Freelance Writing Jobs - 10 Tips For Freelance Writers
Successful writers share one common trait-- they market themselves using very easy-to-implement tactics. Yet even as demand for writers is skyrocketing, many freelancers would rather spend their time walking the dog or washing the dishes.
"What we've got here is a major disconnect. Never before in the history of words has the demand for freelance writers been so high. Yet I constantly hear from copywriters, journalists, technical writers and copyeditors that 'marketing' is a four-letter word," says Michael A. Stelzner, one of America's top-paid freelance writers.
There's plenty of work for the taking. According to a recent Junta 42 study, 6 in 10 businesses are spending more for content production. The need for case studies, ebooks, newsletters, articles, websites, white papers and press releases is growing at an unprecedented rate.
For the writer who applies a few simple techniques, work is plentiful and money is good.
To land more work from higher-paying clients, Stelzner and nine other top-billing freelancers suggest the following easy-to-employ tactics:
How Ten of America's Top Writers Keep the Money Flowing In
#1: Stop Billing by the Hour: "Pricing projects by a fixed fee, not by the hour, increases your chances of landing the job. Don't say, 'My fee to write your e-newsletter is $75 per hour.' Say, 'My fee to write your e-newsletter is $800.'"-Steve Slaunwhite, author of Start & Run a Copywriting Business.
#2: Write About Your Target Industry:
"Identify some of the biggest names in your target industry. Interview a few of them, create a great article and shop it to a few major online or offline publications. The free press will help you gain exposure and be read by an audience of prospective clients. Plus, the experts will be happy to help you again in the future."-Michael A. Stelzner, author of Writing White Papers.
#3: Stay Top of Mind by Keeping in Touch With Clients:
"It doesn't matter how good a job you did for a client before. When even a little time has passed, if you're out of sight, you're out of mind. Pick a way to stay in touch-by phone, personal email, newsletters or social media. Doing so may even remind clients they need to get started on a project--and they'll call you."-Casey Hibbard, author of Stories That Sell.
#4: Leverage Social Media Marketing:
"In this age of Google and social media, your prospects are even more distracted, cynical about sales messages and rightly motivated by their own self-interest. Make your promotional content brief, attractive and to the point. Always offer significant value before asking for anything. When making a request, frame the action as a way for the prospect to get even more benefits."-Chris Garrett, content marketer and co-author of ProBlogger.
#5: Ask for Referrals From People You Know:
"Whether or not you're new to freelance copywriting, approaching people you already know about your freelance business, such as previous employers, is always the best place to start prospecting. These folks know and trust you. Even if they can't hire you, they're usually more than willing to introduce you to those who can."-Ed Gandia, author of Stop Wishing and Start Earning.
#6: Write Like You Speak to Engage: "To instantly improve your writing and your chances for repeat business, write like you talk (at your best, of course). That means using contractions, mildly colloquial speech and even sentence fragments. It'll make your marketing copy more down-to-earth, accessible and conversational, which in turn will boost its credibility."-Peter Bowerman, author of The Well-Fed Writer.
#7: Create Passive Income With Info Products: "Most copywriters who fear creating information products do so because they envision a huge, complicated product. When you understand how to create a quality info product in less than a day, the fear evaporates, the eagerness builds and a second stream of income emerges."-Marcia Yudkin, author of Persuading on Paper.
#8: Replace Your Logo With a Headline: "When writing a sales letter to promote your services, don't take the 'letterhead' approach, where your logo is splashed across the top of the first page. The recipient doesn't care about your logo. Put it at the very bottom of your letter (or on page two), right beside where you sign your name. Then, use that space at the top of the first page for something much more important: your attention-grabbing headline!"-Pete Savage, co-author of The Wealthy Freelancer.
#9: Use Your Website to Capture Names and Emails: "Your homepage is the most valuable real estate on the planet. But most writers make mistakes that send clients away. Address your audience's needs-and don't talk about yourself. Have an offer such as a white paper or free report on every page of your website. Also include a newsletter sign-up form, allowing you to collect leads and nurture those not yet ready to hire you."-Chris Marlow, the original copywriters' coach.
#10: Be Honest: "Prospects are likely to start in a default position of mistrust, until they get to know you. Writers must become increasingly transparent. Why? (1) Trust of corporations and professionals has never been lower, (2) the poor economy doesn't help, and (3) the rise of social networking leaves writers with nowhere to hide. Make sure your marketing messages are honest enough to stand the test of time."-Nick Usborne, author of Net Words.
About the Author
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