Side hustle. Gig worker. Ugh.
What I hate about these terms – and what you should hate, too – is how they diminish what you do. These terms suggest you’re dabbling. You’re not serious. You’re hustling. You’re just part of the latest fad, that “gig” economy.
Screw that. You, my freelance friend, are a business owner.
Ah, but it’s tough to convince the world of that when you’re hanging out of Fiverr, Upwork and job boards, isn’t it? Not that you do that, but even other writers doing that kind of reflect badly on the rest of us. Why? Because it suggests we’re there to compete for jobs.
That’s wrong. We’re not. We’re there to develop and maintain business relationships with our clients and prospects.
[bctt tweet=”Forget side hustles: #freelancewriting is a business. Treat it as such. Here’s how.” username=”LoriWidmer”]
That means marketing. That means doing what employees don’t do — actively market for work, actively network to build relationships, actively grow a freaking business.
Instead of repeating myself, I’m just going to post some of the ways in which you can either learn how to market or improve upon what you already do to attract clients. Yes, even the most veteran freelance writer can learn something new. Even me. So in the comments, please leave your favorite way to market or network or anything you’ve done that you think has improved your business and won over clients.
The list:
The Marketing-Is-Not-Hard Marketing Guide | Words on the Page (wordsonpageblog.com): This short guide gets you up and running quickly. It also can give your current efforts a little boost.
The Ultimate Freelance Marketing Survival Guide | Words on the Page (wordsonpageblog.com): If you get stuck on finding “ideal” clients, this post is for you. An easy way to get out of your own head and find your next client.
6 Easy Marketing Hacks for Freelancers | Words on the Page (wordsonpageblog.com): Let’s just simplify your marketing right now, shall we? Setting simple, short goals that you can achieve — this post helps you do that.
Freelancer Guide to Inbound Marketing | Words on the Page (wordsonpageblog.com): Inbound marketing has always sounded so technical. I bet you’re already doing it and don’t even realize it. Here’s how to hone the skills you may already be applying.
4 Marketing Mistakes Freelancers Make | Words on the Page (wordsonpageblog.com): How one marketer’s mistake can teach you a lot about doing it right. Pointers on how to get your marketing in line with your audience, right here.
6 Ways to Sabotage Your Freelance Career | Words on the Page (wordsonpageblog.com): While we’re at it, let’s improve your image so that while you’re networking and marketing, you’re putting your best image forward.
Freelance Game Plan: Building a Freelance Network | Words on the Page (wordsonpageblog.com): Oh, that network matters. Here’s how to build yours.
The Freelance Networking Success Recipe | Words on the Page (wordsonpageblog.com): You too can become a damn decent networker. This post is your template.
Why Freelance Writers Should Separate Networking from Selling | Words on the Page (wordsonpageblog.com): Just in case you missed the memo on selling on the first date (don’t), this post can help you get over the urge and lay down a better approach.