Although there’s no sure-fire method for creating a successful career as a freelancer, I can offer you a few strategies that have helped me to build my own little business as a single mom and struggling writer working from home.
As much as I do not enjoy “selling” anything, you have to sell yourself, your work, your skills, your services etc. to prospective clients or obviously you will probably not get a lot of business.
So how do you market yourself?
There’s many different methods and some may work for most writers, while others may not be appropriate or appealing to other freelancers.
One way that I prefer to promote myself to prospective clients is by sending direct mail to new businesses opening in my local area and online companies, publications or corporations that I have not worked with in the past.
You can search for such prospects in your phonebook and through your local Chamber of Commerce or by utilizing search engines, media outlets, market lists, publishers links and writer’s resources online.
Consider who needs the type of articles, reports or services you offer.
Some possible clients for writers include:
1) Corporations
2) Small Businesses
3) Advertising Agencies
4) Public Relations Firms
5) Publishing Houses
6) Organizations
7) Technical Industries
8) Colleges/Universities
9) Hospitals
10) Politicians
11) Individuals
You should develop a promotional package that clearly describes your services, your fees, your past clients, and perhaps references, unsolicited testimonials or letters of recommendations from past employers, professors or customers.
If you have an established client base, you may want to consider the potential for expanding your business by offering current customers a discount or something free for referring you to another company, which chooses to hire you.
Another good way to get your name out there to prospective clients online is by writing articles or reports and offering them for free publication.
There are numerous ways to find new customers and you may develop the best marketing strategies by using your own creativity and resources. You know better than anyone what types of clients you’re seeking and what services you’re capable of delivering.
But one thing remains true for all freelance writers. We must market ourselves or we may never develop a successful, profitable career in this business.
Resource Box – Danielle Hollister (2004) is the Publisher of BellaOnline Quotations Zine – A free newsletter for quote lovers featuring more than 10,000 quotations in dozens of categories like – love, friendship, children, inspiration, success, wisdom, family, life, and many more. Read it online at –
