Another year has arrived, and it brings near endless possibilities for the freelance writer. There’s lots of ways for Canadian authors to take advantage of the situation, and doing so may really pay off.
Getting started
Whether you are a seasoned writer or just getting your feet wet, it’s important to start your freelancing career with a solid foundation. Part of this can be choosing your niche.
Finding your niche can help you to stand apart from the crowd as you will be focusing your expertise on a particular area. While there are lots of traditional options such as gardening, cooking and marketing, many writers have found success by centring on high-demand areas such as e-commerce, health and wellness and finance.
A good portfolio helps you to shine
An important step for writers is setting up a portfolio that showcases their top work. It’s wise to include at least two or three of your strongest pieces in your particular niche. These give potential clients an opportunity to see what you can do, while also building your credibility in the field.
Choose your portfolio’s platform
There are several software platforms that may be helpful to writers who want to showcase their talents. These allow users to create professional, polished websites that may garner a lot of attention. Sites like Contently and Medium may also prove useful, so take some time to check out the options, and choose the one you’re most comfortable using.
Tips for attracting clients
Now that you have your portfolio set up online and you feel it speaks well for you, it’s time to start the search for clients. There’s lots of ways to do so, and many can be highly effective.
Make the most of social media
Social media has become part of people’s working and personal lives, and many use sites like Linkedin to connect with potential clients. There are groups on the platform you can join to discuss your career as a writer, and this support can be really helpful. It will also provide opportunities to create written posts that include popular key words, which can help them to be seen by potential employers.
If you’re looking to connect with other authors in a more casual setting, Reddit may prove to be a good choice. You’ll be able to commiserate with others in the same boat, share advice and maybe even find new clients.
Another opportunity you may find on social media is ghost writing. Executives may be in the market for ghostwriters, as they can prepare professional quality profiles.
Reach out to marketing companies
Marketing agencies are often on the hunt for new talent, which may make them valuable contacts for the freelance writer. Reach out to them, and see if they can make use of your skills.
Show how helpful you can be
One way a writer can expand their client base is by helping businesses find jobs they didn’t even know they had. This can include converting presentations, podcasts, and webinars into written content they can then add to websites, brochures, or other materials.
Perfect your cold call pitch
For many, cold calls may be a fact of life for the freelancer. It’s wise to prepare personalized correspondence that is polite, thoughtful, and shows just how useful you can be. Focusing on the local area can be a good idea. If you have any friends or family that own or manage a business, ask them if they have any writing work that needs done or if they know of anyone who does.
Go offline
While many freelancers land clients in the virtual world, it can be helpful to turn off your computer or their device and take part in local, business-focused activities. You may want to join a local business association, as this provides a way for you to network, connect and with some luck, build your customer base.
This coming year is filled with promise for the freelance writer, and at Words of Worth, we can help you make the most of what’s on offer. Check out our website, see what our writers have to say, and submit an application to join our team today.