How to Market Freelance Writing Services: A Complete Guide
How to Market Freelance Writing Services: A Complete Guide
Brief Overview
Brief Overview
So, you've decided to become a freelance writer or maybe you're already in the game but struggling to get more clients. Welcome to the world of "write, pitch, repeat." The truth is, it’s not just about being a great writer; it’s about learning how to market yourself. But don’t worry — it’s not as hard as it sounds. In this guide, I’m going to break down actionable ways to market your freelance writing services so you can land more clients and grow your writing business.
So, you've decided to become a freelance writer or maybe you're already in the game but struggling to get more clients. Welcome to the world of "write, pitch, repeat." The truth is, it’s not just about being a great writer; it’s about learning how to market yourself. But don’t worry — it’s not as hard as it sounds. In this guide, I’m going to break down actionable ways to market your freelance writing services so you can land more clients and grow your writing business.
Contents
Contents
Understand Your Niche
Understand Your Niche
Why Niching Down is Key
Before we get into the tactics, let's address one of the most important things you need to market your freelance writing services: a niche. If you’re offering to write everything for everyone, you’re making your life harder than it needs to be. Why? Because clients want specialists, not generalists. If a client needs someone to write tech blog posts, they’ll pick a tech writer over someone who also writes lifestyle articles, product descriptions, and everything in between.
How to Choose Your Niche:
Think about what you enjoy writing and where your expertise lies. Are you great at technical writing? Maybe you have a background in finance? You don’t have to pick your niche for life, but start with something that feels like a good fit.
Why Niching Down is Key
Before we get into the tactics, let's address one of the most important things you need to market your freelance writing services: a niche. If you’re offering to write everything for everyone, you’re making your life harder than it needs to be. Why? Because clients want specialists, not generalists. If a client needs someone to write tech blog posts, they’ll pick a tech writer over someone who also writes lifestyle articles, product descriptions, and everything in between.
How to Choose Your Niche:
Think about what you enjoy writing and where your expertise lies. Are you great at technical writing? Maybe you have a background in finance? You don’t have to pick your niche for life, but start with something that feels like a good fit.
Build a Professional Portfolio
Build a Professional Portfolio
What If I Don’t Have Any Clients?
We’ve all been there: You’re new to freelancing and have zero clients. So, how do you show off what you can do? Simple. You make your own writing samples. You don’t need a client’s name attached to prove you can write. Write a few blog posts, craft a sample sales email, or even mock up a case study. The goal is to show potential clients what they can expect when they hire you.
Create an Eye-Catching Portfolio
Now that you have samples, it’s time to showcase them. You don’t need a fancy website to start (although having your own domain looks super professional). There are free portfolio platforms like Clippings.me or Contently where you can upload your work. If you do decide to create a website, make sure it’s easy to navigate, highlights your best work, and includes a clear call to action like, “Hire me today.”
(Check out some call-to-action examples you can use for your website)
What If I Don’t Have Any Clients?
We’ve all been there: You’re new to freelancing and have zero clients. So, how do you show off what you can do? Simple. You make your own writing samples. You don’t need a client’s name attached to prove you can write. Write a few blog posts, craft a sample sales email, or even mock up a case study. The goal is to show potential clients what they can expect when they hire you.
Create an Eye-Catching Portfolio
Now that you have samples, it’s time to showcase them. You don’t need a fancy website to start (although having your own domain looks super professional). There are free portfolio platforms like Clippings.me or Contently where you can upload your work. If you do decide to create a website, make sure it’s easy to navigate, highlights your best work, and includes a clear call to action like, “Hire me today.”
(Check out some call-to-action examples you can use for your website)
Optimize Your Online Presence
Optimize Your Online Presence
Build a Website That Works for You
Your website is like your digital business card. It doesn’t have to be complicated, but it should tell potential clients who you are, what you do, and why they should hire you. Think of it like this: Your website should answer these questions within the first few seconds of someone visiting it:
What kind of writing do you offer?
What industries do you specialize in?
How can they get in touch with you?
Make it super easy for someone to figure out how to hire you. A cluttered, confusing site is the fastest way to lose a potential client.
Use SEO to Attract Clients
Okay, don’t panic. I know SEO (Search Engine Optimization) sounds like a big scary thing, but here’s the short version: Use keywords that your ideal clients are searching for in your website and blog content. For example, if you’re a B2B copywriter, make sure phrases like "B2B copywriting services" or "B2B content writer for hire" are peppered naturally throughout your site. This helps clients find you when they’re Googling for writers in your niche.
Build a Website That Works for You
Your website is like your digital business card. It doesn’t have to be complicated, but it should tell potential clients who you are, what you do, and why they should hire you. Think of it like this: Your website should answer these questions within the first few seconds of someone visiting it:
What kind of writing do you offer?
What industries do you specialize in?
How can they get in touch with you?
Make it super easy for someone to figure out how to hire you. A cluttered, confusing site is the fastest way to lose a potential client.
Use SEO to Attract Clients
Okay, don’t panic. I know SEO (Search Engine Optimization) sounds like a big scary thing, but here’s the short version: Use keywords that your ideal clients are searching for in your website and blog content. For example, if you’re a B2B copywriter, make sure phrases like "B2B copywriting services" or "B2B content writer for hire" are peppered naturally throughout your site. This helps clients find you when they’re Googling for writers in your niche.
Leverage Freelance Platforms
Leverage Freelance Platforms
Getting Started with Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer
Freelance platforms can be a great way to get your foot in the door, especially if you’re just starting. Yes, it can be competitive, but with a good profile and the right approach, you can land your first clients here.
(A step-by-step guide to creating an Upwork profile that sells)
Here’s how to make your profile stand out:
Be specific about what you offer (remember the niche thing?).
Highlight relevant skills (think SEO, email marketing, or technical writing).
Add portfolio links to back up your claims.
Write a killer bio that shows your personality and why you're the best at what you do.
How to Win Clients on These Platforms
Don’t just wait for jobs to come to you — actively send proposals. When you do, make it client-focused. Instead of saying, “I’m great at writing,” say, “I see you’re looking to increase blog traffic. Here’s how my writing can help you do that.”
Getting Started with Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer
Freelance platforms can be a great way to get your foot in the door, especially if you’re just starting. Yes, it can be competitive, but with a good profile and the right approach, you can land your first clients here.
(A step-by-step guide to creating an Upwork profile that sells)
Here’s how to make your profile stand out:
Be specific about what you offer (remember the niche thing?).
Highlight relevant skills (think SEO, email marketing, or technical writing).
Add portfolio links to back up your claims.
Write a killer bio that shows your personality and why you're the best at what you do.
How to Win Clients on These Platforms
Don’t just wait for jobs to come to you — actively send proposals. When you do, make it client-focused. Instead of saying, “I’m great at writing,” say, “I see you’re looking to increase blog traffic. Here’s how my writing can help you do that.”
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Every Monday, I’ll hit your inbox with
▸ 2 founder success stories and how they grew their business
▸ 1 business idea and a strategy on how to market it
▸ 1 favorite tweet I loved that week
Tap Into Your Network
Tap Into Your Network
You Already Know More People Than You Think
You might be sitting there thinking, “I don’t have a network,” but you’re wrong. Friends, family, former colleagues — they’re all part of your network. Let them know you’re freelancing. You never know who might need a writer or know someone who does.
Ask for Referrals
Referrals are gold. Once you’ve landed a few clients, ask them if they know anyone who could benefit from your services. Word-of-mouth marketing is one of the best ways to grow your freelance business without spending a dime.
You Already Know More People Than You Think
You might be sitting there thinking, “I don’t have a network,” but you’re wrong. Friends, family, former colleagues — they’re all part of your network. Let them know you’re freelancing. You never know who might need a writer or know someone who does.
Ask for Referrals
Referrals are gold. Once you’ve landed a few clients, ask them if they know anyone who could benefit from your services. Word-of-mouth marketing is one of the best ways to grow your freelance business without spending a dime.
Cold Outreach and Pitching
Cold Outreach and Pitching
Research Your Dream Clients
Cold pitching can feel a little intimidating, but it’s a powerful way to land new clients. Start by making a list of companies or people you’d love to write for. Then, do your homework. Find out who makes the hiring decisions, whether they’ve worked with freelance writers before, and what their content needs are.
How to Write a Cold Pitch
When you’re sending cold pitches, remember one thing: It’s not about you, it’s about them. Here’s a quick formula you can use:
Start with a compliment or something specific about their business that stood out to you.
Mention a problem they might have (e.g., “I noticed your blog hasn’t been updated in a while, and I can help with that.”).
Present your solution (why your writing can help solve that problem).
Don’t be afraid to follow up, either. Sometimes it takes two or three emails before you get a response.
Research Your Dream Clients
Cold pitching can feel a little intimidating, but it’s a powerful way to land new clients. Start by making a list of companies or people you’d love to write for. Then, do your homework. Find out who makes the hiring decisions, whether they’ve worked with freelance writers before, and what their content needs are.
How to Write a Cold Pitch
When you’re sending cold pitches, remember one thing: It’s not about you, it’s about them. Here’s a quick formula you can use:
Start with a compliment or something specific about their business that stood out to you.
Mention a problem they might have (e.g., “I noticed your blog hasn’t been updated in a while, and I can help with that.”).
Present your solution (why your writing can help solve that problem).
Don’t be afraid to follow up, either. Sometimes it takes two or three emails before you get a response.
Create Shareable Content
Create Shareable Content
Use Your Own Blog to Attract Clients
You’re a writer, so use your skills to write content that draws people to you. Blogging on your own site is a great way to showcase your expertise. Write about topics your ideal clients care about, like “How to Write Content that Converts” or “Top Tips for B2B Copywriting.” Not only does this position you as an expert, but it’s also another chance to show off your writing chops.
Guest Posting for Exposure
Another way to market your services is to write guest posts for industry blogs. When you contribute valuable content to popular sites in your niche, you expose your writing to potential clients and gain credibility in the industry.
Use Your Own Blog to Attract Clients
You’re a writer, so use your skills to write content that draws people to you. Blogging on your own site is a great way to showcase your expertise. Write about topics your ideal clients care about, like “How to Write Content that Converts” or “Top Tips for B2B Copywriting.” Not only does this position you as an expert, but it’s also another chance to show off your writing chops.
Guest Posting for Exposure
Another way to market your services is to write guest posts for industry blogs. When you contribute valuable content to popular sites in your niche, you expose your writing to potential clients and gain credibility in the industry.
Harness the Power of Testimonials
Harness the Power of Testimonials
Collect and Showcase Testimonials
Once you’ve worked with a few clients, ask them for testimonials. Future clients will trust you more when they see social proof. It’s not enough to just have a few lines saying, “Great writer!” though. Ask your clients to mention specific results you helped them achieve, whether it’s increased traffic, higher engagement, or improved sales.
Collect and Showcase Testimonials
Once you’ve worked with a few clients, ask them for testimonials. Future clients will trust you more when they see social proof. It’s not enough to just have a few lines saying, “Great writer!” though. Ask your clients to mention specific results you helped them achieve, whether it’s increased traffic, higher engagement, or improved sales.
Offer Freebies or Mini-Samples
Offer Freebies or Mini-Samples
How Giving Away Something Small Can Pay Off Big
Sometimes giving a little upfront can pay off big. Offer potential clients a freebie — maybe a mini blog post, a content audit, or even a short sample. It shows your value and can help seal the deal for future paid work.
How Giving Away Something Small Can Pay Off Big
Sometimes giving a little upfront can pay off big. Offer potential clients a freebie — maybe a mini blog post, a content audit, or even a short sample. It shows your value and can help seal the deal for future paid work.
Conclusion
Conclusion
Marketing your freelance writing services doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It’s all about positioning yourself as the solution to your clients' problems and getting your name in front of the right people. Start with these strategies, and you’ll be well on your way to building a successful freelance writing business. Remember, it's not just about being a great writer; it’s about being a smart marketer. Now go out there and let the world know you’ve got the words they need!
Do me a favor and pass this on to a friend or share on X/reddit? It'll take just 20 seconds—this one took me about 9 hours to write 🫠
P.S. I’ve got a weekly newsletter where I share stories about founders who have started successful online businesses, growth strategies, and tips to start/grow your own business. I would love for you to join😊
Marketing your freelance writing services doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It’s all about positioning yourself as the solution to your clients' problems and getting your name in front of the right people. Start with these strategies, and you’ll be well on your way to building a successful freelance writing business. Remember, it's not just about being a great writer; it’s about being a smart marketer. Now go out there and let the world know you’ve got the words they need!
Do me a favor and pass this on to a friend or share on X/reddit? It'll take just 20 seconds—this one took me about 9 hours to write 🫠
P.S. I’ve got a weekly newsletter where I share stories about founders who have started successful online businesses, growth strategies, and tips to start/grow your own business. I would love for you to join😊
