Finding clients or customers for your business is one of the most important parts of any job. Whether you have a brick-and-mortar location or are working from home, you need to find ways to bring in new customers by word of mouth, referrals, and recommendations.
You can’t be everywhere at once so instead, focus on where your ideal clients hang out online. It’s easier than ever to get started with social media marketing as a freelance writer because there are so many platforms available today that allow writers like yourself to reach potential customers directly.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| 1. Identify Lucrative Writing Opportunities |
| 2. Craft a Compelling Writing Portfolio |
| 3. Network and Collaborate with Industry Professionals |
| 4. Develop Specialized Writing Skills |
| 5. Market Yourself Effectively as a High-Earning Writer |
Determine Your Speciality
It’s important to identify your specialty as early as possible, so you can start building up your portfolio and social media presence in that area. Once you’ve identified your specialty, it will be easier to narrow down the topics of interest on which you want to focus.
What is my specialty?
Your specialty is a niche topic or sub-genre within writing that has a lot of potential for earning money over time. For example, if you love mysteries but hate romance novels (or vice versa), then mystery writing is probably better for your income goals than romance writing would be.
The key here is passion if you’re passionate about a topic and are willing to spend time learning about it before getting started on projects related to that subject matter, then there’s no reason why this shouldn’t become one of the main areas in which people hire writers like yourself!
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Find Your Ideal Paying Gigs
Finding a six-figure writing gig that fits your skills, interests, lifestyle, and personality can be overwhelming. But if you’re willing to look in the right places, it can easily become one of the best decisions of your life. Here are some things to look for when trying to find the right fit:
Opportunities that match your skill set. You should always start with what you know and enjoy doing most. Are you good at writing articles? Do you like creating content for blogs?
Do you have experience editing or proofreading other people’s work? Are there any other areas where this type of work might make sense for you? If so, then go ahead and apply for those jobs and if not, don’t waste time applying!
Research Your Niche
Once you know your audience, it’s time to research the niche. You want to find out what topics are currently being covered in the industry, how many articles there are about these topics, and how often they’re written.
The more information you have here, the better equipped you’ll be to write with authority and keep yourself from writing undervalued content that will make clients balk at paying more than $5/word.
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Identify A Real Problem In Your Niche
What Is a Real Problem?
When you think of problems, what comes to mind? In most cases, the first thing that pops into our head is something negative a problem. But what’s not so obvious is that problems can be good things. How? By providing opportunities for growth and development!
Finding a Problem in Your Niche Market
Here’s how to find the right problem: start by thinking about specific problems within your niche market that could use some help solving. Then narrow it down even further by asking yourself how those problems could potentially be solved or improved upon for people in general if they were solved. How does this work? Find out below!
Create The Perfect Writer’s Website
- Design your website so that it’s easy to navigate.
- Make sure your website is mobile-friendly.
- Include your contact information, including a phone number and email address, as well as social media links.
Include samples of your writing in the form of articles, blog posts, and/or ebooks you have written and sold.
These don’t have to be long; in fact, shorter samples are better as they give potential clients more insight into what kind of work you do than long ones would (assuming there’s enough content for them to see). You can also include testimonials from past clients here if you have them!
Include a resume that highlights all of your experience working with various types/lengths of content (articles versus book manuscripts) and different types/lengths within those categories (short articles versus long-form features). This will help show potential employers how versatile you are when it comes time for interviews!
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Prepare A Professional Portfolio
Your portfolio is a reflection of you, so make sure it’s up-to-date and easy to navigate.
Make sure your portfolio is up-to-date: If you’re applying for a job that requires writing experience, the hiring manager will want to know what kind of work you’ve done in the past. Update your portfolio with any new accomplishments (like guest blogging), even if they aren’t related to writing.
Make sure it’s easy to navigate: A good way to make your portfolio easy on the eyes is by organizing it by topic or medium (for example, “Videos” or “Infographics”). This way, anyone who visits can easily find what they’re looking for without having to dig through content that doesn’t interest them as much as others might.
Make sure it’s easy on the eyes: To make an impression with someone else’s eyeballs—and not theirs alone it helps if all text has been properly formatted and styled according to industry standards (like AP Style).
Create Samples That Excite Publishers
One of the best ways to get hired as a full-time freelance writer is to create pieces that publishers want. This means you need to start building a portfolio.
The best way to do this is by creating blog posts that show off your writing skills and prove you know how to write engaging content.
That’s why we suggest building a blog in addition to the sample portfolio mentioned above because it will be another way for potential clients, who are looking for someone with experience writing like yours, to find you and be interested in hiring you.
By creating a blog where you write articles on topics related to what your prospective clients might be looking for (this includes both nonfiction and fiction), they’ll see how well-versed in those types of subject matter you are. It also shows them how great it would be if they hired someone like yourself: someone who knows their stuff!
Use Your Network To Find Work
You should also use your network to find work. If you’re a doctor, for example, get on the mailing list of local hospitals and clinics. Offer your services to them and don’t be shy about this! You know what they want and need better than they do. Even if you’re not a doctor, there’s no reason why freelance writing can’t be part of your portfolio.
You could also take advantage of websites like Freelance Writing Jobs or ProBlogger Job Board these are job sites intended for writers who wish to find work as freelancers (or “ghostwriters,” in some cases). You can also create your blog about anything that interests you so long as it relates to what you know best in the world: yourself!
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Join Local Associations And Groups
If you are not already a member of your local writers’ organization, join it! If there is no such group in your area, start one. Here are some examples:
The National Writers Union (NWU) has been the nation’s only union for professional authors since 1952.
The NWU negotiates collective bargaining agreements on behalf of its members with publishing houses and other employers that employ writers at all levels of production (from editorial assistants to columnists), as well as authors who hold copyright over their works.
Membership also includes special benefits like discounted health insurance premiums through MetroPlus Health Plan Inc., access to an online library filled with resources tailored specifically toward writers, and more than 20 regional chapters nationwide (plus Canada).
The Society Of Children’s Book Writers And Illustrators helps children’s book authors find representation; hosts workshops where aspiring children’s book authors can get tips from industry pros; runs annual conferences where top editors meet face-to-face with promising new talent;
Supports charitable programs dedicated to helping young people become great readers; maintains an extensive website full of useful information about every aspect related to writing for children and does all this without taking any fees from its members!
Get Listed On Freelance Job Boards As An Expert Writer
Getting listed on freelance job boards as an expert writer is one of the most surefire ways to find a six-figure writing gig.
The first step is finding these job boards. There are many ways to do this:
You can Google “freelance writing jobs” and look for sites that specifically list writing opportunities. Look for ones with high ratings, as they will often be reputable sites that won’t scam you or take your money without providing payment in return.
You can also scope out local community centers, libraries, and universities to see if they host any job fairs where employers come looking for local talent to hire on a contract basis or full-time basis. These are great places to find out about freelance opportunities in your area!
Use Social Media To Showcase Your Expertise
Social media is a great way to showcase your expertise, connect with potential clients and customers, and build your brand.
Twitter: Showcase your knowledge by answering questions on Twitter. You can also use hashtags to get noticed by others in the industry.
LinkedIn: Update this professional networking site frequently with status updates about yourself and what you’re working on. This will help you gain credibility as an expert in your field.
Collect Testimonials From Satisfied Customers Or Clients
You should encourage your clients to give you a testimonial. If they’ve had a good experience working with you, they’ll be happy to write one for you.
Make sure that there are forms in place so that your satisfied customers can leave their testimonials and keep them organized. Having a record of past work is crucial to making more sales and getting more clients in the future.
Be sure to check on this regularly each time someone gives you a testimonial, make sure that it gets added to the appropriate folder or database so it can be used later in marketing materials or promotions!
Blog About What You Know Best In The World
You might have heard that blogging is a great way to build your brand, connect with your audience, or generate leads. But did you know that it’s also a great way to make money?
Many of us are hesitant about sharing our expertise for fear of looking “too” self-promoting, but that’s exactly what makes blogging such an effective long-term strategy:
You get paid for doing what you love most in the world writing about what you know best! People can sense when they’re reading a genuine opinion based on experience and expertise.
The more authentic and expertly written content you put out there (i.e., the more articles like this), the easier it will be for people to trust your opinion and hire you as their writer.
Use Direct Mail To Contact Potential Clients Or Customers In Your Niche Market
Here are six ways you can use direct mail to contact potential clients or customers in your niche market:
A letter. Use a mail merge to create a personalized letter with the recipient’s name and address on it. Send this off with a brochure showcasing your work, business card, or another promotional piece that will open the door for future conversations and sales.
A postcard. Send out postcards advertising your services or new product lines with relevant information about what they do and how they can help people resolve their problems or achieve their goals, using language that appeals to them specifically so as not to waste time trying something else.
If it doesn’t fit their needs perfectly right away (e.g., “Are you looking for someone who…”). This type of ad could also include an offer for free consultation services if appropriate just make sure there’s no fine print!
A brochure/flyer/poster/etcetera depending on what kind of marketing materials would be most effective given its intended audience (e.g., marketing executives vs CEOs vs small business owners).
These kinds of ads require some creativity since each one must convey exactly what makes them stand out from competitors’ offerings but still portray professionalism if possible – though nothing too fancy since simplicity tends to work better overall when communicating complex ideas quickly without distracting viewers too much from its main point(s).
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Offer Up Bonuses For Clients Or Customers Who Refer Their Friends And Family To You For Business
Offer a referral bonus.
If you’re having trouble landing clients, consider offering a referral bonus to your customers. This is especially effective if you have already established yourself as the go-to expert in your industry and have built credibility with potential clients.
If someone likes working with you, they will surely tell their friends and family of their experience. In turn, those people might become new clients as well! Just be sure to spell out clearly what you will give each time someone refers another person your way a discount on future work. Freebie services?
A freebie service for one of their friends or family? Whatever it is that makes sense for the client’s business model and your budget!
Conclusion
This is a great time to be an expert writer. With the rise of content marketing and the need for a high-quality, compelling copy on every website in existence (not just blogs!), there has never been more demand for excellent writers than there is now.
If you’re looking to move beyond the freelance world, if you want to earn some extra money on top of your day job, or even if you simply want more control over your schedule then becoming a full-time freelance writer could be an excellent choice for you!
Further Reading
Achieving Six Figures as an Author: Discover valuable insights and strategies to reach six-figure earnings as an author in the writing industry.
10 Ways to Make Six Figures as a Freelance Writer: Explore ten effective methods that can help freelance writers achieve six-figure income in their writing careers.
How to Make Six Figures as a Writer: Learn practical tips and techniques to increase your income and reach the coveted six-figure mark as a writer.
FAQs
How can I increase my writing income?
Increasing your writing income can be achieved through various means, such as diversifying your writing services, building a strong online presence, and networking with potential clients.
What are some effective strategies for freelance writers to earn six figures?
Freelance writers can earn six figures by specializing in high-paying niches, securing long-term clients, offering premium writing packages, and continuously improving their skills.
Is it possible to make a six-figure income as an author?
Yes, it is possible to make six figures as an author by writing and publishing bestselling books, leveraging online platforms, and building a loyal reader base.
How can I balance creativity and profitability as a writer?
Finding the right balance between creativity and profitability involves exploring commercial writing opportunities, while still pursuing passion projects to maintain creative fulfillment.
Are there specific industries that offer higher writing income opportunities?
Certain industries, such as technology, finance, and healthcare, often provide higher writing income opportunities due to the demand for specialized and technical content.
Costantine Edward is a digital marketing expert, freelance writer, and entrepreneur who helps people attain financial freedom. I’ve been working in marketing since I was 18 years old and have managed to build a successful career doing what I love.