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As a freelance writer, you may have the skills, but finding consistent, high-paying work can be a challenge. Perhaps you’ve tried putting yourself out there, but with no success. However, writing is only half the battle when it comes to securing more and better clients. You also need to market yourself as a writer.
The good news is that marketing your freelance writing business doesn’t have to be a drag. With a strategic approach, you can put much of your marketing on autopilot.
Are you ready to take your freelance writing career to the next level?
Then read on for the best tips to help you market yourself as a writer effectively.
Choose a niche
Selecting a niche for your writing can make your work more manageable and increase your chances of attracting clients. Rather than attempting to research every topic under the sun for each new project, consider focusing on a few specific areas where you can develop expertise and let the words flow.
When you specialize in a particular niche, your name and work will become more visible within that community. This increased visibility can attract new clients and help you build a network of professional contacts on platforms like LinkedIn. As you establish yourself as an authority in your niche, more people will seek out your services as a writer.
Build Foundations To Market Yourself As a Writer
Craft an Engaging Author Bio
Your author bio serves as a valuable marketing tool to promote your writing services. Be sure to mention the types of writing you specialize in and the clients you cater to. To make your bio even more effective, customize it for each site or publication you write for. This will enable you to connect with the specific needs of your target audience and increase your chances of being hired.
Nail your LinkedIn profile
LinkedIn is the go-to platform for content strategists, marketers, and editors looking to hire writers. To make yourself more visible to potential clients, and market yourself as a writer optimize your LinkedIn profile. Create a captivating headline, showcase your writing samples, and request satisfied clients to provide a reference. Pro tip: You can repurpose your LinkedIn references as testimonials for your writing website.
Make Use of your email signature
You send dozens of emails daily, so why not make your email signature work for you as a marketing assistant? Include your name, tagline (e.g., “Wellness Freelance Writer”), email address, website, LinkedIn profile, phone number, and headshot. You never know which email recipient could become your next client!
Create Your Own Website
Building a website may seem like a lot of work, but it doesn’t have to be. There are many website builders available, such as Webflow and Carrd, that practically do the work for you. They even offer pre-built freelance or writer templates to choose from.
Launch a blog
If you have some free time, why not use it to enhance your writing skills through your very own blog? You can start a blog on your favorite hobby or topic of your choice, or get strategic and blog about topics in your writing niche. Either way, both options can help you gain new clients. Just remember to post regularly. Keeping your blog active is essential for it to be an effective marketing tool for your freelance writing business.
Unleash Your Creative Potential
Showcase Your Talent with a Powerful Portfolio
One of the most effective ways to prove your worth to potential clients is by displaying a relevant selection of your previous work. Keep your portfolio up-to-date by uploading new pieces as soon as they go live on your website. You can also share your latest writing samples on various platforms such as LinkedIn.
Let Everyone Know You’re Open for Business
Believe it or not, marketing your writing business can be as simple as letting your network know that you’re available for work. Add the phrase “freelance writer for hire” to your author bio and let everyone know you’re actively looking for new opportunities. On LinkedIn, you can add an “Open To Work” badge to your profile picture and specify the type of writing work you’re interested in. Don’t wait for the opportunities to come to you, actively seek them out and market yourself as a writer!
Networking To Market Yourself As a Writer
Connect with Other Writers
As a freelance writer, it’s important to build a network of peers who can provide support and advice. You can also refer each other to potential job opportunities that you may not be interested in. Don’t be afraid to connect with other freelance writers in your field, even if they may be considered your competition. They could end up being your biggest asset in finding new clients.
Feature Influencers in Your Work
Adding quotes from industry experts and influencers can make your articles more engaging and attract new clients and market yourself as a writer. Identify influencers in your niche and reach out to them when you are writing about a topic they are knowledgeable about. Ask them to provide a quote for your article. By showcasing their expertise in your writing, you are not only marketing your business but also providing them with free publicity. This could potentially lead to future job opportunities and connections within your field.
Continue Improving Your Craft
Even the most skilled writers can always continue improving their craft. Attending writing classes or seminars can provide valuable tips to refine your skills, even if you believe you already write well. By seeking out new information, you can experiment with new techniques to enhance your writing.
Don’t shy away from feedback either, as constructive criticism can identify areas that require improvement to help you stay ahead of the competition. Consistently practicing your writing skills, whether through personal projects or online publications, can also help you stay sharp and ready for any writing job that comes your way.
Final Thoughts
Promoting yourself as a freelance writer requires effort, but it is undoubtedly worth it. By showcasing your skills, you can attract potential clients and establish yourself as a thought leader in your field. Effective marketing can lead to new job opportunities and set you on the path to a successful career in writing.
Fortunately, finding work as a freelance writer doesn’t have to be challenging. With passion and dedication, you can transform your love for writing into a lucrative career. As you build your reputation and gain the trust of others, you’ll find that new opportunities for work will begin to flow in.
The tips outlined above are not only excellent for expanding your client base but also for establishing your credibility and thought leadership as a freelance writer. By cultivating trust with your audience and consistently delivering quality work, you’ll be well on your way to a fulfilling and profitable career in writing.
