How Does A Freelance Writer Find Private Clients?
Sep 30, 2009 Freelance Advice, General, Writing Resources
If you already write for DemandStudios.com and AssociatedContent.com, you would have heard about private clients from writers on those websites. Private clients are excellent to find as they can usually pay better for web content and SEO articles. What are private clients? They can be anything from individuals who need a blogger, articles for their website or marketing companies that need search engine optimized content either for their website or clients’.
We all have our different methods of obtaining work, but I can speak from my experiences. You should know that some private clients require writers to sign confidentiality agreements or provide additional information before work can be assigned. The work is often exclusive, meaning you are giving full-rights to the client. Charging for private work depends on the writer and the agreement signed. I have done work on flat fee basis or per word, that is something you’d have to discuss with your client. If you write for the websites mentioned, you will often hear from other writers how they have a private client. Where do they find these high paying jobs though?
You Own Website – I have talked about this extensively, but a freelance writer honestly needs a website. Not a blogspot blog or another free site. A professional website, that can serve as a portfolio and a way for clients to see samples. Do not send free, unpublished samples to anyone – unfortunately there is people looking to scam writers. Send your clients to your website, so they can see work you have done, which topics you can cover and the work quality.
The website can serve for marketing purposes too. My website has a services section where I explain exactly what I as a writer can offer. Freelance writers can be bloggers as well, it honestly helps with polishing SEO skills. I get plenty of private client work through my website,
Forums – Some writers will advise you to find a single niche and stick to it. I am against that. I believe you should be flexible to write about any subject, in any category and learn to research topics you have not covered before. You’ll be surprised at all the new things you will learn – but you will also show writing skills in covering those topics.
I have joined several different forums where I can advertise my writing services. For example, one forum is technology-related and this is an area I can write about while blind-folded. You will be surprised at how many website owners and entrepreneurs are hanging out in forums, looking for qualified individuals that can write web content for their websites.
Sales person – Be a sales person, not just a writer. Present yourself as an expert in a certain category, and show off your quality work. This can be used in direct approach to business owners, utilizing social media and doing some hard work through e-mail. Think about how many business owners are in your area. You could approach them in person, over the phone, e-mail or through a sales letter. Most businesses have a website but have no clue what SEO is or how it can benefit them. Explain this to them, and state that you can turn their website content into SEO friendly content that will bring Google attention to their business. To a business, this can mean beating out competition and bringing in more sales.
Offer other services besides writing, such as helping them out with social media. Do not be afraid to approach people directly and sell your services. It takes a little hard work but it always pays off. And if you do get a private client that is local, treat them well. They will always refer quality services to another business owner.
Textbroker and Elance – I like these two services because you can find decent work, but you can also build up a relationship with the clients through these two services. I have seen often writers being approached after completing and turning in good work.
Craiglist – Some will say that Craiglist is full of scammers, and honestly it does have its share of bad apples. It also has a lot of honest business owners and people who are looking for skilled writers. Be smart though, as I said before – do not send free samples to anyone! Send them to your website instead.
Do not be afraid to try something completely out of the box. Your approach may be different, but that does not mean it will fail. Be brave enough to try something different and work on your own technique. Your first try may not be as polished as your 5th, but it can bring in a good client that will be willing to pay top dollar for your services.
Tags: advice, assignments, Demand Studios, freelance writing, private clients
