Welcome to The Complete Guide To Freelance Writing Lead Generation, where you’ll learn how to find and attract high-paying clients.
This guide will walk you through what freelance writing lead generation is; why you need a lead generation; why it’s so important; things to keep in mind; the lead generation process, and many other concepts you need to know. Then, I’ll show you how to generate your own leads using six different methods:
- Cold pitching
- Social media advertising
- Direct Mail
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
- Networking with other writers
- Referrals
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Freelance writing can be a lucrative and rewarding career path. |
| Lead generation is a key aspect of freelancing success. |
| Setting rates as a freelancer requires careful consideration of various factors. |
| Effective time management is crucial for freelancers. |
| Building a strong network is essential for finding freelance work. |
What Is Freelance Writing Lead Generation?
Freelance Writing Lead Generation is the art of writing content for any business that helps them generate more leads and sales. It’s a key part of any business, whether you’re a freelance writer, lawyer, or food truck owner. For most companies, it’s done by salespeople looking to generate leads for the company; for instance, an account executive might call someone who has expressed interest in signing up for a paid service and encourage them to do so. In the case of freelance writers.
However, lead generation isn’t something that’s always done on the phone but it does play an important role in your success as a freelancer. You can either handle lead generation yourself or use an agency that specializes in this particular client outreach strategy. Depending on how much time you have and what your budget is, there are ways to delegate responsibility for finding leads so that you can focus exclusively on writing great content for your clients (thus leading to more referrals!).
As with any other business endeavor, hiring an agency comes with its own risks and rewards: if they do their job right then their cost will prove worthwhile by providing qualified customers who want what you have but if they fail at this task then they’ll cost money without generating real value. The best way to avoid these pitfalls is by being strategic about which agencies work best with both yourself as well as your target audience (e.g., people who need help with SEO-friendly blog posts would likely benefit from working alongside our team).
LinkedIn can be a powerful tool for generating leads as a freelance writer. Check out our guide on generating your first 10 leads on LinkedIn to learn how to optimize your profile and connect with potential clients.
Why You Need A Lead Generation Strategy
People only say “yes” when they want something.
Like many of us, you want your website to get more traffic and validate your business as legitimate. However, having an impressive website without a solid lead generation strategy attached to it can be like a shiny Lamborghini with no wheels: it’ll never move off the lot.
When we were coming up with our lead generation strategy, we had to face one truth: if we wanted our business’ name out there, the last thing we needed was the same old cookie-cutter landing page that everyone else is using. More often than not, those types of pages will get you nowhere.
The overwhelming majority of lead generation strategies that people use are cookie-cutter in nature: copy and paste one of these templates onto your website or blog (if you’re on WordPress or Blogger), then add some affiliate links to drive traffic back to them (I’m guilty of this too).
This method may work sometimes but not if your goal is consistent growth year after year. You need a strategy that works well for you and at The Imposter’s Guide To Freelance Writing , we strongly feel that this means targeting specific niches and keywords whenever possible.
For instance: let’s say I run an online dating service for singles over 35 years old who are looking for men their age (35–40). I want my business to grow so I can help more people find romance and maybe even meet someone great! But I also know how hard it is for older singles to find love online: most sites focus exclusively on younger women looking for men (18–27) or married men seeking single women (35+).
In other words, the very types of people who’ve already found someone they like already! It’s almost impossible for people my age group to stand out from the crowd thanks to these websites’ primary target audience, something I will never have an issue doing with my own site! And if there’s one thing
Why Lead Generation Is Important
If you’re a freelance writer, one of your biggest challenges will be landing clients. While some writers work with staffing agencies that handle the legwork of finding and onboarding new clients, other writers manage this aspect on their own. Managing client relationships is a big undertaking, but there are steps you can take to make it easier for both yourself and your future clients. To begin this process, consider why lead generation is so important for freelancers:
- Building a solid base of clients allows you to steadily grow and increase your income over time.
- Having a large roster of clients gives you opportunities to write about topics that interest you.
Great client service can help develop long-lasting business relationships that benefit both parties involved in the project(s).
Things To Keep In Mind When Generating Leads
When you’re generating freelance writing leads, it’s important to keep in mind that you’re creating a business relationship. You’re selling a service; as such, it’s important to be able to sell yourself and your writing skills. The language you use in your lead generation efforts will have a great impact on how potential clients perceive you.
It’s always better to be direct when describing the services you offer. For example, “I’m an experienced writer with over three years of experience” is preferable to “I could probably write something for you.”
It’s important to express confidence in your abilities. For example, “I’m confident that I can deliver well-researched content on time” is preferable to “I’d like a chance at writing some articles for you.”
Because many of the jobs posted online are short-term or one-time jobs, it’s important to demonstrate that there is value in investing time into working with an individual freelancer: “My communication skills and ability to meet deadlines make me a reliable choice for long-term projects” is preferable to “I’m looking for someone who can give me work.”
It’s also valuable to let potential clients know what measures will be taken if there are any problems or delays (e.g., missed deadlines) after the contract has been signed: “If I miss a deadline, I’ll complete an extra assignment free of charge” is preferable to “If I miss a deadline, we can talk about it.”
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The Lead Generation Process
Identify your target market: You should be able to answer questions about who you want to work with and what you have to offer them.
Create a list of potential clients: Research companies that fit the criteria and add them to your prospect list.
Research prospects: Figure out who hires contract workers and learn more about their product or service.
Reach out to prospects: This can be done through email, phone calls, or social media.
Follow up on prospects: Make note of when follow-ups are scheduled; this will help ensure that you won’t neglect any leads that have the potential for becoming steady clients.
How To Define Your Ideal Client
If you’re going to implement a freelance lead generation strategy, you must first define your ideal client. So, who exactly is an “ideal client?” An ideal client is one who pays you well and consistently, and also one who’s a pleasure to work with. They understand that you’re not just a cheap piece of labor, but rather a professional with valuable expertise.
But how do you know if someone is the right fit for your services? Once you’ve defined what makes an ideal client, then it’s time to start defining them as an individual! If you don’t have any prior experience working in the industry or for the type of businesses that hire writers, it can be difficult to pinpoint exactly what traits make up one of these people.
Luckily for us freelancers/writers, there are some easy ways to figure out who we’re looking for; all we need are some basic questions about demographics and personality types. Once those questions are answered (and answered honestly), it’s time for the fun part: creating our ideal client avatar.
The avatar will give us insight into their needs so we can better market ourselves towards their pain points with content or social media posts tailored specifically towards their wants/needs – all while making sure we keep in mind what they don’t like as well!
To get the most out of your freelance web design work, it’s important to establish clear communication with your clients. Check out our guide on how to get the most out of your freelance web design work for tips on building client relationships and delivering top-quality work.
The Importance Of Finding Your Niche
As a freelance writer, finding your niche is important for a variety of reasons. It allows you to become an expert in that field, which makes you stand out as a valuable asset to clients. As you become more experienced and well-versed in one particular industry or subject matter, you gain the knowledge and expertise necessary to take on more challenging projects within that niche.
The more specialized you become in this area, the higher your rates will be. It also helps with lead generation because people tend to refer prospective clients to other professionals whom they know are talented and reliable in their respective niches.
This is yet another reason why it’s so beneficial for freelance writers to focus their efforts on a certain group of industries or subject matters rather than trying to be all jack-of-all-trades.
Where To Find Your Freelance Writing Leads
There are many places where you can find freelance writing leads. Some of the most popular ones include job boards, freelance marketplace sites like Upwork, freelance writing websites, LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter groups, Instagram hashtags and stories, email marketing, your own website or blog, guest blogging on other blogs in your niche and submitting articles to magazines and newspapers.
You can also generate leads by networking with people in real life or virtually. In the next section we’ll be looking at each of these options in more detail.
Social Media Platforms For Freelance Writers
Social media marketing is an important aspect of any business today, but there are a lot of questions about how to use each platform strategically. The goal is to get your target market to view you as an expert in your niche and connect with them on a personal level.
Hashtags: Using hashtags allows you to find and be found by people that are interested in the same things you are. It will also help you narrow down the type of client you want. For example, if you write blogs for travel companies, then #travelblogger will make it easier for people looking for travel bloggers to find your content.
Twitter Chats: Participating in Twitter chats lets you connect with other writers while building authority as they can share your insights with their followers. Joining a chat also allows you to learn new things from other users and increases participation in your own following. To find chats relevant to freelance writing join in on the #FreelanceChat every Tuesday at 1 PM EST or #ContentWritingChat every Wednesday at 10 AM EST.
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Groups: There are many groups dedicated specifically to helping freelance writers network and discover leads such as Freelance Writers & Editors Group or Freelancers Union Connections, which have over 12K+ members each! You can also search for groups based around particular topics like copywriting or blogging for even more niche-specific leads with less competition from other freelancers posting about their services within these smaller communities as well
Facebook is a great way to connect with your current and past clients, as well as other freelancers who might be looking for work like yours. It’s also the perfect place to post examples of your work or articles that show off your expertise in an industry-specific niche (like writing about travel or food). You can even set up an event page where writers can list themselves as interested parties or presenters! If you’re just starting out, this is definitely the place to start!
How To Generate Your Own Leads Using Five Different Methods
You’ve probably heard that the best way to generate leads is to know your audience and do some research. Well, we’re here to tell you that’s not all there is to it. Here are five different ways you can generate your own leads using cold pitching, direct mail, social media, email marketing, and more:
Cold pitching
This is the most aggressive approach to lead generation. It involves cold calling potential customers to get them on the phone with you. You can use this technique if your product or service is something that people will want even if they don’t know about it yet, like a new technology or an innovative product design.
If people don’t know about your product or service, it’s hard for them to buy from you unless they feel like they need it right now. Cold pitching takes away the idea that customers need to be convinced before buying from you by showing them what they can do with your product or service.
Social Media Advertising
Social media advertising is one of the easiest ways to get started with generating your own leads. You can use this method on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Social media advertising allows you to create ads that will show up in the feeds of people who are following accounts that are similar to yours. This is a great way to reach potential customers who may not have heard about your business before!
Direct Mail
Direct mail is another great method of generating leads by sending out physical letters or postcards with information about your business and how it can help clients solve their problems. The best part about direct mail is that it allows you to target specific demographics so you only reach people who are likely to be interested in what you’re selling.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
Search engine optimization (SEO) is another great method for generating your own leads because it works by getting people who aren’t already familiar with your company or product interested in what you have to offer.
SEO uses keywords that people search for online and helps them find your webpage when they type those words into Google or another search engine site like Bing or Yahoo!. This way, when someone searches for something related to what your company offers, they’re more likely to find out about it through an internet search than from anywhere else.”
Choosing the right freelance web designer for your project is crucial for achieving your desired outcome. Our guide on 15 tips to help you choose a freelance web designer offers valuable insights on what to look for in a designer, as well as questions to ask during the hiring process.”
Networking
Networking is another great way to generate leads, especially if you’re in an industry where people know each other. Networking events and clubs are a great place to meet potential clients and partners. You can also find leads by simply talking with people in your industry. This is known as “salt-and-pepper” networking because it involves talking with random people who don’t necessarily know each other but might have something in common professionally (like working at the same company).
Referrals
If someone likes what they’ve heard about your company from another customer or client, chances are they’ll be open to buying from you too, especially if they trust that person’s opinion. Make sure that everyone knows about the referral program at your company so people feel comfortable sharing their experiences with friends and family members who might be interested in doing business with.
Final Thoughts
Generating leads is one of the most important skills you can acquire as a freelance writer. Learning how to generate leads from the start will make your freelance writing career much easier.
Having a steady stream of clients will allow you to plan ahead and set your own rates. It also gives you more control over your work schedule and workload, allowing you to negotiate with clients on your own terms rather than being forced into whatever arrangement they offer.
Further Reading
The Ultimate Guide to Freelancing: A comprehensive guide to freelancing covering everything from setting rates to managing your time effectively.
How to Find Freelance Writing Jobs in 2023: A practical guide to finding freelance writing jobs in 2023, with tips on building a portfolio and networking.
A Complete Guide to Lead Generation for Freelancers: A detailed guide on lead generation strategies for freelancers, including tips on using social media and email marketing.
FAQs
What is freelancing?
Freelancing refers to working for oneself rather than for an employer, often on a project-by-project basis. Freelancers typically offer services in areas such as writing, web design, and programming.
How do I get started as a freelancer?
To get started as a freelancer, it’s important to identify your skills and areas of expertise, build a portfolio, and establish a network of potential clients. You may also need to set up a business entity and handle administrative tasks such as billing and taxes.
How do I set my rates as a freelancer?
Setting rates as a freelancer can be challenging. It’s important to consider factors such as your level of experience, the complexity of the project, and the industry standard rates for your services. You may also want to experiment with different pricing models, such as hourly or project-based rates.
How can I market my freelance services?
Marketing your freelance services requires a strategic approach. Consider building a strong online presence through social media and a professional website, networking with potential clients, and leveraging your existing contacts and professional networks.
How can I manage my time effectively as a freelancer?
Effective time management is crucial for freelancers, who must balance multiple projects and deadlines. Consider using productivity tools such as time-tracking apps, setting clear boundaries between work and personal time, and breaking large projects into smaller, more manageable tasks.
How Do I Know If I’m Doing It Right Or Not?
You will know if you’re doing it right when your clients are happy with your content and they keep coming back to hire you again and again.
Why Should I Get Into This Field In The First Place?
The answer is simple: because there’s an ever-increasing demand for high quality content, but not enough writers are able to deliver on time or within budget. If you want to make money while helping businesses grow, then this is the perfect job for you!
How Much Can I Make As A Freelance Writer?
That really depends on how much effort you’re willing to put into learning new skills and developing your portfolio before starting out on your own – as well as how much time and effort you’re willing to invest in marketing yourself to potential clients (which is also something we’ll be covering in this guide).
Why Should I Start Writing For Lead Generation?
Writing professionally for clients has many benefits. The most obvious one is money: Freelance writers can make a lot more than they would make in another job that only pays hourly wages. Writing for clients also allows you to work from home, which means no commute! You’ll have time during the day to take care of errands like grocery shopping or going to the gym or maybe even get some extra sleep!
How Do I Get Started?
The first thing you need before starting any new project is a client who wants what you’re offering. If you don’t already have a client lined up, then start looking online at websites like Upwork (formerly called oDesk) or Freelancer.com where companies post jobs they need to be done along with their budget.
How Do I Become A Freelance Writer?
The first step is to set up your freelance writing business by registering for a business license and getting an accountant. Once you’re ready, you can start looking for clients by posting your services on websites like [server name], or by networking with people in related industries and building relationships that lead to more opportunities down the road!
I’m A Freelance Writer. How Can I Get Clients?
The best way to get clients is to offer them something they can’t find anywhere else. If you’re a writer who specializes in fiction, then make sure that your portfolio shows off only the best of your writing. If you’re a copywriter, make sure your portfolio includes some examples of how well-written emails can sell products or services.
If you know how to write great landing pages or web copy, then show off those skills. Once you’ve got a portfolio that shows off your best work, start looking for opportunities to put yourself out there and get noticed by potential clients.
Reach out to bloggers in your industry and offer them guest posts or interviews with influencers in their fields; ask for introductions from friends or colleagues who might be able to introduce you to someone who needs work done (or better yet, set up an interview).
Be sure not just to ask for work but also to offer helpful resources that could help the company grow its business (e.g., case studies with other companies). The more useful information you can provide potential clients and the more often they see your name the more likely they’ll be willing to hire you.
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.