How can I Find High Paying Clients?
This is definitely one of the questions I get the most.
While a small number of freelance writers have found their own specific ways to land high paying clients for their writing business, many more are still scratching their heads wondering how the heck they will ever be able to make this work.
Is that the sign that you’re not a good writer?
No, the fact that you land clients or not, in most cases, has less to do with your writing skills than your marketing skills. If you don’t know where to go to meet potential clients or introduce yourself to them, you’ll find it hard to every land a high paying writing job. It’s all about finding ways, or even finding A WAY that works for you.
Maybe the real secret to finding clients for your freelance business is to use your own brain and imagination and come up with ideas that no one had thought of before. But most of all, whatever you do, you need to keep doing it over and over. Never give up. Keep doing it until you get results.
The main reason why many freelance writers fail is because they just give up or slow down when they should simply keep going.
This said, in response to all the emails I’m getting asking me how to land high paying clients as a freelance writer, I’ve put together a few tips. And remember, I’m just like you, I’m still trying things out, but here are few things that I’ve learned.
Step #1 – Polish your Portfolio
Just like a well written resume will help you get the job you want, a well written portfolio will help you get the clients you want. A portfolio is not everything, but it certainly is a very important starting point. Even freelance job boards will ask for your portfolio that you can either write up or upload. If you don’t have one, it will work against you. So, let’s start here.
- If you don’t have a portfolio ready yet, you need to create one. If you don’t have the content to create your portfolio yet, it’s time to go to work and create it. For example, you could request guest posts on other blogs by pitching blog owners you know. If you have no idea how to write a good pitch, check this previous blog post that will give you a step by step.
- Another easy thing you could do to create a portfolio is selecting a few good article directories and start writing some knock out articles for them, so you could feature them on your portfolio page.
- You could also create short reports or eBooks that you could give away or even sell for a couple of dollars on Amazon, and request that some friends give you positive reviews. Of course, you don’t want to bribe good reviews without putting the work first, so those reviews will be honest and true.
These are just few examples you could use to create your portfolio, if you don’t have one yet.
I know this calls for work, but if you want to land good clients, your portfolio is the place where you need to start. Once it’s done, it will be there to stay, and all you would have to do is update it as your writing career grows. The more it will grow the easier it will become to get more clients.
Step #2 – Look where the Money is
Now, it’s very important that you look where the money is. If you have a blog like me, don’t expect your blogger friends who write their own blog posts to hire you to write for them. Most of those bloggers are just like you – trying to build their own business – not looking to spend money on someone to do what they do fine themselves. The readers of your blog, for the most part, are NOT your target market.
So, why do I need a blog in the first place, you might wonder? Because your blog is your showcase for potential clients, the ones that will look for your writing skills and want to hire you if they like what they see. It’s also the place where you are going to have your contact information, your portfolio, and any other bells and whistles you might use to attract potential clients.
However, don’t expect them to just drop in your inbox just because you do have a blog – for the most part, they won’t. What you’re going to do is go after them, and show them your blog as proof of what you do.
Start figuring out where you could find the companies that have the money and willing to spend some of it for their content. There are out there. Those guys are the opposite of your blogger friends, they don’t want to write, because they’ve got other things to do. What you need to do is look for them. that’s what I call, look where the money is.
Since they won’t just start to appear in your inbox on their own, there’re a few things you need to start doing.
Step #3 – Job Boards
Truth be told, companies that are spending big bucks on writing orders are rarely to be found on job boards, but it doesn’t hurt to check them out on a regular basis, just in case.
Even though it’s not going to happen every day that you’ll find someone willing to pay you $150 for an article on job boards that still can happen at times.
Some of those job boards require you to register for free, some have a registration fee, and some don’t require any type of registration at all. The more job boards you join, the better, as long as you use them wisely which means to get good writing deals.
Here is a handful of job boards you should look into:
Elance free); Lingjob (free); PaidOnlineWritingJobs (Not Free); Flex Jobs (not free). There are many more out there, of course.
In your job board hunt you should include freelance writing groups such Facebook and Linkedin Groups.
Step #4 – Look into your Junk Mail
Yes, that’s right!
I don’t know about you, but I receive lots and lots of junk mails. Did it ever occur to you that maybe, just maybe, those guys don’t write their own emails, but would rather pay someone to do it for them?
Let’s note here, that what I refer to junk mail is not necessarily what ends up in your actual spam folder; I’m talking about the marketing type emails you’re getting in your inbox each day.
Start reading those emails (most of which you probably opted for), and see if you can spot some weaknesses in the writing. If you find that you could have done a much better job, why don’t you reply to the sender and explain how you could help them with their email marketing?
Even if the email sound find, what don’t you contact them anyway to let them know that you could write their email campaigns for them.
No, it’s not going to work every time, but you might be surprised. I know about this tactic because I know some people for whom it has worked, and I will give it a try myself.
Step #5 – Spend Time where your Potential Clients Hang out
Whether you write about health and fitness, technology, travel, technical writing, or anything else, try to find out what forums, social media, or any other platforms your potential clients hangout.
There are plenty of niche Facebook groups, Linkedin goups, and other forums for any type of businesses or business owners who might be looking for writers for their newsletters, email marketing campaigns, site/blogs and so forth.
Remember, your goal here is not to find your peers, but your potential clients, so when you look for those media platforms keep this in mind, and introduce yourself as a specific niche (their niche) writer. However, do not spam them. It’s like anything else online these days, you need to first build a relationship with them and slowly introduce what you do to.
Step #6 Check out Hard Copy Magazines
When it comes to writing, most freelance writers think online work, but do you know that there are still hard copy magazines that are looking for new talented writers?
Believe it or not, those magazines don’t always find good talents easily, because they actually don’t really make any effort to look for them, but more like expect them to knock at their door (which they do). Remember that very big clients don’t hang out on job boards or even advertize their writing opportunities, but they might welcome a well written pitch as well as some proof that can back it up.
Here are two types of magazines you should look into.
-
Trade Magazines
Trade magazines, also called business to business magazines, are the easiest type magazines you could write for.
To start with, there’s an incredible amount of trade magazines in just about any niche under the sun. Such magazines can pay you anywhere from 10¢ to about 75¢ per word. Yes, they do pay less than custom magazines, but they tend to make your life easier and they are more likely to become repeat clients.
Do some research on trade magazines, learn about them, pick a few and send them a pitch.
-
Custom Magazines
A custom magazine is a publication that is used to market a business to its customers. It could be a chain store, a bank, or any business dealing with consumers/customers.
Custom magazines are more likely to require more of your writing skills and be pickier with your writing style/quality, but they tend to pay more from about 50¢ to well over a dollar per word.
Important Tips about Magazines
Before you send your query to any magazine offline or online, you need to remember few important points.
- Read the magazine for at least a couple of weeks before you send your pitch, so you’ll have a feel for the writing styles that they like.
- Be a story teller. There are many good writers out there, but what those guys like is the ones that know how to tell a story, not just write perfect grammar.
- Learn to pitch like a pro. Those guys receive lots of pitches, so the better yours will be the more chances to grab their attention.
- Learn to hunt for contact information. Don’t’ expect their contact information to fall on your laps. At times you may need to use Google, Bing or Linkedin to find editors or publishers information in order to send your queries.
- Writing for your little blog and writing for magazines are two different things. At times I have people leaving me comments full of errors and misspells telling me that they are writing for pay or want to, but as I read their hard to understand 5 line comment, I can’t help but shake my head.
If you want to be paid big bucks for your writing, you can’t afford to write anything else but well, and great would even be better. However, I’m not saying this to try to discourage you; I’m saying this to tell you that it’s going to take some work, but if you do take the time to apply yourself it will pay off in the end.
Step #7 Networking with other Writers
You might have gotten the idea that if you’re a writer, it might be a mistake to hang around other writers that are looking for the same type of gigs you’re looking for, right?
Well, if you think that way, you’d be wrong. The best freelance writing tips I’ve ever learned about, I’ve learned them from writers themselves. You’re always going to need to hang out with writers to learn more about writing jobs. And where do you find writers you can mangle with? On networking platforms where they hang out.
So, join facebook and linkedin writers groups, as well as forums, and learn from other writers.
They’ll give you tons of tips to find writing gigs.
Step #8 YouTube
Have you ever thought of using YouTube to find potential clients that could use your writing skills?
If not, you’re missing out.
YouTube is like a search engine of its own. If you were to do a specific niche search on YouTube you would probably find some type of companies or business owner advertising on YouTube by way of videos. Needless to say that those companies attach their website and/or contact information under the video.
Why not contacting them and offer your services?
I’ve done that with positive results.
Those companies may or may not need you, but if you don’t try, you certainly will never know. If you do try this venue for finding clients, do it on a regular basis, not just once and then give up.
It’s just one extra way to look for and find clients that would pay you to write for them, but one that may surprise you.
The End
OK, I guess that’s it for now. My guess is that if you truly apply what I’m suggesting here, you will get some positive results. But remember, don’t give up after just a few tries. Write down a plan of action and repeat it over and over. At the end of the day, that’s what’s going to make a difference for you.
In the meantime, please, let’s hear what you have to say in the comment area.
Hi Sylviane,
I can SO well relate to all that you’ve written here 🙂
It certainly isn’t easy getting high paying clients for your writing business unless you look up the right places or have the right contacts. Yes, your regular readers or blogging friends are NOT the ones who are going to pay you to write, unless they are in need of a freelance writer or unless they are building a site or blog that needs content. And even then, I wonder if they’d really pay you well because you know each other, which causes other issues too!
Good job boards can help a lot, and yes, your portfolio should always be up-to-date and polished up well with your latest achievements, if any. Lol…oh yes…sometimes you find good stuff in your junk mail too! I’v written for online magazines, though never heard of YouTube, so that is something new.
Thanks for sharing these steps with us. Have a nice week ahead 🙂
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Hi Harleena,
No, our blog readers are not our market for the most part. I know you know that 🙂
Yes, you’re right, we can update our portfolio as long as we have something to update it with:) Right now I’m a bit thin on this area.
YouTube can be an excellent tool to hunt for potential clients, It’s one that I found myself.
Thanks for coming, Harleena, and have a wonderful week.
Wow Sylviane!
You have come up with some wonderful ways to find some high paying clients for your Freelance writing!
When it comes to your blog, it is your showcase for potential clients. So why not give it all you got! In today’s world, before anyone hires you, they can easily Google you to see your performance. And your blog is one of the ways to showcase that.
Will you get high paying customers from your visitors? The chances are low, that’s why the other points mentioned are great ideas.
The best one I like is to look at your junk mail. What a great idea! There are so many people out there that rely on their emails to reach potential customers and don’t know how to write well. I think that Idea is a goldmine my friend.
-Donna
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Hi Donna,
I’m glad you enjoyed this post.
In fact the idea of the junk mail is not new, but some people still don’t think about it. When you’re looking to find clients, thinking outside of the box is your best friend, that’s why I encourage people to think for themselves about ideas beside reading my tips. I know there are many other ways out there that I haven’t thought about yet:)
NO, our blog readers are not our clients for the most part, our blog is just that; a perfect showcase for our true potential clients.
Thank you for coming and see you at your place, my dear friend.
Hi Sylviane,
As usual, these techniques are not just applicable for freelance writing business but also to all freelancers who are looking for new clients.
Hang out where your potential customer is, network with other people from similar niche, such it online places where your service might be required – these are the powerful concepts and they always do work.
Thank you for putting together a very comprehensive list and I am sure a lot of freelance writers are going to benefit from this.
Regards,
Kumar
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Hi Kumar,
I’m very glad you mentioned that these tips don’t apply only to freelance writers, but any freelance business. At times people make the mistake of overlooking blog posts that are meant to be for a specific niche, when they could still learn from it and even use such tips for their own business.
Thanks for coming and have a great day!
Sylvaine,
Thank you so much for these great tips! I’m always looking for new gigs for my freelance blogging company, but I’ve been getting very minimal response from responding to job postings. I’ve been thinking a lot about trying some other outreach methods and these are all fantastic ideas!
I’ll be trying some of them out right away! I appreciate your hard work on this post, I’ll definitely benefit from them!
Brittany
Hi Brittany,
It means a lot from you. I’m glad you like these tips and want to try it out.
Just like you, so far I’ve never really been successful on job boards, but I did include them, because they can’t be totally ignored. And so folks have been very lucky with them too.
Thank you for coming by.
Hi Sylviane!
First Really Great Work and Awesome PostYou have come up with some wonderful ways to find some high paying clients for your Freelance writing! Thanks a Lot For Sharing me Keep it Up , I like It
Regard
Leena Shah
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Hi Sylviane,
This post is exactly what freelance writers need to give them that start in the right direction.
I would like to add friends/acquaintances to your list. I landed a residential blogging job from a nursery manager who came to my house to buy a used baby bouncer. I got talking to him and asked him what he did. I took the name of his day nursery and Googled it. I noticed that he had a blog section with nothing on it. I offered my services to blog for him. We had a meeting and I’ve been blogging for the nursery since last November.
Recently, my daughter met a popular hairdresser who started an online magazine. She was looking for writers. I told my daughter to tell her about me.
She took a look at my blog and liked what she saw. She not only offered me a writing position, but also to be the lifestyle editor of her online magazine. I’m now looking for new writers who want to gain experience and build up their portfolio, to write under the lifestyle section.
Like you said, the key is to not give up. Keep on trying till you get results.
Thanks for sharing this great article. 🙂
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Hi June,
Thank you so much for this great comment and I hope that people landing on this post will read it too.
It looks like you’ve landed wonderful opportunities, and I’m so happy for you. Right now I’m still building my business, because I had too many items in my life that prevented me to be fully focused. By the way, if you want to send me more information about that lifestyle section, I would love that.
Thanks for coming and I’ll see you at your place 🙂
Hi Sylviane,
Although I’ve got these writing opportunities, I still have a long way to go. As you know, it takes more than a few gigs to pay all the bills. But I’m grateful that something is happening at last.
Writing for the lifestyle section is not paid at the moment. It’s a new magazine. So, we’re looking for writers who want exposure and to build up their portfolio. It’s a good opportunity for those who want to write for online magazines in the future.
If you need any more information, please send me an email at [email protected]. I’ll be happy to fill you in some more.
Have a nice evening. 🙂
June invites you to read..Thinking of a Freelance Writing Career? Some Useful Tips…
Hey again, June, Oh I know, believe me, but I still wanted to congratulate you on those accomplishment.
Hey that’s fine who doesn’t need more exposure. I’ll look into it. Thanks 🙂
Hi Sylviane,
Thank you so much for a great post with some great steps to find clients and I totally agree that our blog readers are not our clients.
These tips are definitely useful and applicable to others as well who are not freelance writers. I liked the tips for checking the junk mail and searching the YouTube. These are definitely a must try for me.
Thanks a lot Sylviane for a great share and for the time you put in compiling these helpful steps into this post. Have a great week ahead.
Be Blessed,
Neamat
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Hi Neamat,
I’m glad you also think that you can use some of those tips even though you’re not a freelance writer. Marketing tips can always work for various type businesses.
I hope you try the junk mail and YouTube then, and see what you can get from that.
Thank you for coming and have a great day 🙂
Hi Sylviane.
What great advice! It’s not too often that one explains so well some specific actionable advice.
I did think of the junk mail idea a long time ago but never followed up on the idea. But I shall definitely give it a try. And you’re right by saying that our own blogs are definitely ur showcase. That’s why I am trying to blog more.
A very helpful article indeed. Thanks for sharing those tips.
Nathan.
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Hi Nathan, and welcome here.
Rarely do I go on Triberr, I know, my bad, but this time I did and noticed your comment there, so I know where you’re coming from 🙂
I’m very glad you enjoyed the post, and yes, you should try the junk mail. There’s a gold mine there 🙂
Thanks for coming by, and hope to get to know you more.
Hi Sylviane,
A great post and guide on finding high paying clients for freelance writing. One fact that really got me thinking is the revelation you made about how job boards really works. I agree with you that it is rare finding ‘high’ paying clients in job boards.
However, it happens from time to time if we look at the right place and at the right time.
I always want to share these remarks:
I have always known that every portfolio tells a lot about the freelancer. So, having the best most attractive portfolio for freelance writing is an excellent way to attract ‘high paying’ clients.
There is a big difference between having a good writing skill and a great marketing skill. Every freelance writer with the potential to attract big clients must thoroughly develop the right marketing skill.
Thankfully, your post has highlighted some of the best marketing approach to attract big clients we can work on.
Thanks for sharing this piece!
I also shared this comment in kingged.com where this article was posted!
Hi Sunday,
You are totally right and in agreement with me when it comes to job boards. Don’t expect to find many high paying jobs there, but don’t take them out of the picture completely because it can and does happen at times.
A portfolio is extremely important, but of course our blog is our portfolio too. That’s where posting great content will play an important role for freelance writers.
Thank you for coming.
Polish your Portfolio
Look where the Money is
Job Boards
Spend Time where your Potential Clients Hang out
Networking with other Writers
They are my favorite tips in your list. Well, I’m certain that no one will skip “Polish your Portfolio” right? I’m a basic thing and very vital. Anyway, “How can I fin high-paying clients?” question is mind-blowing. Logically, it’s difficult but if you know that you can catch one, then start polishing you portfolio o impress and magnetize possible clients and follow the next others.
Overall, the article has smart and awesome tips I cannot afford to ignore. It’s a must read and this must be shared.
Hi Metz,
I’m glad you enjoyed the tips, and it is my hope that those tips could help some people.
Thanks for coming.
Hi ma’am Sylviane!
This isn’t a blog post but a guide for a newbie like me. Though I don’t want to be a freelance writer but I can evaluate the way you are working. The idea of finding mistakes in popular email newsletters to get a job is really awesome. If we can spot that signifies that we are better than the person who sent that email. This is something we call out of box approach.
To find out places where are potential client/customers hang out is ubiquitious approach. Everyone has to do that and the approach should be good. You have mentioned the importance of connection and that’s is really important for any business. We learn from others and from our mistakes and It is good to learn from mistakes of others. ANd this can’t happen without making connection.
Thanks for the wonderful article.
-Nitin Balodi-
Hi Nitin, and thanks for the complement. I certainly do try to write every single of my posts as little guides, because I want them to be as valuable as possible.
Networking and making connection is very essential in business nowadays and vital really.
Thank you for coming by and seen you again soon around 🙂
Hi,You summarized everything, the best tip perhaps is to utilize the multiple platforms, magazine, youtube, and inbox.Job boards are filled with small budget companies, rarely I see any big company outsourcing their. Pitching just works great. Neil patel of Quicksprout landed first recognition by pitching his work and talent.Awesome article. )
Hi Sylviane
Very important post especially for those who equally do freelancing apart from a regular job or full-time blogging.
There are two approaches in freelancing. One is to get whatever is offered. Other one is to first make a proper plan and get one huge order instead of getting so many small orders and make your life hell.
All the steps you mentioned are must to get the high paying clients for content writing. I think once a person gets one client of this type then a freelancer instead of jumping into each offer minutely examine how much he is going to receive from there.
A sound online profile at professional networks also helps a lot because so many CEOs of big companies are also registered there and one has ample chance to connect with them and sell them his expertise.
Thanks a lot for sharing this wonderful post of huge value.
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HI Mi,
So sorry, your comment was stuck in moderation and I’ve just seen it now.
I certainly agree with that, better one big deal that pays well than many small ones that are often not even worth the trouble.
It’s always a good idea to hangout where big companies hang out, those guys always need written content.
Thank you so much for coming by and for your input.
Hi Sylviane,
I’m just going to say it… you’re BRILLIANT!!!!
I absolutely love your ideas.
You said something though that really struck me; “The readers of your blog, for the most part, are NOT your target market.”
Interesting statement and perhaps not necessarily true. They may be a secondary market. The reason I say that is you don’t know who they know or what they need.
My best business has come from secondary referrals. I’ve even gotten a $6,000 job recently because someone who read my blog made a referral to someone else on Google Plus. I didn’t know the referrer personally except for some engagement on my blog comments and on Google Plus.
So, while I agree with you that most are not your primary target market, you never know who they know and like your work blog so much they encourage others to read it.
In fact, today I referred an awesome blog I read on entrepreneurship to two people who are master entrepreneurs. They serve the same audience but in a different way. Do you think there is an opportunity for a relationship? I do… but you never know.
Our blogs can do so much more for us than we realize if we teach people how to network properly with them. See, back to my most recent article (see commentluv) where I share that context is now king, not content. I have an ebook that I’m writing with this theme.
It’s funny, I said on my social media you can put me in front of 5, 10, 50, 100 or even 10,000 to speak and no problem. Write a book and I have no idea why I’m nervous?
Oh well. So we push past it.
Sylviane, I’m definitely a HUGE fan of yours and when I come across someone I know needs you; you have my personal referral!
I hope you have an awesome finish to your week!
~ Don Purdum
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Hi Don,
I love your intro here 🙂 who doesn’t like to hear the word “brilliant” in relations to them?
You are right, even if our readers won’t be our clients directly they can refer us to someone who will. That actually has happened to me before. So I don’t deny that, but for the most part my readers themselves won’t be my clients.
Well, thank you so much. The fact that a successful guy like you values my work is great news to me. I admire what you do, and I feel so small compare to you (or should I say you’re achievement is huge compared to mine so far), that you saying this here on my blog it’s a big deal to me.
Thank you so much for coming, and have a great rest of the week!
Hey Sylviane,
I’m not a freelance writer but you have came up with some great ideas of how to find high paying gigs.
What I got from this post is to look for where there is a great need! This is the point that you made in Point #4 to look in the “Junk Mail”… yes there are a lot of people that needs work on their emails and if you can take this load off of them, then they will greatly appreciate it.
But that’s where it boils down to. There are a lot of people who are looking to leverage writers. The key word is “leverage” so that can go about to take care of other aspects of their business.
Thanks for sharing sylviane! I hope you have a great rest of the week!
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Hi Sherman,
Yes, that’s right, the word leverage is correct. Freelance writers need to look for people who are at that level in their business. We know we won’t get work from people who don’t even have the money to pay us, so the key here is to go where the money is.
Thank you so much for coming and for your important keyword 🙂
Hi Sylviane,
I do wish that I could be a freelance writer. I have found since I started blogging that I do really, really enjoy writing. My biggest fear however, is taking on the task for writing for others. Then I’m committed. 🙂 I was also concerned about marketing but you’ve supplied tips to help with that. As interested as I am, I’m afraid of taking on more than I can chew. Writing is time consuming and I’m much of a perfectionist.
Great suggestions on where to look. Never knew about half of the places like job boards or youtube.
Great info and something for me to think about since I’ve been thinking about freelance writing. Thanks for the info and tips. Your advice definitely helps me think about my direction and what I can do.
Have a great week.
Barbara
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Hi Barbara,
Hum… here are the terms you’ve used in your comment “biggest fear,” “concerned,” and “afraid”, now what’s going on? I thought I’d put them all together so you could ponder on that 🙂 Seems that you need to get read of fear. Why fear?
I know one thing, being involved in personal development, such as practicing meditation, reading, and other stuff could help you see where you want to go better. Something to think about.
I’m glad you’ve learned about a few tips on this post and I think that there’s not so much to be afraid of. As a famous writer (forgot his name ) use to say, “don’t think, don’t try, just do.”
Thanks for coming 🙂
Hi Sylvian,
I’m really glad I visited your blog today. Attracting clients that pay certainly is on everyone’s to-do lists, and there’s no better way than a portfolio to showcase your skills.
I actually set up the website but acting local clients who wanted basic web design and support. As I think back, it’s been at least 12 months since I updated the sites portfolio.
It’s great to get a prompts like this.
Keep up sharing what we all need to hear!
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Hi Tony,
You’re not the only one, most of us tend to forget to update our portfolio or about page, and by the time we get back there we find lots of none working links and other no longer relevant items that need to be updated, so that’s a good practice to go there once in a while and fix things up.
I’m happy if this post could be of any help to you.
Thanks for coming and have a wonderful day!
Great post! It’s awesome information about these8 Steps Or 2260 words to help you find high paying clients for your Freelance Writing Business. These 8 steps or 2260 words are very helpful and useful for the bloggers. I had fun and learned a lot from here. Thanks for sharing this article. I will definitely share this to my friends.
OK, next time try to give a more interesting comment, and people reading it will also get more interested in YOU.
That’s how networking works these days. I’m not saying this to be mean, but you have 4 sentences in which you’re using my long title twice. See what I mean? Right now, you’re comments looks like a spam, so I wouldn’t even allow your site to show.
I could just delete you comment all together, but you wouldn’t learn anything from this.
Hi Sylviane,
I wish I’d had such a comprehensive list of steps to follow last year when I first embarked on my freelance writing journey. This is a great post and should certainly be printed out by newbie freelancers of any sort.
There’s a temptation when first starting to think clients will find you but that’s very rarely the case. One definitely has to be active in looking for work and the steps you have provided here are some of the best.
Something I did, when I didn’t have any clips in my portfolio, was to offer pro bono work. I also looked for non-English language small businesses (in different countries) wanting to have case studies or About pages etc. written in English. What I found is that it’s easier to pick up low-paying jobs doing this but they’re great for providing a couple of quality writing samples, and maybe more importantly, your first testimonials.
Networking is so important. As you say, it’s tempting for freelancers to avoid others of their type for fear of losing clients to them but this is flawed thinking. The more connections you have then the more things you learn and the more opportunities present themselves. But above all, you meet some wonderful people.
Merci Sylviane. I’m glad I came across your site.
Edward
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Hi Edward,
Nice meeting you and thank you so much for the kind words. I really feel good reading them 🙂
Yes, I myself wanted to entertain the thought that I wouldn’t have to go fetch clients, that they would simply land on my wonderful blog 🙂 right? Maybe that’s also because of what some successful freelance writers have said at times, but for the most part it won’t be the case. NO. We are going to have to look for them, at least for a while until we get more clients and referrals, but most of the time, they won’t take the first step when they don’t know us.
I’m glad you enjoyed this article, and I hope you’ll share it 🙂 Thanks so much for coming.
Hi Sylviane, Great post. I think that alot of the points that you raised here are really valid for freelance writers to find new clients … especially those that are high paying. I don\’t think alot of people venture offline to pick up clients and that\’s a mistake in my book. Checking out those hard cover magazines is definitely a great strategy to employ.Another creative one is Youtube. You\’re right … it is a search engine onto itself and you can leverage that to find new and potential clients as well. Really great tips here. I know someone who wants to get into freelance writing so I\’ll be sure to pass this information along to her. Hope you have a great week. – Andrew
Hi Andrew,
Yes, indeed, even though we live a 98.9% (:)) percent online life when it comes to business, it’s a mistake to ignore other tools that are still very much available and alive off line.
I do know some folks that I’ve met online but who have told me that most of their business is still very much local/offline, and I’m not talking about a mom and pop store, I’m talking about a web design business. So let’s beware.
Thanks for coming and for your feedback, Andrew.
Hi Sylvianne Mam,
Thank you so much for this awesome content.
I just started my freelance career and getting low pay-outs as every newbie.
What do I say about this article Mam? Nailed it. It’s superb.
Really I was totally unaware of getting clients from Youtube. Thank you so much, Mam.
Checking out other articles as well.
Regards,
Rahul
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Hi Rahul,
I’m very glad this post was valuable to you. I hope you’ll come back. I write tips about writing and blogging every Monday.
Take care.
~Sylviane