One of the most daunting parts of freelance writing for beginners is finding clients. Without clients, your writing talents and skills go unnoticed and unused—and you don’t make any money!
Below, I’ll dive into detail on how you can get more clients as a freelance writer. I’ll talk about the importance of understanding your target audience, why networking is key, how to market yourself, and much more.
How To Define Your Ideal Client As A Freelance Writer
Before you can effectively attract clients, you need to have a clear understanding of what your ideal client looks like.
The first step (if you haven’t done so already) is to define your niche. By specializing in a specific area or industry, you can position yourself as an expert in that field. Making it easier to attract clients who are seeking writers with expertise in their particular industry.
(And you can often earn more money this way too.)
Some niches are of course much more competitive than others, but there are some low-competition freelance writing niches out there. You can get an idea of what niches are in demand by browsing job boards. Like ProBlogger:
Analyze the demand for writing services in your niche and identify any gaps or opportunities. Look for trends and emerging topics that might require specialized writing skills. By staying informed about the market, you can position yourself as a valuable resource for clients in need.
Create A Strong Online Presence To Attract More Clients
Having a strong online presence is crucial for freelance writers looking to attract clients. But the same is true for all freelancers looking to get more clients. Your online presence serves as a virtual storefront that showcases your skills, experience, and writing samples.
Below are some key steps to build a robust online presence:
Creating A Professional Website Or Portfolio
Build a website or portfolio that reflects your brand and showcases your work. You don’t need to go the website route, but it can be more customizable than a portfolio. And it doesn’t have to take a whole lot of money or time. But a portfolio will often do the trick.
If you do create a website, it should have a clean layout with easy navigation. Include a portfolio section where potential clients can view your best writing samples to get a sense of your style and capabilities.
Here’s an example of a slick portfolio from Muriel Vega:
Select your strongest writing samples and highlight them front and center. Make sure they demonstrate your range of expertise and ability to adapt to different writing styles or industries.
Bonus tip: Consider including case studies or testimonials from satisfied clients. This can really boost your credibility and make potential clients more likely to trust that you can deliver quality work.
Optimizing Your Online Profiles
Take the time to optimize your profiles on professional networking platforms such as LinkedIn and freelance job platforms. These are some of the first places potential clients will look to suss you out. And decide if you’re the right person for the job.
Use keywords related to your niche and skills in your profile descriptions and headlines so that clients can instantly understand what you offer. This can also help you rank on Google when people search for you. Like this:
By building a strong online presence, you establish yourself as a professional freelance writer and make it easier for potential clients to find and connect with you.
Honestly, it’s a must if you want to stand out from the crowd.
How Networking & Referrals Can Get You More Freelance Writing Clients
While having a strong online presence is important, building relationships and connections with others in the industry also plays a significant role in attracting clients as a freelance writer.
Joining Industry-Specific Communities
Look for online communities and forums that cater to your niche or target audience. Join discussions, share insights, and ask questions of your own.
Beyond potentially appearing as an expert in your field, you might just build some solid relationships in the process.
Attending Conferences & Networking Events
Identify industry-related conferences, seminars, and networking events that are relevant to your niche. These events provide an opportunity to meet potential clients face-to-face and build connections.
Prepare your elevator pitch and come equipped with business cards or other marketing materials to leave a lasting impression.
Note: So many of these events are now online. If you can’t make it to the in-person ones, have a browse for virtual ones to attend instead. They’re not quite the same, but they can be useful as a starting point.
Encouraging Referrals From Satisfied Clients
One of the most powerful ways to gain new clients is through word-of-mouth referrals from past clients. Deliver exceptional work and provide outstanding client experience to encourage your current clients to refer you to their contacts. You could even offer incentives, such as a discount on future services or a referral bonus, to motivate clients to refer you to others.
Engaging With Fellow Freelancers
Connect with other freelance writers in your niche and build relationships with them. Collaborate on projects, share referrals, and support each other’s work.
I’ve seen countless examples on LinkedIn of other freelancers talking about how they’ve referred $10K+ worth of work to other freelancers. This isn’t a method of getting clients that you have a whole lot of control over. But it’s worth bearing in mind that you can find clients through other freelancers!
Effective Marketing Strategies For Getting More Clients
To attract clients as a freelance writer, you need to have effective marketing strategies in place. These strategies will help you showcase your skills and highlight your unique value proposition. And position yourself as the go-to writer in your niche.
Here are some actionable marketing techniques to consider:
Develop A Compelling Personal Brand
Define your personal brand by identifying your unique strengths, values, and writing style. Create a brand identity that resonates with your target audience and sets you apart from competitors.
Consistently communicate your brand message across all your marketing channels. Including your website, social media profiles, and pitch materials.
Further reading: Best Website Builders For Freelancers
Create A Strong Value Proposition & Pitch
Clearly articulate the value you bring to clients. Identify the specific problems you solve or the benefits clients will experience by working with you. Make it clear how you can meet their needs and exceed their expectations.
Tailor your pitch to each potential client, addressing their specific pain points and demonstrating how you can help them achieve their goals. A generic pitch won’t cut it.
Use persuasive language, highlight your relevant experience, and provide examples of your past success (you can point them to your portfolio too).
Use Content Marketing Techniques
Create valuable and informative content related to your niche, such as blog posts, articles, or guides. Share this content on your website, social media platforms, and industry forums.
This can help you establish yourself as an expert and attract potential clients in need of your expertise.
Note: This does take time. Putting together high-quality blog posts (like this one 😉) or engaging social media posts requires effort. But that’s why it can help set you apart. Plus, you end up with even more pieces of content for your portfolio!
Leverage Guest Blogging Opportunities
Guest blogging lets you reach a wider audience and showcase your writing skills to potential clients. You can find guest blogging opportunities by searching Google for something like “submit guest post” + [your niche].
Once you find opportunities, contribute high-quality, valuable content that establishes your authority in the field. (And meets the guidelines of the site you’re posting on.)
Use Freelance Platforms & Job Boards
Freelance platforms and job boards provide a wealth of opportunities to get more clients (although primarily for beginners).
Below are some tips on how you can make the most of freelance platforms and job boards:
Research Reputable Platforms
Start by researching and identifying reputable freelance platforms and job boards that cater to your niche. Consider factors like platform fees, project types, and client feedback systems when making your choice.
Here are some of the most popular freelance marketplaces:
And here are some freelance writing job boards to check out:
Create A Compelling Profile
Your profile on freelance platforms is essentially your online resume.
Put together a compelling profile that showcases your skills, experience, and expertise. Use it as an opportunity to describe your writing style and provide examples of your best work (if the platform allows).
Also include relevant keywords in your profile to improve your visibility in platform searches (and potentially Google searches too).
Bid On Relevant Projects
Look for projects that align with your expertise and interests. Put together personalized and persuasive bids that address the client’s specific needs and demonstrate your understanding of the project requirements. (And show that you paid attention to the outline/brief.)
Tailor your bid to showcase how your skills and experience make you the ideal candidate for the job. Really make it clear to the potential client why they should choose you.
Showcase Positive Client Feedback
As you complete projects on freelance platforms, encourage clients to leave feedback and ratings. Positive reviews and high ratings serve as social proof of your credibility and expertise. And they’re often essential for ranking in the platform’s search results.
Showcase these testimonials on your website or portfolio to build trust with potential clients.
These platforms are ideal for beginners, but you can quickly start getting priced out of work. However, many freelance writers have had long-term success on these kinds of platforms.
Note: I got my start as a freelance writer on Fiverr. But the platform isn’t what it used to be, and it’s pretty saturated now. So I advise trying out a few platforms when you’re just starting out. Along with dedicated freelance writing job boards.
How To Provide Exceptional Client Experience
Providing an exceptional experience is key if you want to keep clients as a freelance writer. Satisfied clients are more likely to become repeat customers AND refer you to others.
But how do you provide excellent customer service?
Communicate Effectively & Promptly
Establish clear and open lines of communication with your clients from the start. Respond to questions and messages promptly, and keep clients updated on the progress of their projects.
Be proactive in seeking clarification and providing updates. Don’t wait around if you’re not sure about something. This just wastes everybody’s time.
Set Clear Expectations
Clearly define the project’s scope, any relevant timelines, and key deliverables in your initial discussions with clients. Make sure both of you have a shared understanding of the project requirements and objectives.
Document these details in a project agreement or freelance contract to mitigate any potential conflicts or misunderstandings.
Note: I learned the hard way how not setting clear expectations can ruin a client relationship before it even begins. I didn’t clarify things fully, and what seemed to be blossoming into a fruitful opportunity evaporated when I sent the first contract across.
The potential client was left confused, as was I, because we didn’t clarify things before I rushed into sending over the contract. The lesson: take your time to iron out the details early on!
Deliver High-Quality Work (On Time)
Consistently deliver high-quality work that meets or exceeds client expectations. This one is a non-negotiable.
Pay attention to grammar, spelling, and formatting. Don’t just rely on tools, and get comfortable proofreading and editing your own work.
Also:
Stick to agreed-upon deadlines and deliver all of your projects on time. Another non-negotiable.
Ask Them For Feedback
Finally, actively seek feedback from clients. Ask for their honest opinions on your work. Use this feedback to identify areas that you can improve.
Showing a willingness to learn and adapt based on client feedback demonstrates your commitment to continuous growth and improvement as a freelance writer.
I’ve had clients call this out as a positive in the past:
By consistently providing an exceptional client experience, you establish yourself as a reliable and trusted writer. Satisfied clients are more likely to become loyal clients and ambassadors for your services. Potentially leading to repeat business and referrals.
So don’t skimp on the client experience!
Maintaining A Strong Professional Reputation
The final aspect of getting more freelance writing clients that I’ll discuss is maintaining a strong professional reputation. It’s a must for attracting clients as a freelance writer.
A positive reputation builds trust, credibility, and a sense of reliability among potential clients. Making it far more likely that they’ll stick with you and potentially refer you to others.
Below are a few principles to uphold and actions to take to ensure you maintain a strong professional reputation as a freelance writer:
Have Honesty & Integrity In Your Work
Uphold high standards of honesty and integrity in all your interactions with clients. Be transparent about your capabilities, limitations, and availability.
Deliver what you say you will and be accountable for your work. It really is as simple as that.
Handle Client Disputes Professionally
Despite your best efforts, disagreements or conflicts with clients will likely arise from time to time. It’s important to handle these situations professionally and with respect. Try to understand the client’s perspective, actively listen to their concerns, and work towards a mutually beneficial resolution.
Here’s an example of a conversation I had with a potential client on Fiverr.
Honestly, this one was on me. The communication on their end was shaky from the start. And the expectations weren’t clear enough, leading to major revision requests when I felt I had done what they’d asked for.
So I decided to cancel the order (it wasn’t worth either of our time to continue the project). But I (hopefully) remained respectful when canceling the order, and I think that’s the best you can do in a situation like this.
Build A Positive Online Presence (With Reviews And Testimonials)
I’ve discussed the importance of this above, but be sure to encourage satisfied clients to leave reviews and testimonials about your work.
Display these positive reviews prominently on your website, portfolio, and social media profiles. Potential clients are more likely to choose a freelance writer with a track record of positive feedback and client satisfaction.
Seek Endorsements From Industry Influencers
Connect and engage with industry influencers and leaders in your niche. Seek opportunities to collaborate, contribute guest posts, or obtain endorsements from these influential individuals. Their endorsement can significantly boost your credibility and attract new clients who trust their recommendations.
(Although they’re obviously not easy to get, ruling this tactic out for most beginners.)
Scale Your Freelance Writing Business And Get More Clients
Scaling your freelance writing business requires a commitment to maintaining a high standard of work and providing a pleasant experience for your existing clients.
By implementing the strategies I have discussed above, you can expand your client base, increase your revenue, and establish a sustainable freelance writing business!
Want more tips for finding clients?
Check out this guide to the best freelance writing websites.
Chris is the creator of Freelance Ready. He originally started freelancing (on Fiverr) while at university, writing and editing website content. He created this website to share his freelancing experience and help others on their own self-employed journeys. He is now a freelance SEO consultant and content editor. You can learn more about Chris here.
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