3 Moves to Power Your Writing Career Forward

Where are you in your writing career right now?

Are you earning what you want? Coming close enough to what you want to be satisfied? Feeling stuck? Wanting the work to match the pay? Wanting work that interests you?

We’ve all been there. Every writer who’s ever started a freelance writing business has had to start a Point A. Then we’ve had to find a way to move to Point B. Then C. Some of us have even powered right on up that line to places we didn’t think we’d ever get.

You can do that, too. And you can start right now.

I was thinking this on Friday as I was finishing up one of several articles I was working on. As I pushed send, I checked off article #4 for that week.

There was a time I would have walked over hot coals just to have four projects a month. I bet you’ve been there, too.

You may still be there. If so, this post is for you. It’s also dedicated to you because I know you have it in you to get to where you want to be.

It’s going to take some rethinking and a bit of work, too. Ready?

Let’s power that stalled writing career with some easy marketing tactics. Start here:

[bctt tweet=”1. Request help from your best #freelance clients.” username=”LoriWidmer”]

I’m talking about referrals. When you finish that job and your client says “We love it!” respond something like this: “Happy to hear that! Would you be able to write a quick little recommendation for me that I might use on my LI profile or website?”

Add this line to your invoice: My clients are my best advocates. Thank you in advance for your referrals.

Ask outright if you’re in a casual conversation with your client. “Hey, I’ve been meaning to ask. Since you’re well-connected, would you know anyone who might be looking for a writer?”

2. Pump up your profile.

Find your best keywords and make sure you’re visible to people looking for writers with your exact skill set. Revise your website and your social media profiles — particularly LinkedIn. I myself have used LI to find companies and contacts.

3. Generate targeted content.

I started doing this with great success at the beginning of the year. I’ll admit I had to halt marketing this way because I was slammed with work. And maybe that’s the best advertisement for doing this — one of the new clients found me through those articles.

Join specific LI groups and post these articles. One caveat: make sure you’re following the group rules before you post — no links back to your site or it will be deleted or worse, ignored by your audience. Share articles on Twitter. Use hashtags wisely and strategically. Thank anyone who shares your content. Continue the conversation if the opportunity arises. (Just don’t ask for the job on first or even second and third contact).

That’s it. Those are three ways to get yourself more visibility and to boost your street cred online with the very freelance writing clients you’re trying to reach.

Writers, what’s your one great marketing tactic?
How has your marketing changed, and how has that impacted your career?