Photo credit: Kalexanderson via Visual Hunt / CC BY-NC-ND
Can you build a professional freelance website by using free WordPress themes? Absolutely. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the enormous number of templates out there, but at the end of the day, it’s all about finding a theme that has the right components for what you’re trying to share. And most freelancers can accomplish that goal with free themes.
Just like with any profession, freelancers can follow many different career paths. What a freelance accountant’s website needs, for example, will be different from a photographer.
In today’s post, I’ve rounded up 19 free WordPress themes and categorized them by the different types of freelancers. I hope it helps you create a strong website to showcase your work, gain new clients and accomplish your goals.
Administration
When you’re working in business administration, clients will look for someone that they trust. The responsibilities vary depending on your specialty. Clients may need you to handle the face of their company (e.g. Customer Service Representatives, Personal Assistants). Or they’re looking for someone to manage internal tasks (e.g. Project Managers, Medical Transcriptionists, Researchers and Business Consultants). Regardless of your role, you need to establish trust.
You can start that process by choosing the right theme. You’ll want to find WordPress templates that are responsive, professional and have a bit of a corporate vibe. Here are my favorites:
Responsive
Minamaze
Multimedia Production
Videographers, animators, voice talent and audio producers gain clients by showing off skills. You want a theme with multimedia capabilities; something that can easily showcase your video or audio work.While that may seem like a lot to ask from free themes, it’s really not. Here are some great ones:
Serene
Onetone
Marketing & Advertising
As a marketer or advertising specialist, it’s important to show that you’re up-to-date on the ever-evolving standards in the online world. I went to university for a B.S. in Internet Marketing, so I’ve met my fair share of people who went down this avenue of freelancing. Something I’ve noticed is how overwhelmed so many become by a pressure to look the part.
In fact, I knew several marketing and advertising specialists who became so paralyzed by the part that they were always tweaking their website and never went out and found clients! Yes, you need to have a modern website, but you can find that in free WordPress templates. Here are a couple of templates that will work – whether you’re an SEO specialist, public relationship consultant or social media guru.
Illdy
Zerif Lite
Writing
As a freelance writer, your entire career is built on you ability to string the right words together. You need a website that shows potential clients your words are louder than any action; and that the sentences you weave are worth 1,000 pictures. The only way to do that? Highlight your capabilities as a wordsmith through your website.
Don’t worry about all the bells and whistles. WordPress blogs were the foundation of this platform, and you’ll want to tap into that. Whether you’re a creative storyteller or technical writer, people come to your website for one reason: to read your captivating words.
Hemingway
Prana
Art & Design
Unlike a writer, a freelance artist or designer thrives on visual communication. You’re hoping a single image is worth 1,000 words. Clients hire you because they like what they see. With that in mind, your website needs to include as much media as possible.
For freelance actors, musicians and singers, you need to share images of performances. Show potential clients that you’re out there sharing your craft with the world. People like photographers, graphic designers, painters, sculptors, interior designers… You’ll want to share the portfolio of work you’ve done for others.
It’s all about showing off your art – however you choose to express it with the world.
Melissa
Arcade Basic
Financial
As a freelancer offering on financial services (e.g. Bookkeepers, Accountants, Financial Planners), you need a website that conveys professionalism, trustworthiness and competence.
When I’m searching for a new accountant, for example, I’m more apt to trust someone with a clean, well-organized and minimalistic website. It reinforces the traits I’m looking for in your services. (Taxes are a bit overwhelming for most people. The more ways you find to calm that anxiety, the better.)
A way to do that is through the first-impression your website gives.
Interface
Enigma
Lawyeria Lite
Trades & Home Services
Here, I’m talking about the people functioning in a B2C (Business-to-Consumer) capacity like Mechanics, Electricians, House Painters, Landscape Designers, Plumbers, Tutors all fall into this category. Potential clients will want to visit a website that has the information needed to make a quick comparison between your services and competitors.
You need a website with a strong balance of written content and imagery. Try to find something with a modern, responsive design that’s also friendly and welcoming.
Constructzine Lite
Make
Showcasers
There are plenty of freelance careers that thrive on creating a type of showcase for clients. A few that come to mind include:
- Event Planners
- Caterers
- Models
- Fashion Designers
- Travel Agents
You’re selling the story – the experience – you’re creating. It’s important to find a theme that’s an extension of what you do for clients. Look for themes with strong imagery, portfolio capabilities and other multimedia integration.
Shapely
Travelify
Fullby
Auberge
Which of These Free WordPress Themes Will You Choose?
The most important thing is that you share your expertise in a professional way – and that’s very possible with a free template.
It’s all about having a platform so your work speaks for itself, so you can land clients, send an invoice and make money doing the thing you love. Don’t allow yourself to get overwhelmed with the process.
What theme are you using? I’d love to hear your theme suggestions, questions about freelance websites or any other questions you may have. Feel free to reach out in the comments below.
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About the Author: Chelsei Henderson is a content marketing consultant helping freelancers and entrepreneurs build successful companies in the digital world. Connect with her on Instagram.
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