Growth Strategy for Gudwork

Developed a growth strategy for Gudwork, by conducting research on the freelancing industry and consumer behavior to develop a 3-month plan to start growth strategy. Created a content calendar and metrics for web traffic.

Headquarters

Headquarters

San Francisco, California

Founded

Founded

2022

Industry

Industry

Internet Marketplace Platform

Company size

Company size

30+

Project Overview

This marketing strategy project was completed for Gudwork, an Antler backed startup that connected students and employers on a freelancing platform. I consulted with the Gudwork team to develop a growth strategy backed on target consumer and competitor research.

Context

Gudwork is a freelance marketplace that connects college students with flexible, freelance opportunities from startups and small businesses. The platform enables employers to access an emerging talent pool of students, so they can gain experience by working on short-term, flexible projects while simultaneously developing their skills.

Kickoff

To start this project, I decided to split the overall growth strategy into two different parts: a Social Media Marketing Strategy and SEO Strategy. I developed a research-backed strategy by taking previous user research conducted by Gudwork and understanding the branding the imagery associated with the platform.

To start this project, I decided to split the overall growth strategy into two different parts: a Social Media Marketing Strategy and SEO Strategy. I developed a research-backed strategy by taking previous user research conducted by Gudwork and understanding the branding the imagery associated with the platform.

Process

Understanding Gudwork's Vision

Gudwork is Linkedin for emerging professionals and startups. Our vision is to empower every student to graduate debt free and experience rich by applying their skills at high growth startups.

Gudwork is Linkedin for emerging professionals and startups. Our vision is to empower every student to graduate debt free and experience rich by applying their skills at high growth startups.

Goals

Develop trust in Gudwork’s marketplace platform, increasing user adoption and becoming the #1 trusted source of emerging freelance talent.



Oversee the day-to-day management of media channels and SEO


Analyze, strategize, and grow Gudwork’s competitive position


Translate strategy into actionable goals for performance and growth helping to implement organization-wide goal setting, performance management, and annual operating planning leveraging OKR methodology

Market Research Insights

Skills employers need from freelancers:

Skills employers need from freelancers:

32%

Creative
Photo, video, social media content creation

27%

Design
Graphic design, product design, UI/UX, web or mobile design

25%

Marketing
SEO, email, writing, lead generation, public relations

25%

Programming & Tech
Web or mobile development, IT, cybersecurity

Interview Insights

Gen-Z has limited time to work on projects outside of school for career development
Doing project based gigs with smaller companies seems to fit well for students due to flexible model and work style
Feelings of being able to grow, be very hands on and interactive, work with different team members, flexibility, etc.

Gen-Z values communication and transparency
The lack of transparency after job applications are submitted is a big point of frustration and challenges
No status updates, lack of response from most places applied to, etc.
Gudwork should communicate the platform’s ability for direct, frequent communication between startups and students

Gen-Z is attracted to seeing their peers reach similar goals to themselves
Goals and freelancing seem unattainable or too much work if they haven’t seen peers or friends go through that experience
Have little knowledge about freelancing and how it really works
Gudwork should showcase freelancer profiles and work to make a connection with Gen-Z students and their own skills

Strategy

Step 1
Develop a content calendar with a mix of comedic content and assets that are relatable to Gen-Z (such as memes) and advertising content to encourage students to apply for specific opportunities
Create presence online through building an IG page


Step 2
Create engaging content - though reels and “student challenges" (students can earn money prizes by creating reels and content for startups on the Gudwork platform)
Advertise them through paid channels and stories on Instagram
Create interview series - interview college students from different campuses about their career paths and turn them into reels


Step 3
Track engagement through KPIS: Followers on Instagram, Number of clicks to homepage, Number of clicks to challenge page, Number of challenge submissions, Number of views on interview reels, Number of re-shares for posts, Number of likes on posts

Step 1
Develop a content calendar with a mix of comedic content and assets that are relatable to Gen-Z (such as memes) and advertising content to encourage students to apply for specific opportunities
Create presence online through building an IG page


Step 2
Create engaging content - though reels and “student challenges" (students can earn money prizes by creating reels and content for startups on the Gudwork platform)
Advertise them through paid channels and stories on Instagram
Create interview series - interview college students from different campuses about their career paths and turn them into reels


Step 3
Track engagement through KPIS: Followers on Instagram, Number of clicks to homepage, Number of clicks to challenge page, Number of challenge submissions, Number of views on interview reels, Number of re-shares for posts, Number of likes on posts

Wanna grab a cup of coffee?

Let's chat!

Email me at rayna.shah@stern.nyu.edu

Rayna Shah