Where to Find Clients that Will Pay a Respectable Rate for Writing

Get out and network face to face. You need to create a situation
where you're appreciated not as a low-priced commodity provider,
but as a talent of definite and superior value. Move your position.

Hi Brian,

You should take none of what I am about to say personally. I don't know you. I have no reason to insult or disparage.

But--what I am about to say may sting.

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1. You've positioned yourself as a commodity. There's no differentiation. There's nothing that leads a prospect to believe they'll get better quality, service or value than 250+ other people right next to you--especially on the Warrior Forum.

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2. Kim's right. But I'll say what she said in a different way. Until *YOU* respect and revere what you bring to the table, no one else will. A person is not paid what he's worth. That's a myth. He or she is not paid according to the value they create. That's a myth too. Everything today information-wise, is based upon perceived, intangible, personal value. (Unless you've positioned yourself as a commodity--which you have.)

In other words, "beauty is in the eye of the beholder." And you should acknowledge your own beauty FIRST.

You are fighting for the crumbs that fall from the table, when you should be feasting from it.

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3. Niche yourself. Are *YOU* "relevant?"

If you have desire to increase your compensation writing, you're better off niching yourself rather than being a generalist. Becoming an expert in a specific market.

In today's world, it's all about immediate and obvious relevancy. Laser targeting. So specialize in business opportunity, or Internet marketing, or some other rabid market and then find those companies who promote online.

You'll get way more than your insultingly low $3/article.

There is an alternative strategy here.

Find "out of the way" niches and markets. RFID systems, for instance. Companies would KILL for a compelling competent, knowledgeable writer to create articles that are worthwhile reading in that market. $10/article would be cheap money.

Look at it this way, (and I'm choosing my words deliberately.) Many companies and marketers consider article writers the "ditch diggers" of the Internet. For someone who's obviously ambitious like you, that's a hard fact to come to terms with.

You must differentiate yourself, you must niche yourself, and you must bring specific, RELEVANT value to the party.

And you must market yourself.

I'll give you a secret: Once you learn the value of what I just said, here's the opportunity.

People... important people... companies are looking to push quality unique content onto their blogs. You niche yourself, and become an expert in let's say foreclosure real estate, and you can easily make $50-$100/blog post. $1000 a month PER CLIENT. There are some nuances here I'm not sharing, but it can be done.

A six-figure a year article writer? Yes, it's possible. But you have to be good. And you can't be a generalist.

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4. Lastly, treat your article writing like a business--not a job. Not a time filler. You do not want to be occupying your time writing, but researching new content, learning as well as marketing yourself. You want your finger on the pulse of the market. You want to be a human version of "Google Alerts" for the market you're focusing on.

- Rick Duris

PS: Years ago, I was having lunch with an editor of a magazine. She paid me a lot of money to write (feature) 2000-word articles. Personally, I wasn't doing it for the money. I was doing it to promote my business. I also had the back page which is the most coveted of magazine real estate.

One thing she said kinda stuck with me.

"Rick, I like your writing because you actually know what you're talking about. You live it every day and it shows in your work."

The reason I'm saying that is because that's what folks who buy premium article content are looking for--people who KNOW what their talking about. It just ain't about BS, seo-optimized, "unique" words. It's not about "content." It's about relevant, targeted specific, unique (meaning nobody has this idea yet) intrinsic value.

Bottom line? If you want to make more money as an article writer, raise the bar on yourself. Stop being lumped in with all the other $3/article writing ditch diggers. Respect yourself and what you bring to the table.

I just downloaded Paul's book. I bought Tiffany's PLR course earlier this year. Thanks for the info. Great stuff.

This WSO looks really interesting. It's closed. I sent Zeus a pm, haven't heard back. Does anyone know if this is still available somewhere?

Thanks!
Mary

So true,and when you are writing for such a low amount your writing tends to turn into a matter of quantity over quality.

Hi Paul

I've also left a testimonial on the original thread relating to the report. Please feel free to use it at any time for promotional purposes. The only other report that gave me as much information was one that I found on the DP forum a couple of years ago. I think Jen Mattern was the author and it provided some great stuff for newcomers although it focused more on content production than actual copywriting.

However, this particular report is fantastic for both new and intermediate level writers and for less than a tenner, it's a bit of a no-brainer. To improve, it's vital to invest in literature even if it's just for the sake of not having to experience the pitfalls at a personal level.

WTMM will be one of the first references I provide to other writers in the future.

Just purchased Paul's e-book: Write to More Money. I have been burning the mid night candle over it. I want to make sure I understand Paul's techniques, ideas, strategies etc before I write those strong proposals.

It is worth more than it costs!

I wanted to know more about his copywriting program but have not yet received details about it. A reference was made to some free videos on the subject but I have not yet received them.

Thanks Paul.

You are right. You have to know your self-worth. You have must have confidence in your abilities to command high fees. When I'm on Elance, I only look for projects that pay $1000+. I refuse to take on assignments that are less.

I have took start taking action and contact local businesses in my area. I have been told that by several people now, and haven't done it. This is one step I plan on taking this month.

Yeah, I was thinking the same thing. You beat me to it.