There are many desirable aspects of working as a writer, but the journey toward success has its twists and turns, many of which are related to finding long-term clients.
Clients who are enjoyable to work with are invaluable, especially for writers who are in the early stages of their careers.
Knowing where to look and how to network can lead to new opportunities with clients who are trustworthy and enjoyable to work with. Taking the initiative to learn how to discover these opportunities is half the battle, and you’re in the right place to get started.
Read on to learn more about how to find long-term clients as a writer.
Networking opportunities
Networking is essential for writers who are seeking long-term clients to work with. In-person networking opportunities can exist all around you, and you can discover them by talking with people whom you encounter in daily life. A conversation with the passenger next to you during a flight could lead to a connection to a company in need of a writer with SEO (search engine optimization) experience. Networking events are another avenue writers can use to find clients they’re interested in working with.
Online networking is another avenue worth considering, and it has never been more accessible. Writers can find groups to join on Facebook and reach out to companies and agencies through LinkedIn that may be seeking a writer to generate content for their website or social media posts. Being proactive can help you stay one step ahead of other writers who are seeking new opportunities.
Referrals
Referrals are a fantastic way to get your foot in the door with new clients. There’s a catch-22 with referrals, as you’ll need to have existing clients to receive referrals, but providing high-quality content can lead to your opportunities multiplying. Consider using a give-back program to generate more referrals. With each referral to a new client that works out, you can give a discount or a portion of the payment to the client who referred you.
Proactive client acquisition strategies
There are also several strategies you can use when attempting to acquire new clients as a writer. Specializing in a niche can help you make your writing more marketable, as you’ll have demonstrable experience that shows you can help a brand with specific projects and writing assignments.
As mentioned above, writers who are proactive with their networking efforts are more likely to connect with long-term clients. Pair those networking efforts with a referral program to kickstart your efforts to grow your writing career.
Cold pitching may be intimidating, but it’s a proven method for getting attention and connecting with clients. Again, use networks like LinkedIn to pitch clients with content that could add value to their website or marketing efforts. Your attempts will bring you one step closer to the “yes” you’ve been looking for.
Guest posting on a blog can provide a platform that showcases your writing skills and expertise within a specific niche. The published guest post can double as a fantastic addition to your writing portfolio when pitching your abilities.
Nurturing long-term relationships
Securing new clients is only part of the battle, as you’ll need to work to nurture those relationships once you’ve started working with them. Part of the nurturing efforts comes with going above and beyond with customer service. Be responsive when communicating with the client, and go the extra mile when working with them to deliver the best possible work.
Use contracts when agreeing to work to protect your interests and maintain clear communication when discussing expectations. The more transparent both parties are, the healthier the client relationship will be for both parties.
Your ability to consistently deliver quality work will go a long way toward nurturing long-term relationships with clients. Clients want to work with writers they can depend upon and who meet deadlines with work that helps the brand shine.
Remaining proactive and proposing new work can show a commitment to the client’s goals. Consider pitching ideas that can add value, saving them time and demonstrating your worth as a writer. It’s also an excellent way to demonstrate your understanding of their business.
A successful writing career is invigorating and rewarding, but it depends on your ability to build and nurture relationships with clients. Use the above tips and apply them to your career to gain clients and secure your future in the writing industry.