How To Find Content Writing Clients? If you’re just starting as a freelance writer or have previous freelance writing experience, you’ve probably realized it’s time to find clients who will produce consistent work. There are currently numerous clients looking for freelancers for writing services. One of the industry’s toughest tricks is keeping a steady stream of clients and projects lined up. Luckily, there are some proven marketing tips freelancers can use to get more clients, get better-paying projects, and produce more consistent work.
How To Find Content Writing Clients
1. Personalize your pitches
When reaching out to potential clients, your freelance offer shouldn’t be the same email that goes out to everyone when they’re looking for a job. Personalization comes first. Do some research about the client before submitting your pitch. Is it a large company, small agency, startup, or solopreneur looking for help?
When you take the time to carefully screen a client, it’s easier to create personalized sales pitches that are more likely to resonate with them and help you secure the project. If it is an IT customer, first present your expertise in the IT industry, give examples, and also some project ideas. By personalizing your approach, you are far more likely to land a customer and generate a sale.
2. Build a freelance website
Building a website certainly takes time, but the long-term benefits are worth it. By using your website as a promotional tool, you demonstrate your writing skills, expertise, and ability to design compelling web pages. Your website should include writing samples and customer project testimonials if you have any. Likewise, you should illustrate the type of writing you prefer, e.g. blog posts, research articles, white papers, etc. You should also provide pricing, e.g. a fixed price or a tariff price.
One of the main reasons for a successful website is the landing page. Your landing page should encourage potential customers to reach out and learn more. The content should be engaging and optimized for a high SEO ranking. Likewise, the landing page should include relevant contact information so customers know exactly how to reach you. Never underestimate the importance of your website. If you’re not sure how to build your website, there are plenty of online platforms available for beginners.
3. Use social media
Another great way to promote your work as a full-time freelancer is through social media. A social media strategy is paramount to long-term success as a freelance writer. There are many social media platforms that you can use. Some of the most popular for business purposes are LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Every social media platform has its strengths. LinkedIn, for example, is a great platform for building business relationships and connecting with potential customers. Facebook and Instagram are great for self-promotion and marketing. Whichever platform(s) you choose, make sure your profiles are updated with the most relevant information and optimized to expand your social reach and attract more customers. While building your social media presence takes time, the effort will help you gain attention and build a personalized customer community.
4. Start a blog
Starting a blog has its perks, especially if you are looking for blogging work. When you start a blog, you want to create something that reflects your specific writing skills. You have to find a niche. You’ll be writing a lot of topics about your niche, so it should be something you thoroughly understand. For example, if you are an expert in music, you can create a blog about learning guitar, piano, etc.
Your blog doesn’t necessarily have to align with your target market as a freelance writer. Ultimately, when potential clients come across your blog, they will be looking for your ability to craft compelling headlines, have a related topic or topic, and your writing skills. You should include a link to your blog site on your freelance website or just make it a part of the website. Likewise, you should promote your blog on your social media accounts. Another important thing to keep in mind is that if you can grow enough to start showing ads, you can eventually start monetizing your blog.
5. Join a freelance writing platform
There are tons of freelance websites these days to connect freelancers with clients, jobs, etc. Some of these online platforms are specifically designed for freelance writers, while others include freelance services for a variety of other professions. Opportunities abound on dozens of web-based platforms, each with its payment structure and unique work requirements. A little virtual work can pay off, especially if you’re new to securing your customer base.
6. Be willing to build a relationship.
In my experience, your first contact with a small business about writing web content often doesn’t result in an immediate sale (although sometimes it does!). More often, you may need to have multiple conversations that can last weeks or months while the company decides exactly what new content to write. Start a tracking system to keep in touch with these prospects regularly. Send them interesting articles about why adding a blog would help their business… don’t necessarily sell them every time you chat. Don’t invest a lot of time as it may or may not pay off, but show that you are a useful resource that knows how to use the internet to help businesses grow. This week I’m finally signing a lucrative deal with a financial services company I’ve been talking to all year.
7. Provide a reasonable price.
Web content prices are all over the map. If you’re new, start with at least $100 per side. And be aware that websites should be short – 300-400 words is enough. If they have more to say, they should create subpages (which you should charge $100 for too!). Do you want blogs? Think $100 a piece. The pay can be as high as $1 per word, $150 per hour, and more in my experience. The rates depend on the complexity of the information you need to convey on the corporate side. Interested in writing about forex trading or actuarial advice? It will probably pay more than writing about a pizzeria.
Conclusion – How To Find Content Writing Clients
Whichever platform(s) you choose, you want to treat them the same way you treat your website and social media accounts. You are trying to market yourself to potential clients to find work. You should optimize your accounts to include relevant contact information, your expertise and experience, and any helpful examples you can provide. While these platforms don’t guarantee work, they will certainly help you find clients and are great for networking.