19 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
19 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

Question for all you writers out there...

by arfasaira
15 replies
Hi all,

As a freelance writer, my biggest challenge is finding clients on a consistent basis, as I work around my kids...especially my one year old, so getting out and about is difficult.

Question: What's your biggest challenge as a writer?

Im doing some research, so please do give detail...thank you!
#question #writers
  • Profile picture of the author Michael Newman
    Hi,

    My current challenge is how to increase my productivity.I am something of a perfectionist.I like to put in a lot into my writing.Yet,I realise that to increase my earnings,I need to produce at a faster rate.Quality writing takes time (or is that an excuse?)

    I am not an authority on getting clients,but,I think if you focus more on writing for the web,you'll...While you are at it,put in place web properties of your own that demonstrates the value you add to clients.

    I wish you the best.

    Michael Newman
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2915021].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author arfasaira
      Originally Posted by Michael Newman View Post

      Hi,

      My current challenge is how to increase my productivity.I am something of a perfectionist.I like to put in a lot into my writing.Yet,I realise that to increase my earnings,I need to produce at a faster rate.Quality writing takes time (or is that an excuse?)

      I am not an authority on getting clients,but,I think if you focus more on writing for the web,you'll...While you are at it,put in place web properties of your own that demonstrates the value you add to clients.

      I wish you the best.

      Michael Newman

      One of the reasons I ask about the challenges being faced by writers is that they complain of low pay and churning out article after article to make a decent living. Are you also finding this, as you mention writing for the web?
      Signature
      "Sales Letter Conversion Rate At 19%??" Get Your Own Kick-Ass Converting Copy Here!
      Need More Clients? Click here...
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2915383].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Michael Newman
        Writing articles for $4 won't make one rich.I write articles too and I have been paid (as is still being paid different rates).I think of that as a stream.I am thinking more of having a select group of clients that appreciates the value and potential of quality writing.Content.Copy.

        Leveraging the skill in a variety of ways.I have an ebook that I am selling(I am in the test phase)... and would create more.
        Everybody is a ''writer'' ,now.Thus,there is a great need to differentiate oneself.Paul Myers has an excellent report on voice (available in the war room) that is an excellent guide.

        How do you intend to attract more QUALITY minded clients? What productivity tips do you leverage?

        Are doing research for a WSO

        Michael Newman
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2919350].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author arfasaira
          Originally Posted by Michael Newman View Post

          Writing articles for $4 won't make one rich.I write articles too and I have been paid (as is still being paid different rates).I think of that as a stream.I am thinking more of having a select group of clients that appreciates the value and potential of quality writing.Content.Copy.

          Leveraging the skill in a variety of ways.I have an ebook that I am selling(I am in the test phase)... and would create more.
          Everybody is a ''writer'' ,now.Thus,there is a great need to differentiate oneself.Paul Myers has an excellent report on voice (available in the war room) that is an excellent guide.

          How do you intend to attract more QUALITY minded clients? What productivity tips do you leverage?

          Are doing research for a WSO

          Michael Newman

          I have to be honest, my clients pay me anywhere between $15 and $25 per 500 words, and im on repeat order from a few clients. I only drop the price further if someone bulk buys off me.

          Most of my clients are actually offline. Last night I got a call from one of my old managers who wanted a personal statement writing and needed it done urgently. It took me about 30 minutes and I charged $32 for it (I usually charge $75, but he agreed to get my name in front of a few marketing agencies who he works with).

          One of the best ways to make a LOT of money is to write for local businesses. For example, a while ago I was paid $125 per hour (several hours work) for writing a report for a local college that was due to have inspectors in. They gladly paid it and have kept me on to do all further writing projects.

          I am also researching what writers want to know - is it more money they want, generating more business, getting their name out - whatever their difficulty is.

          The trick is to stand your ground and refuse to work for anything below the barest minimum that you are willing to work for. Online writing is different mind - too much competition and not enough pay.
          Signature
          "Sales Letter Conversion Rate At 19%??" Get Your Own Kick-Ass Converting Copy Here!
          Need More Clients? Click here...
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2919825].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author igorGriffiths
    My biggest challenge would have to be the time taken to generate the articles, I currently take about an 90 minutes per article from inspiration to completion, however I get bogged down in keyword tag selection and submissions
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2915171].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Audrey Harvey
    Originally Posted by arfasaira View Post

    As a freelance writer, my biggest challenge is finding clients on a consistent basis, as I work around my kids...especially my one year old, so getting out and about is difficult.
    Oh I hear ya! I find it challenging to work around family too. I homeschool my two children which is as time consuming as running around after a one year old

    If you charge a fair rate for your services, then you don't have to write as much to earn the same income, and that's so much more family friendly.

    I think the key to having consistent clients is to have a unique selling position. What makes you different from all the other writers out there? When you know that, you can better market yourself and you're likely to gain clients who come back to you over and over again.

    That's my solution, charge a fair price and have clients who keep coming back for more. So far it's working.
    Signature

    Expert content written by an experienced veterinarian and published magazine and newspaper writer.
    Feel free to contact me for details.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2920468].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author arfasaira
      Originally Posted by Audrey Harvey View Post

      Oh I hear ya! I find it challenging to work around family too. I homeschool my two children which is as time consuming as running around after a one year old

      If you charge a fair rate for your services, then you don't have to write as much to earn the same income, and that's so much more family friendly.

      I think the key to having consistent clients is to have a unique selling position. What makes you different from all the other writers out there? When you know that, you can better market yourself and you're likely to gain clients who come back to you over and over again.

      That's my solution, charge a fair price and have clients who keep coming back for more. So far it's working.

      I completely agree with you here - charge fairly, and do less work for more pay! And, hats off to anyone who can home school their kids - that's awe-inspiring and requires dedication and patience.

      I have much respect for anyone who can give so much commitment to their children and STILL earn a living.
      Signature
      "Sales Letter Conversion Rate At 19%??" Get Your Own Kick-Ass Converting Copy Here!
      Need More Clients? Click here...
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2920698].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author sarahberra
    I don't write for less than $15 per article. My time is worth more than $4. Even $15 is skimpy, but that is as low as I will go. You can work for content companies like Demand Media and Love To Know in addition to working for regular clients. This will ensure that you always have a steady stream of work. I used freelancedaily.net when I first started as well.
    Signature
    Affordable Health Insurance

    Click here for a: Fast Cure for Any Type of Flu Virus!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2920764].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Alex Cohen
      I think the key to having consistent clients is to have a unique selling position. What makes you different from all the other writers out there?
      Yes. Without differentiation, the market views you as a commodity.

      Alex
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2920792].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author arfasaira
        Originally Posted by Alex Cohen View Post

        Yes. Without differentiation, the market views you as a commodity.

        Alex
        Most definitely. From the clients who have hired me, they aren't looking for just a writer, they are looking for someone who can contribute to their overall success and who can give them complete solutions.

        I work with a graphic designer, a proofreader and offer printing as well. And as most of you have guessed by now, I am also a trained copywriter. This gives clients peace of mind and the reassurance they are working with a professional who is committed to giving them results and is able to think outside the box and offer solutions to their copy needs.
        Signature
        "Sales Letter Conversion Rate At 19%??" Get Your Own Kick-Ass Converting Copy Here!
        Need More Clients? Click here...
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2920837].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author sethczerepak
    The biggest challenge for me lately has been finding writers to take overflow work like article writing so that I can focus on the big money jobs. Not many good writers out there, and far less who have the right attitude and work ethic and who are teachable.
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2921676].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author SleeplessInBC
      Originally Posted by sethczerepak View Post

      The biggest challenge for me lately has been finding writers to take overflow work like article writing so that I can focus on the big money jobs. Not many good writers out there, and far less who have the right attitude and work ethic and who are teachable.
      Hi Seth,

      I would be happy to take the overflow articles to give you the time you need.

      Garry
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2926701].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author suewrite
    I agree that writing for Demand Studios is handy when other work is low or payments late coming in. I think the main problem is that people don't distinguish between writing content and articles, as in the case of DS, and writing copy. Copywriting is a different beast and I charge by the project for that as it can't really be done on a per word basis as it involves a lot of market research and sales focussed writing. Love this forum by the way.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2927376].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author wimbledonwoman
    My biggest challenge is my husband! He still can't absorb the idea that I make money sitting in front of a computer, while he's out doing hard labor in a factory.

    I am very lucky to have already found three clients, through WF, who need a lot of work done on a regular basis - that helps me feel confident that I can pay my bills.

    I also want to start writing eBooks and finding the right subjects will be another challenge.

    There are a lot of cheap writers around - but not many good writers, that's for sure.
    Signature
    http://www.income-website.com
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2927534].message }}

Trending Topics