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Freelance Writer Targeting Local Businesses Directly

by Shannon Tani
4 replies
Hi,
I'm wondering if there are any writers out there who have had success targeting local businesses for website copy/blogging/other services and how you went about it.

I've seen suggestions of having a blog to give people an idea of what your style is like and what they can expect from you, then guest blogging at other places and mentioning you're a writer. However, it seems that that could really only work if your blog is about marketing through writing and you're guest blogging on sites that attract business owners. Or do you secure work through somewhat unrelated blogs (e.g. a construction company finds you through a mommy blog)?

Would a direct mailing work better? And if so, what types of things have you said?

I'm just trying to work out the details. Would love input or suggestions for excellent resources.
#businesses #directly #freelance #local #targeting #writer
  • Profile picture of the author nmwf
    I've never tried it, but I'll tell you this with absolute certainty: It's a great market.

    I've always heard about targeting the locals, but my interests are more oriented toward programming than writing. Yet the minute someone learns that I have a writing history, "Can you write for me?" is the first thing out of their mouths. So without any experience with this strategy, I still say go full force on it because I'm telling you - the market is there!

    I don't know if there's something about being in the area or what - but the topic came up in an unrelated conversation. So in addition to whatever you learn here, don't leave out the physical, sound-wave-based conversation. Get out and about, and start talking to people. Being face-to-face seems to do a lot in this arena.

    At the very least, it gets the word out.
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  • Profile picture of the author YourGoToWriter
    I believe you won't lose with this strategy. However, you have to be committed to it. You have to make sure that you respond to their queries quickly, so you won't lose them to your competitors.
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  • Profile picture of the author Shannon Tani
    Thanks. Any ideas on the best way to contact businesses?
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    • Profile picture of the author nmwf
      Originally Posted by Shannon Tani View Post

      Thanks. Any ideas on the best way to contact businesses?
      Oh dear. Asking me for ideas is like reaching into Forrest Gump's box of chocolates.

      All I can suggest is getting out there and making people know you whether they want to or not. (Legally speaking that is.)

      I don't mean by being a sales pest. I mean doing something so damn different and creative that you end up being the talk of the town. So that when you walk by a cafe, people will point and say, "Hey, there's that crazy lady! She writes some terrific stuff!"
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