Introduction
"Getting started is the hardest part" is more than just a saying. Starting your writing career can be challenging, especially when it comes to finding clients.
While knowing how to market yourself is crucial, it can be hard to know your own selling points and how to get them to right people. If you don’t know your audience and niche, it could take you a while to build up clientele.
This month, we’ll dive into all that and also offer some networking tips.
If you would like to chat or have questions about this month's post, please email A.E. Williams.
“People don’t buy what you do, they buy why you do it.” —Simon Sinek
Prerequisites
Effectively marketing your writing services will promote your brand to the right audience. Once you get the hang of it, it should bring in consistent work.
Below are seven ways to advertise yourself:
Pick a Niche
"Having an extremely defined and clear niche is a must" is another common bit of advice that’s still useful. Niches attract high-paying clients because you can market yourself as an expert in the industry. Make sure it’s not too broad, or you’ll have difficulty standing out in the crowd.
Create a Portfolio
A portfolio will showcase your strengths and be an endorsement of your experience in the field. So, build a website around point number one. Potential clients should tell exactly who you are and what your niche is at first glance.
Optimize your LinkedIn Page
LinkedIn is an excellent resource for writers. This “professional version of Facebook” serves as a great networking opportunity where many potential clients hang out. Make sure to include keywords, customize your profile URL, and update frequently for search engine optimization (SEO).
Start Blogging
Creating a personal blog is a great way to promote your own content. It can build credibility, act as a secondary portfolio, attract potential clients, and consistently improve your writing. Make sure your blog has a clean, organized design so as to not overwhelm visitors. Embedded links are also your friend! A good rule of thumb is three or four per post.
Create a Digital Presence
Writers don’t need to sign up for every social media platform. Find which one works for you and stay as active as possible on it. Again, consistency and frequency are key when building a platform.
Write an Author Biography
Include an author bio whenever you write a story, blog post, or other content.
Author bios usually answer the following questions:
Who am I?
What do I do?
Who do I serve?
How do I serve them?
Start Networking
Networking seems easier said than done, but meeting people is a great way to promote yourself. If you can't network in person, try doing so online by joining groups on Facebook, LinkedIn, and other platforms and being active in them.
Networking Goes a Long Way
Like any business, networking is essential to your success. In fact, it’s even more so as a writer because most of us are independent. Having regular feedback is necessary for any creator to improve their craft.
Networking helps build relationships with people. These connections often lead to partnerships, sales, and potential clients. Networking offers great benefits, including:
Finding mentors
Growing a Support System
Building an Additional Audience
Collaboration Opportunities
Promoting Your Work
Connecting With Like-Minded Writers
I recommend attending an author or book conference to build connections. Places to search for networking events include local, state, or national conferences, local writers' groups, writing retreats, and classes. Don’t forget to utilize your social media connections too!
When you approach networking, you must be prepared; dress appropriately, be friendly, and listen more than you talk. If you are an introvert, reaching out to people can seem daunting. Do not be afraid to introduce yourself. At the end of any networking session, be sure to follow up. Doing so can help you continue to make good first impressions and make it easy to build great relationships.
Make it Known That You’re Looking for Work
Be sure to add the #OpenToWork badge to your LinkedIn profile and include the phrase "Freelance writer for hire" in your author bio. Specifying the type of writing you're interested in pursuing is also essential.
“You can’t expect to just write and have visitors come to you—that’s too passive.” —Anita Campbell
House Your Portfolio in Different Places
Everyone knows how vast the online world is. In order to market yourself effectively "inhabit" as much of it as possible. The internet has many places to post and promote your portfolio, showcasing your work as a writer. Some examples include:
Personal Website
LinkedIn
And much more!
The best part is that all of these sites are free to use. The goal of effective marketing is to expose your work to as many people as possible. You will get more eyes on your work by marketing your online writing business.
CANI: Constant and Never-Ending Improvement
The best writers of all time never stop improving. Some attend writing classes to help them refine their skills and learn something new about their craft. They’ll almost always come away with some new information to implement in their work.
It's also important to look for feedback in your work. Constructive criticism goes a long way to identify areas that need a little CANI. Improving is a matter of practice and keep your skills sharp, even if you're not working on anything right now.
“Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing about.” —Benjamin Franklin
Conclusion
Marketing yourself as a writer can be intimidating for beginners, especially if you're just starting. Rookie writers will surely reap the rewards with well-paying clients and consistent work.
If you would like to learn more, feel free to reach out. I will happily answer any questions.
Resources
The Quiet Type – Katie Jenison explains tips on how to market yourself as a freelance writer.
Newsweek – The team at Newsweek breaks down networking tips for Writers.
Self-Publishing School – Sarah Rexford offers essential tips for writers to connect with other like-minded people.
Elna Cain - Elna Cain explains intelligent ways to market yourself as a writer.
The Urban Writers – The staff at The Urban Writers explain effective promotional strategies for writers.
Funds for Writers - Abhishek Talreja breaks down some tips for writers to promote themselves.
Kevin Petrochko has worked with clients in multiple industries, writing content for websites and blogs. As a former journalist, Kevin has contributed sports writing to multiple publications. You can connect with him on Twitter, LinkedIn, and through email.