A common question I get — and have gotten over the years — from struggling freelancers is:
How do I improve my freelancing results?
Mind you, that’s a big question. I don’t know you or your efforts well enough, nor do I know who your client is or what specialty or focus you prefer. It’s also a question whose answer has filled many books.
But I have to try, right?
In a number of cases, I would give what I thought was solid, albeit generalized advice. Usually along the lines of creating a marketing routine, networking deeper, looking outside the focus area into related areas … you get the idea.
Inevitably, the responses were like these:
“I tried that, didn’t work.”
“I tried that, too. Didn’t work.”
“That never worked for me.”
“No, I don’t think the clients I’m targeting will respond to that.”
That last point is a fair one if the writer really knows their client. Those other ones, though … The thing that bugs me there is that I don’t know how long they tried, what level of commitment they had, and if they really tried consistently or just dabbled.
I’ve had a few writers over the years who took my advice regularly and did nothing with it, or so it seemed. In one case, I repeated that advice over a four-year timeframe only to have the writer ask yet again.
At some point, you do have to move forward.
Honestly, a lot of the trepidation and early failure can be attributed to just not knowing which direction one wants to take. Starting freelance writing without a clear direction can be daunting. Not that it can’t be done. My own career started rather suddenly and yes, I pieced it together and took temp work until I could get my sea legs, so to speak.
However, if you’re finding yourself in the same spot you’ve been for a few years, you may need a little more guidance. If you’re still doing the Upwork/job posting/low-paying cycle of doom, it’s time to leave that behind for more lucrative endeavors.
Here’s how.
Create a marketing routine.
I’m not talking about a 20-page plan that overwhelms you just writing it. I’m talking about a simple plan. Something like this:
- Contact two new prospects today
- Find one way to reach out to new people today, such as an upcoming event (you can try writing a letter of introduction)
- Send out two emails today to existing clients, asking for referrals
- Find one new magazine to pitch to and study it
- Write two more areas where your current skills might fit
- Repeat tomorrow
That’s not hard. It’s also something you can amend to fit who you are and what your goals are.
Get out of that rut.
Clearly what you’re doing now isn’t working well for you or you wouldn’t be frustrated. Change it up. Would you keep slamming your hand in a door if you realized it hurt? Of course not. Stop looking for clients just like the last ones. Stop accepting shitty pay because it’s work and you’re afraid nothing else will show up. Most importantly, stop thinking you’re not ready/good enough/capable of working with bigger clients.
How do you get those better projects and clients? See that first point — reach out to new prospects. You find them by watching who’s talking about topics you write about, following them on social media, reading their websites, and reaching out.
Charge more.
I know, I know. I’ve preached this for a while. It’s important. The second you charge more, you will attract better clients. You’re signaling that you take your skills seriously. You have to value your skills before any client will.
Expand your network.
What I hate about terms like “network” and “marketing” is that they feel so cold and so corporate. They’re not. Networking is getting to know people who could be in a position to hire you or refer you. Today, go a little higher up the food chain in the client circles that appeal to you. Make a new acquaintance. Share stuff with them. Get to know them. Stay in touch.
Use social media wisely.
Personally, I get a ton of traction from LinkedIn. People are there to connect for business reasons. I made a point to join groups, be seen there, respond to posts, and post. I posted fresh content once. That one post netted a good deal of interest and one project.
That said, watch your image. Recently I’ve noticed people getting really political. I think it’s best to leave political opinions off of LinkedIn and away from business-related discussions. I do pay attention, though. I won’t work with people who are vehement about their politics and hold polar opposite opinions to mine. They’re not going to work with you either if you’re doing the same thing. Up to you if you care or not.
Your turn.
What worked?
If you feel stuck, let us help. Where are you most stuck?
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