5 Ways to Market Your Freelance Writing Business
Stand out from other freelance writers by creating effective advertising and marketing campaigns. Stand out from other freelance writers by adding value to businesses. Stand out by helping other freelance writers succeed. Stand out by being a professional who understand the value of customer service. Stand out by providing impeccable and quality work that makes clients coming back for more!
5 Ways to Market Your Freelance Writing Business
1. Join networking groups and social networking sites. Please use caution when you join social media websites. For some reason LinkedIn, which is supposed to be a professional site, gives you the opportunity to post your personal information such as marital status, birthday, and other information. Note: for some reason people think LinkedIn is a dating service like Match.com and eHarmony.com. If you’re attracted to people and want to take a chance — more power to you. However, most people on LinkedIn are there to make business connections not to find Mr. or Ms. Right!
Keep your business information up-to-date and list your websites. Make sure you list certifications and degrees along with other pertinent business information on social media websites. If you join groups, make sure you abide by the rules; otherwise the organizer will kick you out of the group.
2. Act like a salesperson who wants to sell his/her services. Think like a salesperson when you take advantage of social networking sites. List your most relevant client experiences and qualifications. Emphasize what you can do for clients. Direct people to your online portfolio where they can see your writing samples — it’s easier than sending files.
3. Create an informative and helpful website. If you’re not sure how to create a website, hire a web designer. If you’re web savvy, use WordPress because it’s a great CMS/blogging platform. You can find plenty of free WordPress templates or purchase them. Make sure your website is clean and easy to navigate. Choose a pleasant color scheme, one that won’t overwhelm visitors.
4. Ask for testimonials from previous clients. Ask clients and previous clients for testimonials. People love to read testimonials and it’s always good for the morale to hear what a wonderful job you did!
5. Create a stellar online portfolio. Create an awesome online portfolio that showcases your best writing. Make sure the links work! If you specialize in more than one writing niche, list each niche individually. You may want to add ‘bullet points’ because it will break up the web page and make it easier for people to read.
Please be discerning when you’re approached by potential clients. Make sure they’re serious about working with you and don’t waste your time. Have the courage to refuse projects because they could turn out to be more trouble than they’re worth. If you don’t have a ‘new client questionnaire,’ consider creating one. Put the name of your business, your name, hours of operation, and other contact information on the form.
Good luck!