You can find thousands of articles all over the web instructing you on how to secure the best freelance writing jobs.
But, do they work?
Can you actually apply them to your business?
What if you’re a beginner?
A seasoned pro?
Have no fear because what I will share with you in this post are usable tips for all writers that instructs on not only how to secure the best jobs, but also how to create a well-rounded freelance writing business so you can attract the right clients as well.
This article is Part 3 of a 3-part series on freelance writing jobs. You can access Part 2 here if you haven’t read it yet.
It’s time to take charge of your writing career and it can start right here!
#1 – Upgrade your writing website
This might seem irrelevant, but it’s one of the top ways to win better writing gigs.
I will give you an example…
You want to redecorate your home and you have a budget for an interior designer. You gathered a few names and website addresses from your friends.
Two of the sites are decent. They look good but are somewhat boring and there aren’t any photos of work they’ve done.
The last site pops! It pulls you in and the pictures and copy explain who they are and the work they guarantee.
Yep. You’re correct. You chose the last designer. Their website sold you. THAT is EXACTLY what you should do with your website. Showcase who you are as a writer and what you offer to prospective clients. There is competition for every writing job. Your website could be what lands it for you.
If you want to learn about how to create a writer’s website easily and affordably, check out these posts.
#2 – Stop writing for content mills
I know…this is a tough one, especially if you’ve counted on that money as part of your salary. I talk about content mills in my eBook, because for some writers, they are just what beginner writers need to practice writing and get started in the business. And for this, content mills can be a benefit. But, I don’t want writers to stay there!
We are doing everything humanly possible to help you reach your freelance writing income goals. Content mills place a ceiling on your earnings. Although they might feel “secure”…they actually drive your income down.
Also, content mills give you an incorrect mindset. I often discuss in my teachings my five success pillars to a successful freelance writing career. One of the pillars is The Right Mindset. Content mills fight against securing the right mindset, so they can create a vicious cycle. If you are serious about securing the best freelance writing jobs, then move on from them.
If you are ready to move on from content mills and you want the cliffnotes version of how to find and land more freelance writing jobs and clients, check out my Ultimate Client-Getting Masterclass. I reduced the price to just $7. That’s less than the price of two lattes at Starbucks!
#3 – Create a marketing plan and stick to it every day
There are no “get rich quick scheme” when it comes to freelance writing. But, if you create a simple marketing plan and work on it for a few minutes every single day, eventually you will see results.
I love watching old shows on TV. A couple of my favorites are I Love Lucy and The Honeymooners.
In The Honeymooners, Jackie Gleason plays the role of Ralph Cramden. This character loves a shortcut and believes that he can “get rich quick” with his crazy ideas. Ralph has spent years inventing useless innovations, starting absurd businesses and running after the “next big thing.”
My family and I laugh at his antics, but it’s sad to think that there are people that are really like this. If he just stuck with one thing…every day…he would have discovered some remarkable outcomes.
Sticktoitedness! Not sure if that’s a word, but it should be! That’s what you need. Market yourself for 15-30 minutes every morning. Use social media, contact prospects, search for blogs to write for, etc.
Nike has it right. Just do it!
#4 – Be a big fish in a little pond
Yes, Craigslist and other mass job boards can help you make some money, but you are swimming with thousands of others. Find a smaller group so you can stand out and make more money.
Do you have a specialty? If so, look for smaller, niche job boards where you can connect with potential clients looking for writers just like you. Search Google for your specialty and the term “jobs.” An example would look like this: “internet marketing jobs.”
#5 – Write for magazines and other publications
You could begin by buying The Writer’s Market – Deluxe Edition, with online support. You can even buy one of their niche guides to help you discover more opportunities. Use their online search engine which dissects what you’re looking for and leads you right to it without skimming through tons of pages.
Create your own “My Markets” database and store names and information that you might use in the future to land gigs. Also dig through their online community. You will discover leads and people to send to your website, resume and portfolio.
Now that you have some tips and strategies to landing clients, BELIEVE it! Believe that you can make more money. Believe that you are worth a higher rate. Believe that you can hit that six-figure mark.
There are so many clients waiting to find high-quality writers and they are willing to pay well. Be diligent and persevere and it will happen for you.
Check out my other posts about freelance writing jobs.
For even more locations on where to find freelance writing jobs, visit The Ultimate List of Freelance Writing Jobs and 100+ Paying Websites.
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2 done-for-you email reply templates to win more clients with a “knockout” first impression
Thanks, Maggie! That was a lot to learn even from a veteran writer like me – I’ve written & uploaded 2 million plus words but I’m not a millionaire.
Great to hear Frank…so glad I could help!
Maggie
You know why I read everything you write, Maggie? Because you didn’t promise to make me a millionaire overnight. Reading your book taught me how to wade into the pool and start making my way to the deep end without drowning. While I am still in the shallow end, I am making money writing and my style is improving every day. I have a couple regular gigs and Text Broker and Hire Writers have been keeping me busy. I think I will be trying for a magazine in the next month or so. Thank you for all your tips.
Hi Earl,
Thank you so much for your kind words! Being able to help people like you makes me so happy. I’m glad to hear you are progressing and I’m looking forward to hearing about your future successes. 🙂 Please keep me updated.
Maggie
Maggie Thanks a lot
Maggie, i’ll always reference you in every of my future achievements. Im a new freelancer, started off in a content mill site and thought it was okay until i made a paltry 400$ in 2 months… i realised it was not viable but you’ve done the most part by demystifying all the mental blocks i had.. Thanks a million.. im set to FLY.
Thanks Henry, that means so much to me. I’m so glad to hear you are
overcoming your mental blocks. Good luck to you and please continue to
update me on how you are doing!
Maggie
These are some incredibly helpful strategies & tips Maggie!
With each post of yours I’ve read, I’m starting to realize, why
it’s vitally important, that any serious and aspiring freelance writer,
find themselves a qualified coach/mentor such as yourself!
Otherwise, they will continually waste a lot of time, and probably
continually struggle!