business of writing

Guest Post: Top 5 Ways I’ve Found Freelance Writing Gigs

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.

Interested in contributing a guest blog post of your own? Check out the guest blogger guidelines.

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Filed Under: business of writing, guest post Tagged With: craigslist, freelance writing, LOIs

Guest Post: Cold Calling – Without the Cold Sweats

By Susan Johnston 11 Comments

By Peter Bowerman

Action or Results? Two copywriters both start cold-calling at 9:00 a.m. Copywriter #1’s goal? To land two new writing projects or three hot prospects by 5:00 p.m. Copywriter #2’s goal? To make 50 calls. Now, tell me – who’s going to have a more stressful day?

In my seminars, I’ll ask, “When starting a cold-calling campaign, should you focus on action or results?” Many immediately yell out, “Results!” Why? “Well, we’re judged on results,” they’ll reply. But I say “Action” is the right answer. Think about it. What’s true of action that isn’t true of results? If you answered, You can control action, but you can’t control results, go to the head of the class.

Assuming you’ve built a calling list targeting prospects that are a fit for your offer (as opposed to opening up the phone book and starting to dial…), for the most part, you have little control over the results of any given phone call or email. Nor how that person on the other end of the line will react to your contact or whether that individual will think your portfolio is good enough to consider hiring you.

Yes, you can improve your results by, say, getting more comfortable with your phone skills, and perhaps beefing up your “book,” but still, fundamentally, the one thing you have control over is the actions you take.

For example, take our two copywriters above. If 2:00 p.m. rolls around, and #1 has landed neither gigs nor interest, you think the desperation is going to start seeping into his voice? How do you think that’ll work out for him? [Read more...]

Filed Under: business of writing, Peter Bowerman

Must-Read Resources for Freelance Copywriters

By Susan Johnston 8 Comments

In recent posts, I’ve discussed the pros and cons of freelance copywriting, as well as strategies for getting started.

But for those who want to dig even deeper into the world of copywriting, here (in no particular order) are some additional resources to check out:

The Well-Fed Writer
In this companion to his popular book series by the same name, commercial writer Peter Bowerman shows readers how to value their work, create ongoing client relationships, and more. In fact, Peter will be sharing his tips on cold calling next week.
Men with Pens
This humorous blog includes killer tips on creating content that sizzles, launching infoproducts that sell, and a whole lot more.
Lightning & the Lightning Bug
This copywriting blog features humorous posts on grammar and language, examples of good and bad copy, and a whole lot more. Full disclosure: I’ve worked with the founders of this blog.
Copyblogger
For consistently awesome tips on customer engagement, blogging, social media, marketing strategy, and more, check out Copyblogger. Their headlines offer excellent examples of how to entice readers without over-promising.
MarketCopywriter Blog
New York copywriter Lorraine Thompson finds creative ways to explore marketing and copywriting strategies through smart, well-crafted blog posts. Also check out her copywriting resources section.
Cold Calling for Wimps
Colorado freelancer Sarah Maurer started a quest to cold-call a thousand strangers and jumpstart her commercial writing business. Her blog documents that quest. However, at a little over 400 calls, Sarah found herself swamped with work so she’s currently on hiatus. Read the archives for her tips.
For Copywriters Only
In his blogs, books, and other resources, veteran freelancer Steve Slaunwhite reveals tips on attracting high-paying clients, quoting projects, and more. Also check out Steve Slaunwhite’s Marketing Memo for (duh) tips on marketing.

Your turn! What blogs or books have you found useful in your freelance copywriting endeavors? Do tell!

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Filed Under: business of writing Tagged With: copywriting, Peter Bowerman, Steven Slaunwhite

Getting Started as a Freelance Copywriter

By Susan Johnston 13 Comments

Assuming I haven’t scared you off with the pros and cons of freelance copywriting, here are some strategies for landing these types of projects:

Build your portfolio.
When you have loads of potential but not much of a portfolio to show prospects, there are a few ways to bulk up your portfolio. One is to give yourself a “homework” assignment to write a brochure or other materials for a friend or family member’s business, a local nonprofit, or even a brand that you admire (if you’re choosing the latter, be sure that prospects understand it’s a mock-up, not an actual assignment for Big Name Shoe Brand or a Major Healthcare Company).

Alternatively, you could work with a creative staffing firm or a marketing agency that outsources projects to freelancers. They’ll handle the prospecting, and you handle the writing. Just make sure you’re allowed to include the project in your portfolio, because some may want to keep the arrangement on the down low.
Network like crazy.
Networking takes time, but it’s brought me some of my longest-running clients. After all, clients have plenty of choices for copywriters, so they’re more apt to choose someone they know and trust. Start making these connections by signing up for networking events in your area. I’ve found that volunteering at these events offers an instant conversation starter, though you may not get to spend as much time chatting as you’d like (duty calls, after all). If schmoozing at happy hour isn’t your thing, find a group that meets for breakfast or coffee or even online.
Answer ads.
Online job ads can be a very mixed bag, but I’ve landed some very decent-paying copywriting gigs by answering ads. To save time sifting through ads, I used to subscribe to FreelanceDaily.net, a daily newsletter that aggregates writing ads in one place. Just watch out for these red flags before you answer an ad. I’ve also noticed that the more specific the description and the closer it is to my expertise, the likelier it is that I’ll actually get a response. That’s why I don’t bother with ads that are overly generic.
Raise your profile.
Make sure your LinkedIn profile is up to date and includes relevant skills and keywords prospective clients might be searching for. Join LinkedIn Groups and invite former bosses or colleagues to connect with you. (For more LinkedIn tips for freelancers, check out my new ebook, LinkedIn and Lovin’ It.) Also consider setting up free profiles on niche sites like Creative Hot List.
Ask for referrals.
Once you’ve built your network, groups like past employers or current clients can be a great source of referrals. In fact, they may have additional freelance work for you if you ask. Some copywriters set up a formal referral program with financial incentives, but I find that a heartfelt thank you and an offer to reciprocate often does the trick. After all, people should refer you because they believe in your talents, not because they want that nice little bonus.

Fellow copywriters, I’d love to know how you land new clients. Leave a comment and let us know! Also check back on Friday, when I’ll post a list of recommended resources on freelance copywriting.

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Filed Under: business of writing