Find a client you’d love to work with and make them a pitch. Offer to write for them on spec. This means they don’t pay for the work unless they like it and are going to use it. Sure, there’s some risk that they may not use your work. However, the risk is minimized. You can still use the work for your portfolio. And you may have gotten your foot in the door with this ideal client. Ideal outcome is of course they love your work, pay you, and hire you for more. It’s a risk worth taking.
There are a number of freelance job boards and sites. Take any one of them and start pitching. Job boards are a good way to earn valuable experience. They’re great for landing the first few clients. And they’re also a nice way to fill in the time gaps between projects. Become familiar with a few freelance job boards and websites. Use them to your advantage.
Some freelance job sites charge a fee. Don’t pay for a site unless you are certain it’s a good one. Most freelance sites offer a free trial or free membership. Take advantage of that. Use freelance sites that hold payment in escrow. That means the client pays for the work up front. The freelance site holds onto it. You get your money when the project is delivered. And always require a deposit payment. Generally, writers charge one third to one half of the total project fee up front.
Elance
Friends
Do you have any friends or relatives that can help? If they own a business themselves chances are they need writing work. They can also spread the word about your skills and services to the marketing department at work.
Non-profit
Non-profit organizations are always on the lookout for writing help. They may not need your specialty but it’s a good way to gain experience. Additionally, non-profits are often run by professionals who have other jobs and connections. Working on a volunteer basis for a non-profit is a good way to get noticed and gain prospective clients. Additionally, any work you do for a non-profit can be added to your portfolio. It’ll boost your credibility and experience as a writer.
Network
Networking is an exceptional way to gain your first client. Chances are you already have a social networking profile. Use it to build your writing business. Connect with other writers. Connect with business people in your chosen niche.
And connect with other people in the marketing, advertising and website design and management fields. Market your services to them.
Both online and off there are valuable networking opportunities. Online you can of course participate in mainstream social networking sites. Create a fan page on Facebook for your business. Post on Twitter. However, don’t neglect industry forums, blogs and chat rooms too.
For example, if you’re a web copywriter you might participate in Warrior Forum. It’s a forum that’s dedicated to internet marketers. They need copywriters!
Offline you might join local business, network, and meet-up groups. Choose groups where you have the potential to meet clients. It’s easy to join other writing groups. However, then you’re networking with your competition. Instead, join groups with other business owners. They’re your prospects.
Don’t forget networking offline too. Many business owners in your community have a need for a writer. And people like to hire locally. Join your Chamber of Commerce and Small Business Association. Connect at meet up groups.
Don’t hesitate to approach your ideal client(s) and ask for work. Make sure they know what’s in it for them. Pitch the benefits of hiring you and see what happens.
Four Potential Writing Gigs and How to Get Them
There are many ways to fill your writing schedule. Of course ongoing customers are nice. However, sometimes it pays to step outside of your normal routine and seek a new writing opportunity. It helps boost your customer base. It increases your experience. And as they say, variety is the spice of life. Here are four potential writing gigs and a few ideas on how to get them.
Blogging
Blogging is a great way to gain exposure as a writer. You may have your own blog and that’s great for building your business. However, it can also be fun and a consistent paycheck if you can find a blogging job.
Consider approaching blogs that you enjoy reading and commenting on and ask the owner if they ever look for guest bloggers. Share your credentials and your desire to work for them.
Look for blogging opportunities on freelance job boards and classified ad sites. These are often great for finding hidden opportunities.
Ebooks and Reports
Larger writing projects are great. They can be an excellent way to expand your portfolio of services. They can also provide a nice profit. They’re also a little trickier to find than other writing opportunities. If you’re interested in writing ebooks and/or reports consider searching for jobs on freelance job sites. It’s a great way to meet new customers. Once they’re thrilled with your services they’ll also spread the word.
Consider also contacting your current clients and letting them know you’re offering a special. Offer a thirty day ten percent off type of promotion and motivate your customers.
Articles
Article projects are easier to come by. You can sign up with a number of article production services. These services pay you to produce. The pay per article isn’t high. However, if you’re a fast writer you can make a good hourly wage. Generally freelance job sites aren’t the place to go for article writing jobs. Many people there simply aren’t willing to pay more than a few dollars per article.
Also consider checking out your favorite websites. Do they have a small “write for us” tab at the bottom of their website? If not, consider sending them an inquiry. You don’t know until you ask and a simple email may be all it takes to get a new client.
Copywriting
Copywriting opportunities are also abundant. There are two key ways to find these great opportunities. Visit job boards specifically for copywriters. You’ll find that half of them are spec assignments. This is fine if you’re looking for experience and willing to take a risk. You’ll also find pay jobs. Apply for the positions you feel confident in.
Are you ready to move on to the next step?
Have you successfully set up at least three AdWords campaigns?
Are you comfortable with the process of choosing products and setting up campaigns?
If you answered YES, then proceed to PART 6: GROW YOUR BUSINESS
