Freelance writers have several ways to market themselves and put their writing skills on the map. One of the most talked about paths is starting a website, with some experienced writers stating that it’s not a necessary step and others claiming it’s essential for a burgeoning writing career.
The lack of web development skills can make starting a website intimidating. That being said, the marketing and exposure can be more than worth the time you put into it. Fortunately, you’ve found the definitive guide on the benefits of creating a website and the steps you can take leading up to its creation to market your writing skills.
Key reasons to create a freelance writing website
There are plenty of reasons for up-and-coming freelance writers to consider creating a writing website. It provides a central space to display written works for potential clients to see and acts as an integral piece of a writer’s personal marketing strategy. Here’s a closer look at each of the benefits of creating such a website.
Portfolio centralization
Unlike with other job opportunities, potential clients do not care to see your resume. The information on it is largely irrelevant to what they’re seeking in a candidate for a project or job. The ultimate resource to show that you’re the best fit for an opportunity is by sharing your past writing samples.
A freelance writer’s website offers a centralized space to upload these written works, making it quick and easy for potential clients to read these works and determine if you’re the right fit. You can save the client time and help them arrive at an answer quicker, increasing goodwill.
Credibility and professionalism
Having a website is also helpful for freelance writers because it provides instant credibility. The off-putting feeling of researching a company only to discover that they completely lack an online presence can carry over to businesses and potential clients seeking a quality freelance writer. The lack of an online presence can lead to question marks that lead a client to take their search in a different direction.
24/7 marketing
One of the beautiful things about a freelance writer’s website is that it never stops working. As long as the website is online, it will continue serving as a writer’s premier marketing hub. Most clients who explore a writer’s LinkedIn page are likely to take a look at their website. The same holds true for published pieces featuring a byline, with clients searching your name and finding your website.
A freelance writer’s website also opens the door to clients who stumble upon the website. The effort that goes into creating the website can help a writer gain clients when they’re on vacation, asleep, or focused on completing a current writing project.
Client attraction
A benefit that many freelance writers have is past experience with search engine optimization (SEO). Client attraction is much simpler when freelance writers use those SEO principles when building their website, gaining the ability to attract clients organically. While some clients will discover a website through LinkedIn or a job application, others are likely to discover it through an organic web search.
Demonstrates expertise
A freelance writer with a website has an excellent space to demonstrate their expertise. That expertise could relate to specific topics or writing styles. Each piece a writer produces can be added to the website and used as proof of that writer’s ability to complete specific projects.
Reasons freelance writers do not need a website
It’s also worth looking at the reasons why freelance writers do not need a website. While a website can help, it’s not a magic wand that automatically leads to more opportunities.
Low website traffic
The trust is that most freelance writing websites get small amounts of traffic. A well-optimized LinkedIn profile is more likely to get high volumes of traffic than a writer’s website. Creating a website just to have one is unlikely to make a notable difference for most freelance writers.
LinkedIn benefits
LinkedIn provides many of the same benefits as a freelance writer’s website. Writers can provide all of the relevant information that potential clients are seeking on the profile while including plenty of accessible writing samples. The website is not a guarantee of getting a bevy of new clients.
Ultimately, there are benefits for freelance writers to build their own writing website, but it’s not a necessary step for writers to find success in their careers.