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How do I expand as a freelance sports writer?

by callmebricks
9 replies
Hi guys,

I'm a freelance football (soccer) writer. I've been published on some top websites and publications such as the Huffington Post UK, IB Times, Bleacher Report and more.

I've also produced football content for various start up sites to use as their own mainly thanks to Fiverr. Because of Fiverr, I've got some long term clients as well who pay me more outside of it. However, I feel I can earn more.

I believe I can write well and produce top quality content -- but how do I expand? How to I find more clients? How do I get paid better fees for my work?

Any input would be appreciated.
#expand #freelance #sports #writer
  • Profile picture of the author JosephC
    Hey Bricks (If that is your real name) lol

    I love freelance sports writing. I have a good friend who does this and I have worked with him on his business model, so I am sure I have some advice for you.

    First off, you need a portfolio site. This can just be a simple website with links to your previous work and contact information and maybe an about page. Send all potential clients here. This is a necesity. It can be a free page from about.me with links to your work in the links section.

    Now for clients. It can be very difficult to find clients willing to pay top dollar, but that is what you need to find. Spend more time with the customers that pay more. Filter out the ones who dont.

    Your best option would be to find larger sports blogs that would hire you for reoccurring work. That way, you don't have to find a new client every couple of days when you need work. Build long term relationships with sports blogs and get continued work from several and maybe accept smaller gigs on the side. This is a better way to manage your time.

    Once you make a list of sports blogs that would pay you, reach out to them. Build relationships, tweet at them, connect with the founder on Linkedin, ect. This would be the best way to market yourself as a writer in this niche. Running advertisements might not get you the best return. Relationships work better, and they're free! (sorta)

    Make sure to show them your impressive resume. I mean, you wrote an article for the Huffington Post! You are the real deal and need to be paid as such.

    If you want good info on getting clients and doing cold emails check out the videofruit blog I found this blog about 6 months ago and it is my go to marketing blog for stuff like this. Some good advice on here that you can use to build those long term relationships and get continued work. Also a lot of good post about connecting with famous bloggers/niche authority figures.

    Good luck!
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    • Profile picture of the author vanillawoods
      Start your own sports blog.

      Brand yourself. Make your own name.

      Then you will be sought after and an authority in your field.

      I would suggest you get a real cool sports domain name, and start writing posts everyday.

      Consistency counts in this business.

      Good Luck...
      Signature


      When Nothing Makes Sense, The Little Guys Band Together...
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      • Profile picture of the author callmebricks
        Originally Posted by vanillawoods View Post

        Start your own sports blog.

        Brand yourself. Make your own name.

        Then you will be sought after and an authority in your field.

        I would suggest you get a real cool sports domain name, and start writing posts everyday.

        Consistency counts in this business.

        Good Luck...
        Do I really need to make my own name with a website/blog? I think - especially in soccer writing - that my resume and the work I've done over the years is impressive enough to get me any full time job. It's just finding top clients who pay top dollar which is the problem for me.
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    • Profile picture of the author callmebricks
      Originally Posted by JosephC View Post

      Hey Bricks (If that is your real name) lol

      I love freelance sports writing. I have a good friend who does this and I have worked with him on his business model, so I am sure I have some advice for you.

      First off, you need a portfolio site. This can just be a simple website with links to your previous work and contact information and maybe an about page. Send all potential clients here. This is a necesity. It can be a free page from about.me with links to your work in the links section.

      Now for clients. It can be very difficult to find clients willing to pay top dollar, but that is what you need to find. Spend more time with the customers that pay more. Filter out the ones who dont.

      Your best option would be to find larger sports blogs that would hire you for reoccurring work. That way, you don't have to find a new client every couple of days when you need work. Build long term relationships with sports blogs and get continued work from several and maybe accept smaller gigs on the side. This is a better way to manage your time.

      Once you make a list of sports blogs that would pay you, reach out to them. Build relationships, tweet at them, connect with the founder on Linkedin, ect. This would be the best way to market yourself as a writer in this niche. Running advertisements might not get you the best return. Relationships work better, and they're free! (sorta)

      Make sure to show them your impressive resume. I mean, you wrote an article for the Huffington Post! You are the real deal and need to be paid as such.

      If you want good info on getting clients and doing cold emails check out the videofruit blog I found this blog about 6 months ago and it is my go to marketing blog for stuff like this. Some good advice on here that you can use to build those long term relationships and get continued work. Also a lot of good post about connecting with famous bloggers/niche authority figures.

      Good luck!
      Thanks a lot man!
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  • Profile picture of the author icoachu
    Sign up for all the major freelance platforms.

    Being a specialist gives you a leg up
    Signature
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  • Profile picture of the author Robert999
    Originally Posted by callmebricks View Post

    Hi guys,

    I'm a freelance football (soccer) writer. I've been published on some top websites and publications such as the Huffington Post UK, IB Times, Bleacher Report and more.

    I've also produced football content for various start up sites to use as their own mainly thanks to Fiverr. Because of Fiverr, I've got some long term clients as well who pay me more outside of it. However, I feel I can earn more.

    I believe I can write well and produce top quality content -- but how do I expand? How to I find more clients? How do I get paid better fees for my work?

    Any input would be appreciated.
    Try iwriter.com
    Signature
    FREE Step-By-Step Guide for Beginners to Earn Money From Clickbank
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  • Profile picture of the author maxweb
    Create a brand, become an authority.

    Max
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    Find out how to earn money online !!!
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  • Profile picture of the author callmebricks
    Any other tips?
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  • Profile picture of the author Barry Unruh
    Build relationships.

    Can you cultivate a relationship with a few international stars in the sport? Consistently getting exclusive content would catapult your career.
    Signature
    Brain Drained...Signature Coming Soon!
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