None of my spur-of-the moment marketing paid off in January (although I suppose it still could) and I wasted a lot of time on a project that didn't pan out thanks to major contract issues. However, previous clients I haven't heard from in months (in one case years) have sought me out, keeping me quite busy. I also landed a new local client for February … still not sure how they found me. Finally, I secured one new client in January, the story behind which I believe is a good takeaway for your readers.

I have a statcounter on my blog and on an irregular basis, I check out the keyword searches that are leading to me. I saw one particular phrase a few years ago that is in one of my writing niches so I wrote a blog post about it. This new clients Googled that phrase, found the post and contacted me. Sound like a familiar strategy? That's because I stole it from Demand Studios (shhh, don't tell them ;o)) Why anyone would write articles for $15 a pop for someone else when they could set up their own site or blog for free and write targeted articles of their own that could lead to business over and over again is beyond me.

Not to stir the DS pot again, but I just may have to blog about this situation. Heck, I've pretty much just written that post to you. ;o)

I do keep track of how much I have invoiced out, too.

So far, Diane, I'm enjoying it immensely! Love the premise and the flow.

Mind if I gloat a bit before I go submit another invoice?

No pretending, Gabriella. 🙂 Okay is good because you were smart – you now have February planned out. Sometimes the lull is needed in order to realign the ducks. 🙂

I know you weren't going to play along, Paula, but I'm very glad you did. 🙂 Amen that you're so close to this month's goal! Next month will be better.

Last year I played along with a full break down, this year I'll do quick reviews:

Very busy month. I completed four articles (including one big rush job), two columns one blog post, and several quick little projects – all for existing clients.

Sent a handful of queries, one editor e-mailed to let me know how close my pitch was to what they needed and attached their new editorial calendar to help me generate new ideas. The biggest surprise? The story I pitched was directly tied to the issue's theme, but the ones they chose had no obvious connection.

I have some marketing plans in place for the articles I wrote for that micromanager.

Actual income was about $400 short of the mark, but as Gabrielle said, it paid the bills. (The mail isn't here today, so that negative could turn into a positive if the check for last week's rush job arrives today.)

How about we pretend you didn't ask this question, huh?

OK, here goes. Earnings-wise, January was pay-my-bills OK, but not good. However, I already have a full plate for February.

I also didn't respond to any ads because the jobs pay too little. As for new business, if we can agree on pay today, I'll begin a book project with a new client this week. That was a referral from a publishing friend. Yay!

I've been connecting with existing clients, and they're reliably giving me new work. So I feel good about that.

Long story short: January was weak. February is looking better.