Some days you’re the windshield, some days you’re the fly. If you’re still cruising job boards as your primary source of work, you’re the fly meeting the windshield. With rare exception, job postings work out in favor of the poster, not the writer. And if I’ve not preached enough on the subject, job postings give…
The Marketing-Is-Not-Hard Marketing Guide
There I was, staring at the computer screen, growling. Once again, someone on social media was talking about how incredibly hard marketing is. Know what’s hard? Cement. Rocks. Building a rocket launcher using straws and kindergarten paste. Heads hitting desks when people say uninformed things like “marketing is hard.” Marketing is not hard. Please, can…
Professional Jealousy and the Freelance Writer
A number of decades ago, I had an interaction with a new person in our writers’ group. We had posted a notice in the library announcing our group and welcoming interested writers to join. One person answered the call — a writer who had a monthly column in the local paper. We greeted him warmly, and…
The Secret to Selling Your Freelance Writing Rate
Quick! Your client prospect just asked what your rate is. What do you do? You know your rate (or you should by now). That’s not the problem. There are actually two problems here — First, you probably shouldn’t be telling them your rate in that initial conversation (Jennifer Gregory has a great post by Elizabeth…
8 Ways to Make Money Freelance Writing Right Now
Whoa. Summer is slow. I know that officially, it’s still spring. But companies and clients often use Memorial Day as their official “here come all the vacations” mentality. You would think summer would be a great time for freelancers to pick up extra projects. You sure would. Alas, while I’ve had a few summers that were so…
Avoiding the Freelance Niche Fad
I love fresh perspectives. That’s why I search for freelance blogs pretty regularly. Unfortunately, I rarely come across a freelance blog. Instead, I see the same advice: How to Start Freelance Writing 10 Tips for New Freelancers How to Start Making Money Freelance Writing How to Launch Your Freelance Writing Career The obvious keyword stuffing…
4 Steps to Reinventing Your Freelance Writing Career
Did you have a nice long weekend? Good. Now back to work. If you’re like me, though, work may be slowing down for you. Summer is nearly here (aren’t we already in the mindset?), and client work tends to drop off a bit from June through mid-August. At least, that’s been my experience. The change…
How to Get Freelance Writing Clients to Hire You
It’s nearly a holiday weekend, so of course I’m thinking about marketing. Then again, when am I not thinking about it? Monday’s post was about where to focus your energies when marketing to get the best results. Today, it’s about using that same focus to convince clients that you are the freelance writer they need….
One Thing Your Freelance Writing Marketing Lacks (and how to get it)
Are you trying to make a living freelance writing, but you just can’t seem to get your business off the ground? Are you having troubles finding clients — quality clients? If you answered yes to either question, I’m going to bet the problem is your marketing. But Lori! I market all the time! you may be…
Pretty Freakin’ Easy Branding for Freelance Writers
I’m a specialty writer. Most people who visit this blog know that. But does anyone else? I’d say fortunately, yes. Plenty of people who are in a position to hire me know that. But I can’t say “fortunately.” They know that because I made sure they did. No matter what type of writing you do…