, a website builder right here in the Philippines, designed specifically for freelancers like you who want to boost their online presence but without the usual fuss and muss. We get it; creating a professional website can feel like scaling a mountain, especially if you're not tech-savvy. That's why we've worked our magic to take that stress right off your plate.

With MYZD, you can forget about coding, designing, or maintaining your website. Leave all that to us! Our team of wiz kids works tirelessly to create a website that shines a spotlight on your unique brand and showcases your work in the best possible light. And the cherry on top? Our service is available for just 400php/month (for you early birds. Limited slots only).

Choosing MYZD isn't just about getting a professional website. It's about getting more time to focus on your freelance work and less time sweating over tech headaches. It's a win-win!

So there you have it, folks! Having a professional website can seriously amp up your freelance career in the Philippines. It boosts your visibility, ramps up your credibility, and enhances client engagement. So why wait? Take the next step in your freelance journey and jazz up your online presence with MYZD. Your dream website is just a few clicks away. Let's get started!