Freelance writing can be one of the most rewarding, enjoyable experiences. Unfortunately, since most freelance writers don’t work for a particular business, they are responsible for finding their own work. As a freelancer, you must market yourself to people in order to attract business. This is a lesson I’m learning the hard way, since I am now breaking into freelance full-time. I previously exclusively used bid sites like Elance and RentaCoder to find work, but am now finding that I can’t find enough new projects there to meet my needs. As a result of this, I’m starting to seek out more work myself.
My first way of doing this is through posting online ads on Craigslist, advertising my services. I haven’t had too many responses yet, but my approach hasn’t been that aggressive, either. My whole idea with this is to get my name out there.
Secondly, using high traffic forums to advertise services is a great thing to do. I’m personally using Digital Point and since posting a thread in their services > content forum a few days ago, I’ve had 5-6 inquiries for my writing. Granted, none of these are high paying (usually $0.01 per word, or $5 for a 500 word article), but they COULD lead to a lot of future business, which would certainly help my earnings. That’s really all it’s about when you are breaking into the business: getting your name out there and establishing relationships with clients.
Right now, through these two things, I’ve drummed up new business. I never thought about doing this before, but I am glad I did, as every bit of new business helps. If you are a newbie to freelance writing, it can’t hurt to advertise yourself on these sites. It could be the break you need to fully get into freelance writing.
Hi, I’m also a freelance writer just like you
Right now I’m in the process of developing my own website to offer writing services. I saw your site, it’s good. I want to know what kind of response did you get at Craigslist. Digital Point is good, I’m also planning on posting there.
Hi Aisha, thanks for taking the time to read my blog.
I did not receive very many responses on Craigslist for my writing, but did receive some for my web design business. I think if I had posted more Craigslist ads in different cities advertising my writing, I would have had a much better response.
Having a site advertising your writing is essential, especially when you start seeking out work without using freelance bid sites. Luckily, business/freelance sites are easy to put together, provided you get a good web designer or learn the basic HTML necessary to do your own. Your site should be simple, yet nice looking and should showcase a portfolio.
I just want to add that Digital Point is a wonderful place for beginner freelance writers to find work. While I am currently charging a smaller price for my writing ($0.01 per word, $5 per 500 words), it is resulting in me picking up many projects. I currently have 5 that I have earned in the past couple days for a total of $165. It doesn’t sound like a whole lot of money, but if I worked an 8 hour day, it would add up.