Freelance Writing Jobs

OK, let’s start looking at some ideas you can implement to help you achieve the new goals you’ve set. 

I would assume that responding to online ads is only part of your routine for finding new clients. If not, let’s see if there are some other ways you might be able to bring in some new customers.

I gave you a list in one of my goal setting articles and that is only what popped into my head at the time! If we put our heads together I’m sure we could double or triple that list. If you email me your ideas I will add them to the list and resend it out … and while you’re here go ahead and add them to the comments section. 

I know from my experience that asking your existing client base for more business should be your first priority! They have done study after study and it’s a proven fact that once you’ve purchased from “Company X,” you are likely to purchase from them again. I’m sure many of you don’t consider yourself “Company X,” but truthfully I’m going to try to change that mindset. You are running a business and whoever you have written for in the past made a PURCHASE from you. 

I suggest you start by going through your notes, files, etc. and take a look at each past client. If you don’t have a way to keep track of this I suggest you do from here forward. What did you write for them? Was it a smooth transaction? Did you enjoy working with them? It’s great that we get to pick and choose who we would LIKE to work with.

Now, make a list of all of your great clients – regardless of what kind of project it was.  Now, I would like you to get into the habit of staying in touch with them on a regular basis. This could be done several different ways. If you have very few clients, you could start by sending them an occasional personalized email. Let them know you enjoyed working with them and just ask them how their business is doing, about life in general, how is their family … depending on your relationship with them. This is to let them know you value them – because you DO right? Sending out a handwritten card is great too! In this digital age some “fun” mail in the mailbox will really make you stand out! One of our subscribers, Kit, sent me a handmade card and it is still on my dresser! I smile every time I look at it. Thanks Kit!!! 

If you have a little larger client base, you might consider more of a newsletter format. Again, let them know how you value them and maybe let them know what’s going on in your business – and add a personal flair (again - depending on what type of clients you have). If you have a niche market you could even write something about your field/specialty. If you want to take this a step further, use the suggestions I made for a small client base and just break them up into smaller groups.  SIDE NOTE: Have you ever heard of the 80/20 rule? It’s the idea that you get 80% of your business from 20% of your clients. So, if nothing else, start to focus most of your energy on your clients that fall into the top 20%. You will see a benefit from this effort … I promise!  The idea of staying in touch is just to keep your name in front of them consistently. You want to make sure that if they ever need a professional writer; your name is on their mind. You also want to make sure they know the different types of writing you do. If you helped with their resume, you want to make sure they don’t label you in their head as “the resume writer.”  So, this is just the starting point of building a strong bond with your clients. You want them to think of you for any future writing needs they have. Just think, this bond is going to help tremendously when we get you started on your campaign of asking for referrals.  Please contact me if you need help with getting a newsletter started. I will help in any way I can.