By Denene Brox
I’ve been a freelance writer for six years and in that time I’ve tried a lot of marketing tactics. Some have been successful and some haven’t worked so well.
One thing that trips up many new writers is looking for that one perfect way of marketing their writing. Another bad move is to focus all of your efforts bidding for low-paying jobs on freelance bidding sites and/or writing for content mills. You’ll be so wrapped up in low-paying work that you won’t have time to go after higher-paying jobs.
I’m going to share some of the top (and sometimes surprising) ways that I’ve found freelance writing gigs (hint: no freelance bidding sites!). Some of these methods are definitely tried and true while others are random things I’ve tried that paid off.
- Letters of Introduction (LOIs)
I’ll start with the tried and true because LOIs are really one of the best marketing methods if you want to write for trade magazines. Most of my clients have come from sending out simple letters of introduction to editors. I write a lot for trade magazines and LOIs launched my magazine writing career. It really is the easiest way to find trade magazine clients. My trade assignments bring in between $.40 and $1 per word and all it took was an introduction.
Take Away: Be sure to combine both LOIs and query letters into your marketing mix. Also try mentioning in your LOIs that you’d be happy to send story ideas too to let editors know you’re willing to brainstorm article ideas. - Cold Calling
I’m not a phone person. So cold calling isn’t my favorite way to market my business. But on some occasions, it’s necessary. I picked up the phone when I couldn’t find any contact information for a career website I wanted to write for. I got in touch with the editor and to my surprise he was looking for a writer with experience writing about minority career issues — experience I had. I went on to write many articles for him over the next few years netting me $300 per 500-word article (much higher than the content mills).
Take Away: Pick up the phone to connect with editors. - LinkedIn
I randomly decided to update my LinkedIn status one day to announce that I was now providing blogging and tweeting services. One of my contacts sent me a message requesting more information. A few emails and an in-person meeting later and I had a regular blogging and tweeting gig for a local college. This job lasted for six months and resulted from an innocent LinkedIn status update.These types of copywriting gigs allow you to name your price (versus accepting whatever a magazine pays per word). You can quote an hourly rate (like I did) or use a flat rate.
Take Away: Be sure to keep your social networks informed about your current projects and services. - Craigslist
Craigslist has a bad rap when it comes to freelance jobs. So I decided to post my own ad. I was shocked when an Internet marketing agency in New York responded with an offer to blog two times per week for one of their clients. I got $30 per hour to blog. Not bad from a free ad.
Take Away: While all the other writers are replying to ads, try posting your own. My ad included a short bio, a list of writing credits/specialties, and a link to my website. You will no doubt get some spam and/or job offers that sound less than appealing. But you never know unless you try. - Regular Job Ads
Even though you’re a freelancer, periodically keep your eye on “regular” job boards for freelance opportunities. I landed a major freelance copywriting gig with a non-profit by applying to an ad on a local employment website. Again, with copywriting gigs the great thing is that I was able to name my price. So whatever your current copywriting rates are, you can use those when quoting the project.
Take Away: Don’t dismiss regular job boards. You may just find a great freelance job.
Denene Brox is a freelance writer based in Kansas City and specializes in career development and health topics. She is also the webmaster of Freelance-Write-Now.com, a site that teaches beginners how to get started in freelance writing. Read more of her tips for finding freelance writing gigs. She blogs about career and personal development at www.my-year-to.com.
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very cool post!
What a great article! Craigslist does get a bad rap, but when it’s used properly there are good benefits. I’m not a phone person either, but I think getting out of your comfort zone to find better writing jobs would be worth it.
Thanks for the tips!
I may be way behind, but I absolutely love the new Urban Muse layout! Looks wonderfully professional and much more organized than before. Great “renovation.”
LinkedIn is my new favorite networking tool. I only just joined, and I absolutely love all the features that can be accessed through it. You can keep in contact with old bosses, new bosses, colleagues, it’s great! It’s a lot more professional and formal and business-orientated than Facebook or Twitter, and I really like that about LinkedIn.
Excellent post (and great timing!) on job searching.
Thanks, Red Angel! I switched to WordPress in early September and although there have been a few little blips, overall, I’m very happy with the new layout and interface.
Great post – succinct and filled with practical take-home tips! I like your cold calling tale – kind of cold calling with a twist!
Excellent post Denene, very practical and techniques I can use. I book marked your site and look forward to more great information.
Thanks, everyone! Glad you found some useful tips.
@Sofia, I am so not a phone person. I even hate talking on the phone in my personal life! But when I have done cold calling in the past, I’ve always found people to be friendly.
Another bonus of cold calling is that you get an immediate answer (if you get them on the phone). That’s something you just don’t always have with email and/or direct mail.
I may be inspired to start a cold calling campaign to see how it goes in the near future.
@Wade, thanks for bookmark and good luck with your writing!
great ideas!!! I liked the 5th way everyone, but to be sure maybe you need to use all)