Once your writing business is established you probably want to grow it quickly. After all, you've started a writing for pay business to make money. The faster you gain a full schedule, the better. Here are seven ways to grow your writing business quickly.
Network
Networking is a great way to gain your first few clients. You'll also find that networking is effective to market your business once you've achieved your initial client goals.
Networking simply helps you connect with others who are looking for your services. Network both online and off for maximum effectiveness.
Partner
Partnering with others is a surefire way to gain business. Partnering can take many forms. You might partner with someone and swap advertisements for your services. You might also partner with a complimentary business to support each other.
For example, if you write information products you might partner with a graphic designer to create complete packages. To grow your business, look for partnership opportunities.
Partnerships can increase your income tenfold. In fact, a good partnership or two can open up a whole new world of opportunities. For example, you might create a referral partnership with a complimentary provider. If you’re a content writer you might receive inquiries for copywriting or virtual administration.
You could refer prospects to a specific copywriter or administrative provider in exchange for a commission. You’re helping your customers. You’re driving business to your partners. And you’re earning extra money.
You can also forge partnerships to create new businesses or products. In the first strategy we discussed publishing. We used the example of writing a fitness book if you’re a fitness writer. You might partner with a nutritionist when you write the book. Together you could split the profits and each generates income and business.
Referrals
In the beginning ask friends, family and associates for referrals. Once you've established a few clients and they're happy, ask them for referrals. Consider also creating a referral program. Reward clients who send you new clients with a discount or credit for your services.
Job sites
Job sites have a bad reputation. However they can be a great place to gain experience. They can also be useful for building your business. Once your business is established you may turn to them from time to time for extra money. Or to fill in gaps in your schedule.
Affiliate
Another great way to generate additional income as a writer is to affiliate. An affiliate is someone who earns a commission by promoting a product. For example, if you’re a web content writer you might affiliate for SiteSell which is a theme based website system. You might have a banner ad for SiteSell on your writing business website. You might also recommend them in a review article and link to them in other content related articles. Each time someone clicks on your ad or link and signs up with SiteSell, you earn a commission.
As a web content writer this type of affiliation makes sense. It helps establish your credibility because SiteSell has a good reputation. It’s important to affiliate with companies that are related to your writing service/niche and that help boost your credibility.
There are many ways to boost your income as a writer. These three are just the tip of the iceberg. As you grow your business, keep your eyes open for new opportunities to earn and profit.
Publish
One of the best ways to earn more money as a writer is to publish. You don’t have to get a traditional writing contract from a publisher. You can self publish. In fact, it’s a better idea to self publish. So what do you publish? Write and publish reports and/or ebooks on your niche topic.
For example, if you’re a writer for the fitness industry, consider writing a how to book on a fitness topic. You can then use this book as a calling card for your writing business. If someone asks you for a sample, you can say, “Here, you can read my book.”
You might also consider publishing a book or report on how to hire a fitness writer or how to find your ideal ghostwriter. These types of publications can be used to establish credibility in your industry. They also provide valuable information.
When you publish you not only make income on the sales of your books you also gain more high paying clients.
Free report
Giveaways are an excellent way to gain prospects. Reports are an exceptional tool because they help you accomplish two tasks at once. For example, if you’re a web content writer you might create a report that talks about how to hire a ghostwriter for your web content. You now establish yourself as a source of information. You also establish your credibility. And you provide a sample of your writing work. With a free report you're driving prospects to your website and you're motivating them to use your services.
Blog
Finally, consider blogging. Blogging on your own site helps you drive traffic to your business. It also establishes your brand. Your content helps establish your credibility by providing writing samples as well as information.
Become a guest blogger as well. Guest blogging broadens your reach. More people will learn about who you are and what you have to offer. Building your business takes a plan. It also takes a little time and patience. To your success!
Are you ready to move on to the next step?
Have you implemented some steps to GROW your business?
If you answered YES, then proceed to PART 7: Improve
