11 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
11 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

How to gain your own freelance writing clients (off platforms)?

by amyjane94
10 replies
Hello everyone,

I have been a freelance writer for the past year and have written for a range of clients. But now I want to take this to another level and find my own clients and move away from platforms and content mills eventually. Especially since they take a cut of your wages.

I have created my own business website (which still needs work) and have some idea of where to start but I want to be safe since I plan to come off these platforms and use my own. So I was wondering...

1. To those who run their own writing business - Where do you advertise your services and approach prospective clients?

2. How do you process payments safely? E.g. Do you use a contract? Is it best to get the client to pay an upfront deposit?

Any help would be appreciated!
#clients #freelance #gain #platforms #writing
Avatar of Unregistered
  • Profile picture of the author GordonJ
    Originally Posted by amyjane94 View Post

    Hello everyone,

    I have been a freelance writer for the past year and have written for a range of clients. But now I want to take this to another level and find my own clients and move away from platforms and content mills eventually. Especially since they take a cut of your wages.

    I have created my own business website (which still needs work) and have some idea of where to start but I want to be safe since I plan to come off these platforms and use my own. So I was wondering...

    1. To those who run their own writing business - Where do you advertise your services and approach prospective clients?

    2. How do you process payments safely? E.g. Do you use a contract? Is it best to get the client to pay an upfront deposit?

    Any help would be appreciated!
    I think the writing, the kind that you do, would help you identify potential prospects. You might be able to contact some of those you wrote for off the platforms, send an email, if not in violation of TOS of any given platform and let them know you are available.

    An agreement, or a contract would certainly be beneficial for both parties and payments can be safely processed through any number of ways.

    Just my opinion, based on your questions, you haven't done enough homework yet, and maybe should join some Facebook groups for writers.

    What sort of writing do you do?

    GordonJ
    Signature

    No sig for you.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11568304].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author IGotMine
    Here's a site belonging to a fellow warrior https://www.dremdesigns.com/

    I've used their service for years starting with their warriors-for-hire thread.

    I suggest you use the site as a model.
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11568316].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author nshep
    1. Put together a portfolio
    2. Find blogs in the niche/industry you want to be active in
    3. Put together 3-5 content ideas for each including a working title and short summary of the final post
    4. Approach the websites with your post ideas and ask if they would be interested in having them on their site
    5. Rinse and repeat
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11568480].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author DomMitton
    My advice is to send personalized cold emails to services/SAAS/products that don't have a "rich" blog with daily posts and check if they're looking for a writer.

    If you're looking for a one-time gig, it will be hard to receive 100% of payment upfront.

    Look for 50-70% upfront since they don't know you, and invoice the rest after the work has been done.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11568725].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Profit Expert
    Finding clients is an art you need to learn. Only skill is not enough.
    Write a few posts as portfolio. You can also offer people to write for free for them to see your writing quality .
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11569091].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Jerry Cattell
    Hey one of my friend is running her business for writing.

    I found she usually post her services on LinkedIn. Also she use many portals like Fiverr, Guru, etc...

    To proceed with payment, I feel every freelancers should go with contract, or advance payment techniques. for safe payment you can use portals, also request advance with paypal.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11569231].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author sonamathews
    Freelance writing completely depends upon the clients. Without clients you cannot be a freelance writer and for that purpose you need connect with the various clients. You can do this by joining freelance marketplaces or Create profile on Linkedin and approach potential clients.


    Build trust with the existing clients and you will soon have your own freelance writing business running.
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11569391].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author rkahn
    I have found Fiverr to be a safe option for managing my freelance content writing and copywriting clients. You can create custom bids via the platform and place them on your blog or any other website.

    For your other question pertaining to marketing yourself and finding new clients, your writing skills are the key to helping you achieve that.

    Write high-quality and original content on your blog and industry-related forums. Warrior Forum is a great resource for connecting with potential digital marketers in need of writing services.

    Showcase your ability to write while also networking with prospects in online communities like WF or DP should help.

    All best to your online marketing endeavors.
    Signature

    Get killer content for your next project.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11569795].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Ron Jaradat
    Source clients using those freelance platforms. Reach out to them independently (off the platform if you can find their details).

    Source companies near you by simply going to their website and analyzing their existing content marketing. If it is lacking and bad, reach out and say you can do it better.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11569899].message }}
Avatar of Unregistered

Trending Topics