How we find new freelance writing clients
WE ALL WANNA KNOW: How do I find quality, high-paying freelance writing clients that are a pleasure to work with?
In this episode, we cover how we found our first freelance clients, as well as how we find new ones today. It’s a BIG topic, but you’ll come away with ideas on where to start.
Early days
During our first year or so of freelancing, both of us took any job we could get.
We lived on job boards and wrote anything and everything for anyone who needed it (including writing for heating and cooling companies, medical organizations, and the occasional steel manufacturer.)
We couldn’t be picky. We had to get scrappy. Even if it meant writing website copy for a family member or managing social media.
“My first year was 100% survival mode.”
So how did we get out of the (seemingly never-ending) hustle cycle?
One word: referrals.
Referrals are the number one way we find new clients today; they make all the difference in taking your business to the next level. But how do you start building your referral engine? Let’s walk through some strategies and ideas.
Becoming known for ONE thing
Many freelancers start as generalists. And it makes sense: generalists get to work with a variety of clients and projects. They get to learn what they’re good at, what they enjoy doing, and how to work with clients.
The downside: generalists aren’t “sticky.” It’s so much easier for a new connection to keep you top of mind when they can tie you to a specific service or area of expertise. Being known for one specific service helps your new connections keep you top of mind. Instead of “Freelance writer,” make it super clear what kind of work you do. For example:
Sales Page Copywriter for software companies
Ecommerce blog writer
Freelance writer for B2B case studies and long-form white pages
Put your stake in the ground. Pick one service to focus on; one thing to be known for.
“Having a niche helped me get the referral engine going.”
How do you choose your freelance writing niche?
It’s hard to know what type of freelance writing you want to do without working with clients. You could tell yourself you’ll focus on email copy, then after one or two client experiences find you actually hate writing emails.
“Get a few clients under your belt before you choose your niche.”
Be flexible. Start applying to job boards. Reach out to your network. Pitch local businesses. It’s not going to be all sunshine and rainbows, but it’ll get you moving in the right direction.
Once you have a better idea of what you don’t like doing, you can start narrowing it down. Find the intersection between what you’re good at, what you enjoy doing, and what the market needs. You won’t know until you try.
How do you find your community?
Connecting with other freelancers is a great way to start building community. Freelancers in your niche can share their experiences with you and help you have a better idea of how to get started. Try reaching out to freelance writers who are doing what you want to be doing.
“Leverage your sense of curiosity.”
Not sure how to start the conversation? Ask specific questions to help you understand the niche. Always start conversations with a sense of curiosity:
How did you get started in your niche?
What does your average day look like?
What’s your favorite thing about this niche? One of the biggest challenges?
What do you wish you knew when you were first starting?
Avoid reaching out for the purposes of “picking your brain.” Connect with the intention of learning and creating friendships you can lean on throughout your career. Bonus: you’ll be top of mind when they’re booked and a lead comes their way.
Don’t be afraid to be bold
There are so many different ways freelancers can refer work to each other: through subcontracting some of their work to you, sending leads your way, or even being your mentor.
Once you’ve established a connection (either with a peer freelancer or someone you look up to), don’t be afraid to throw it out there that you’re available. Offer to take some of the workload off in exchange for an apprenticeship—that way you can learn the ins and outs of your niche.
“If you find someone who is doing what you want to do, don’t be afraid to offer to work as an apprentice.”
Apprenticeships are a win-win. Your mentor gets to offload some of the work, and you get to absorb as much as you can, and ultimately better serve your own clients. One last thing to note about being bold: bold doesn’t mean asking other freelancers for opportunities out of the blue. (It also doesn’t mean haphazardly sending cold emails or demanding phone calls).
No one likes to be sold to. Always remember: relationships come before referrals.
Get scrappy and start experimenting
Stay scrappy until things are more sustainable. Even if you don’t have all the answers right now, start moving. Keep testing things out, creating relationships, and finding what works best for you and your business.