As a freelance writer, there’s nothing more rewarding than landing new clients and showcasing your skills. But in a sea of competition, it can be challenging to stand out and attract quality opportunities
Freelance writing can be a lucrative career choice, but only if you know how to market yourself and find clients. Building a solid client base is essential for steady work and income as a writer. Many writers struggle with this aspect of their business and end up feeling frustrated and overwhelmed.
If you’re looking to boost your freelance writing career and attract more clients, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we will explore 17 highly effective ways to get freelance writing clients. By implementing these strategies, you can increase your visibility, attract potential clients, and ultimately grow your writing business.
17 Highly Effective Ways to Get Freelance Writing Clients
From crafting engaging pitches to leveraging your network, here are 17 highly effective ways to get freelance writing clients that worked for me.
1. Build a Professional Portfolio
Create a portfolio showcasing your best writing samples. This gives potential clients a glimpse of your skills and expertise.
Having a professional portfolio establishes your credibility as a writer. It shows that you have relevant experience and a track record of delivering high-quality content, making clients more likely to trust and hire you.
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2. Optimize Your Online Presence
Optimizing your online presence, including your website and social media profiles, improves your visibility in search engine results. This makes it easier for potential clients to find you when they are searching for freelance writers.
Ensure your LinkedIn, personal website, and other online profiles highlight your writing skills and experience. Use keywords that potential clients might search for.
3. Guest Blogging
Contribute guest posts to popular blogs in your niche. This not only helps you showcase your writing but also exposes you to a wider audience. Prospects who read your writing can contact you and hire you on the spot!
Leverage social media platforms to share your work, connect with potential clients, and participate in relevant conversations.
5. Networking
Attend industry events, conferences, and webinars. Networking can lead to valuable connections and potential clients.
6. Cold Pitching
Reach out to businesses or publications directly with a well-crafted pitch. Highlight how your writing can add value to their projects.
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Just like client feedback, client results are a mighty self-promo tool. That’s because they speak for themselves.
Consider the positive changes you’ve brought about for a client, whether it’s achieving a top search engine ranking, securing a featured snippet, improving conversion rates or traffic, generating new leads or sales, or any other pertinent metrics. While some of these results may require you to actively request clients to share them with you, once obtained, they become a valuable skill for self-promotion.
8. Content Marketing
Start a blog or contribute to platforms like Medium. Showcase your expertise through informative and valuable content.
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9. Offer Free Workshops or Webinars
Share your knowledge through free workshops or webinars. This positions you as an authority and can attract potential clients.
10. Ask for Referrals
Request referrals from previous clients or colleagues. A personal recommendation can go a long way in securing new clients.
11. Create a Niche
Focus: Specialize in a specific niche or industry. This can make you stand out as an expert in that field.
12. Respond to Job Ads
Regularly check job boards or websites for freelance writing opportunities and respond promptly with a tailored application.
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13. Opt-in to Freelance Directories
List your services on freelance directories where potential clients often search for writers.
14. Utilize SEO Strategies
Optimize your website or online profiles for search engines to increase your visibility when clients are looking for writers.
15. Join Writing Communities
Engage in online forums or communities for writers. Networking within these groups can lead to job opportunities.
Build an email list and regularly send out newsletters showcasing your recent work, industry insights, and availability for new projects.
17. Offer Special Promotions
Periodically offer discounts or promotions for new clients. This can attract attention and encourage businesses to try your services.
Where Can I Get Freelance Writing Jobs?
You can secure freelance writing jobs on WritersGig, an online marketplace for writers and prospective clients. WritersGig connects you with clients across the globe, so you can work from your favorite cafe in Paris, a mountain cabin in Colorado, or anywhere your creativity flows.
Here you will get access to a vast pool of opportunities, from crafting blog posts that educate to weaving website copy that converts. Whether you’re a tech whiz, a travel enthusiast, or a food writer there’s a perfect project waiting for your unique voice.
On WritersGig, you create your gig and set your pricing in a way that ensures your talent is valued and rewarded. You also get to chat with clients.
Click here to sign up on WritersGig.
Tips On How To Land A Freelance Writing Job
Here are three surefire tips on how to land a freelance writing job:
- Always follow up. Emails and messages can slip through the cracks of any busy person, so following up can make you stand out among dozens of other writers. Send one or two follow-ups to your leads in the weeks after your initial pitch.
- Set a structure. How much time do you want to spend on applying for freelance writing jobs? How much do you have to because your client roster is empty? Define this early—it will be easier to stay sane in the process and plan around it.
- Keep track of your efforts. Create a simple spreadsheet that lists the companies you pitched or job postings you applied to, whether you followed up, and whether you’ve heard back.
FAQs On Effective Ways to Get Freelance Writing Clients
Yes, specializing in a niche can make you stand out and attract clients looking for expertise in a specific area. It helps you establish yourself as an authority and makes it easier for clients to find you.
Having a personal website can enhance your credibility and provide a central hub for clients to learn more about your services. It’s a great place to showcase your portfolio, testimonials, and contact information.
Networking is crucial in getting freelance clients. Attend industry events, join online writing communities, and connect with potential clients on platforms like LinkedIn. Building relationships can lead to referrals and long-term partnerships.
Conclusion
In the world of freelance writing, finding clients is a crucial aspect of building a successful career. From networking and pitching to leveraging social media and showcasing your expertise, there are numerous strategies you can use to attract clients and grow your business