Finding long-term people to write for?

14 years ago

the only advice I can offer you is to expand. Market yourself through other platforms.

Create profiles on all the freelance websites. A lot of my initial repeat work came through these websites.

You should bump your thread as well. Always good to be on the front page, and have people looking.

Thanks

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Alexa Smith

Banned 14 years ago

Originally Posted by OhioWriter

I thought about bumping my current warriors for hire thread, but I don't know how much that would really help my situation.

Daniel, I'm wondering whether changing your pricing structure a little might help, before doing that, anyway.

If you're charging $5 for 300 words, it seems at first glance odd to charge $15 for 500 words.

My own first thought, as a potential customer, would be that employing you to write 300 words twice would cost $10 for 600 words, so I'd be surprised at being asked to pay $15 for fewer words than that.

Sorry if it's not a particularly helpful observation, but it seems to me that others may find that as confusing as I do ... :confused:

Thanks
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JJPerkins 14 years ago

Agree, you need a clearer pricing structure, and more details.
Having a sample article to offer would be helpful too.
Just make it the same one for everybody who asks, if they're stupid enough to use it, well...

I've almost given up looking for a writer on the forum, if you actually find one that lives up to their promises they generally move on after a while.
If it's something you intend to do fairly longterm then stating that might help.

Just my 2c worth as a potential customer
Jillian
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- sellerscompanion 14 years ago
  
  If you want to earn more, you have to look beyond just internet marketing types. Unfortunately, many in the IM industry are looking for "SEO content" rather than quality reader-focused content. That means they want cheap articles rather than top quality articles.
  
  You have to decide whether you want to focus on quantity or quality. If you want to focus on quality content, I would recommend marketing your services on other outlets such as Elance. You can also build and market a profile on LinkedIn to attract business owners.
  
  I earn quite a bit more marketing my services to businesses and entrepreneurs rather than just IM folks (although I do a lot of work with IM people too).
  
  For instance, I have a company that pays me $40 per articles/blog post up to 500 words. I found this client on Elance. I have others who pay $20-$25 per post. It varies depending on what they want and research required.
  
  So, in short, expand where you are looking for clients. When I first started out, I was charging a penny a word. Now, I charge WAY more than that because I value my own services more than that. You have to change your mindset a bit to realize that your services may well be worth more than you are charging.
  
  Good luck!
  Charity
  
  Thanks
  
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- OhioWriter 14 years ago
  
  My bad on that. I actually was in the middle of editing my post and lowering my prices and you caught the thread at an awkward time. It's fixed now.
  
  As for sample articles/writing, my whole purpose is to adapt to what the actual person wants. I think the reviews others have given is enough for someone to know I'm solid enough to write. After that, it all comes down to if I can adapt to the style a person wants.
  
  Thanks
  
  Signature
  I'm a US college educated writer looking to provide you with quality content, product reviews and more. Click here to learn more and to contact me.
  
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BackLinkiT

14 years ago

Originally Posted by Alexa Smith

Daniel, I'm wondering whether changing your pricing structure a little might help, before doing that, anyway.

If you're charging $5 for 300 words, it seems at first glance odd to charge $15 for 500 words.

My own first thought, as a potential customer, would be that employing you to write 300 words twice would cost $10 for 600 words, so I'd be surprised at being asked to pay $15 for fewer words than that.

Sorry if it's not a particularly helpful observation, but it seems to me that others may find that as confusing as I do ... :confused:

You beat me to it, Alexa. This leapt put of the page at me when I saw:

My current rates: $5.00 for 300 words, $15.00 for 500 words ($3.00 per 100 words).

Thanks

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TiffanyLambert

14 years ago

When I went from being in the position you're in now on Elance (hustling to get more projects every time one was done) to having a waiting list of people wanting to hire me, the difference was that I started branding myself.

How did I do this?

I started calling myself the Ghostwriter to the Gurus. I explained to people that they could get on my schedule or reserve a place in my schedule. The scarcity mindset alone made people pre-pay for a spot even if they didn't need anything right that second. One client (a fellow Warrior) sent $24,000 for future work because he wanted to be able to use me as he needed me without worrying if I would be available for him or not.

If you're "just another writer" in their stable, then they might hire someone else - I myself use several writers but I have 3 I'm very close to.

Confidence and an "un-needy" persona makes people want to hire you, too. Please steer clear of the "I need work" messages.

Run specials and notify past clients that you have a special going for the next 72 hours if they want to take advantage of it. It doesn't have to be a huge discount, but getting something cheaper is always a perk. Send out a reminder to them on the last day of the special in case they forgot and planned to order.

Don't expect people to come to you, either. Start going OUT and branding yourself as THE go to person for niche content. Toot your horn about what all kinds of stuff you can write. like this:

eBooks
blog posts
viral reports
opt in reports
email autoresponders
sales copy
squeeze page copy
articles...etc.

What are you doing to market yourself? Have a blog that talks enthusiastically about what you do - not "I wish I could find more work." instead, make a blog post about how much you're enjoying learning about NLP because a client hired you to write something about it and the research process has been fun for you (clients love this type of enthusiasm and go getter attitude).

Research keywords for ghostwriters and start building pages on that. Teach people how to hire you and why they should hire you.

Tiff

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JJPerkins

14 years ago

Originally Posted by TiffanyDow

make a blog post about how much you're enjoying learning about NLP because a client hired you to write something about it and the research process has been fun for you (clients love this type of enthusiasm and go getter attitude).

Very good point!
In fact I've often wondered why writers don't tend to tell you a bit about themselves, their interests and so on.
Finding a good SEO writer who can research various topics and come up with a decent article would be nice, but even better would be finding someone who can write with enthusiasm on a niche.

Thanks

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OhioWriter

14 years ago

Originally Posted by TiffanyDow

What are you doing to market yourself? Have a blog that talks enthusiastically about what you do - not "I wish I could find more work." instead, make a blog post about how much you're enjoying learning about NLP because a client hired you to write something about it and the research process has been fun for you (clients love this type of enthusiasm and go getter attitude).

Research keywords for ghostwriters and start building pages on that. Teach people how to hire you and why they should hire you.

Tiff

I know this is an old thread, but I thought I would talk about this.

I want to write for others. Why run a blog when they can actually get to know me? That's why when I get a new person to write for, I'm quick in responding, I gather a feel for their type of writing they want and I exchange instant messaging services. To me, that trumps reading a blog that may or may not have anything to do with what they want from me.

Thanks
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Mike Long 14 years ago

Originally Posted by OhioWriter

I want to write for others. Why run a blog when they can actually get to know me?

I used to fall into this trap all the time (and still do on occasion).

I call it the "why doesn't everyone think like I do" trap.

I actually agree with you. I find it crazy that you should have to keep up a blog when you're in the business of writing for others (either as a freelance writer, a newsletter writer, etc.).

Yet the fact remains that blogging is currently en vogue to the point of being illogical, and it's basically "expected" that anyone who writes at all will have a blog of their own.

A potential client who finds your website may want to see if you're still actively writing. They may want to get a feel for your writing style. They may want to know what types of writing you do (feature articles, copywriting, etc.).

In essence, an active blog actually helps you to qualify potential clients and increases the likelihood of ultimately finding a good match.

There's also the argument that writing free-form for an unknown audience will both enhance and sharpen your skills as a writer...

Jeez, now I'm starting to change my own mind about this....lol.

In any event, I hope this helps.

-Mike
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Marsala

14 years ago

@OhioWriter,

You'll never know if blogging is an effective way to market your services unless you try it. As a lot of marketers say: test, test, test. Make sure you track your results. Try it for a few months and then you'll know for sure.

Thanks
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sandarr

14 years ago

This could help you to find clients that require steady work, I have seen many advertisements on Craigslist in the writing gigs and on Monster. On Craigslist look in the larger cities, this is where you will find real freelance writing jobs. Not the average, write our blogs for$.01, but actual ongoing work with reputable companies or professionals. Another thing that I have done is to print out business cards; I have a flyer and a pricing sheet, for local businesses. There are many small shops, car dealers, dentists, attorneys and others that do not really have the ability to get their name out there on the Internet to bring in more business.

I myself am a writer and have worked with the same clients for years on a daily basis; however it is for professionals, not for affiliate marketing or non-brick and mortar businesses. I do on occasion take on other clients, which is a nice change. The point I am making, for regular steady writing work, without the worry of being out of work, this is one place I would look. There is also the advantage of not giving an article company a percentage, plus the Pay Pal percentage.

Hope this gives you other outlets to look for work.

Thanks
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TopKat22

14 years ago

Originally Posted by sandarr

This could help you to find clients that require steady work, I have seen many advertisements on Craigslist in the writing gigs and on Monster. On Craigslist look in the larger cities, this is where you will find real freelance writing jobs. Not the average, write our blogs for$.01, but actual ongoing work with reputable companies or professionals. Another thing that I have done is to print out business cards; I have a flyer and a pricing sheet, for local businesses. There are many small shops, car dealers, dentists, attorneys and others that do not really have the ability to get their name out there on the Internet to bring in more business.

I myself am a writer and have worked with the same clients for years on a daily basis; however it is for professionals, not for affiliate marketing or non-brick and mortar businesses. I do on occasion take on other clients, which is a nice change. The point I am making, for regular steady writing work, without the worry of being out of work, this is one place I would look. There is also the advantage of not giving an article company a percentage, plus the Pay Pal percentage.

Hope this gives you other outlets to look for work.

I have also seen tons of posts on this forum from people looking for writers.

Unfortunately, most writers are either too expensive for newbies or too low of quality for the money.

Thanks
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sandarr

14 years ago

Originally Posted by TopKat22

I have also seen tons of posts on this forum from people looking for writers.

Unfortunately, most writers are either too expensive for newbies or too low of quality for the money.

Yes, this is why looking in large cities is a little different. I write for attorneys and for ADT, I have written for Directv in the past. This is why I do take other clients that do other things, to keep it a little less serious. The point is, this is and has been my day job that has paid my bills for many years. My pricing differs for a person on the internet, rather than promoting a business. The writing does not differ in quality, since a writers reputation depends on their quality of writing.

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TopKat22

14 years ago

Originally Posted by sandarr

Yes, this is why looking in large cities is a little different. I write for attorneys and for ADT, I have written for Directv in the past. This is why I do take other clients that do other things, to keep it a little less serious. The point is, this is and has been my day job that has paid my bills for many years. My pricing differs for a person on the internet, rather than promoting a business. The writing does not differ in quality, since a writers reputation depends on their quality of writing.

Good job. Sounds like you found a really profitable niche for yourself.

Originally Posted by OhioWriter

Alright, alright, I guess you guys are right. I mean it's not like I'm having to turn down work with the demand currently. I still do not agree with it though. I prefer writing for a purpose. It just seems to me my blog will be full of pointless, random information.

Are people writing and keeping blogs about their personal lives, or are they just basically writing a bunch of sample articles?

On thinking more about what you should write about, I thought you could approach writing for your own blog from the perspective of what if some writer who was really busy hired you to write about writing on his blog for him.

I'm sure you get writing assignments all the time where you don't know about the topic and have to do research.

You can research and see what other writers are blogging about.

Also, on your pricing, maybe you could give your new clients a one time really good deal to try you out:

like $2 dollars for 100 word or something else really low and make sure you say it is one time to see your quality and then have your normal pricing.

Also, rather than just saying, quantity pricing for ongoing work, why not list out what that would be and make it easy for people to sign up for a subscription with you with a single click, like

4 weeks of 300 word weekly articles on one topic for $XX

20 weeks of 300 word weekly articles on one topic for $XX

52 weeks of 300 word weekly articles on one topic for $XX

4 weeks of 500 word weekly articles on one topic for $XX

20 weeks of 500 word weekly articles on one topic for $XX

52 weeks of 500 word weekly articles on one topic for $XX

Basically, you have to tell your potential clients that you understand their problem, provide the solution, explain why you are better, quicker, more cost effective (whatever makes you stand out) and then make it really easy for them to decide to get started with you by a low cost one time deal and then after that, every week post a new blog and send out an email to your list of prospects and purchasers and include a link at the bottom to your order page

Include on that page all the options with a fill in the blank order form of topic or any other information you need to do the order.

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cashp0wer 14 years ago

I agree that you need to adjust your prices. You also cannot expect to get all of your work from here. You should also advertise on other sites such as Odesk, Freelancer, etc. Expand hour horizons and the work will come to you.
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TopKat22

14 years ago

Originally Posted by OhioWriter

I know this is an old thread, but I thought I would talk about this.

I want to write for others. Why run a blog when they can actually get to know me? That's why when I get a new person to write for, I'm quick in responding, I gather a feel for their type of writing they want and I exchange instant messaging services. To me, that trumps reading a blog that may or may not have anything to do with what they want from me.

You seem to not be taking the great advice you are getting and instead are somewhat "defending" how you are doing it now.

???

How you are doing it now is not getting you enough clients by your own admission AND the reason you posted this in the first place!!!

In order for things to change, THINGS MUST CHANGE!

:rolleyes::p

Yes, change is hard, but if you did start a blog and more people had access to you, then maybe your client list would expand.

I'm just saying.....

(btw, I sent you a pm, too)

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OhioWriter

14 years ago

Alright, alright, I guess you guys are right. I mean it's not like I'm having to turn down work with the demand currently. I still do not agree with it though. I prefer writing for a purpose. It just seems to me my blog will be full of pointless, random information.

Are people writing and keeping blogs about their personal lives, or are they just basically writing a bunch of sample articles?

Thanks
1 reply

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TopKat22

14 years ago

Originally Posted by OhioWriter

Alright, alright, I guess you guys are right. I mean it's not like I'm having to turn down work with the demand currently. I still do not agree with it though. I prefer writing for a purpose. It just seems to me my blog will be full of pointless, random information.

Are people writing and keeping blogs about their personal lives, or are they just basically writing a bunch of sample articles?

Since you are a writer and you want writing clients, I would blog about writing.

Some technical posts like how you do research or the structure you use to write. Maybe add some personal posts about how you got into writing and/or how much fun writing is.

Thanks

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jimsyyap

14 years ago

Originally Posted by TiffanyDow

When I went from being in the position you're in now on Elance (hustling to get more projects every time one was done) to having a waiting list of people wanting to hire me, the difference was that I started branding myself.

How did I do this?

I started calling myself the Ghostwriter to the Gurus. I explained to people that they could get on my schedule or reserve a place in my schedule. The scarcity mindset alone made people pre-pay for a spot even if they didn't need anything right that second. One client (a fellow Warrior) sent $24,000 for future work because he wanted to be able to use me as he needed me without worrying if I would be available for him or not.

If you're "just another writer" in their stable, then they might hire someone else - I myself use several writers but I have 3 I'm very close to.

Confidence and an "un-needy" persona makes people want to hire you, too. Please steer clear of the "I need work" messages.

Run specials and notify past clients that you have a special going for the next 72 hours if they want to take advantage of it. It doesn't have to be a huge discount, but getting something cheaper is always a perk. Send out a reminder to them on the last day of the special in case they forgot and planned to order.

Don't expect people to come to you, either. Start going OUT and branding yourself as THE go to person for niche content. Toot your horn about what all kinds of stuff you can write. like this:

eBooks
blog posts
viral reports
opt in reports
email autoresponders
sales copy
squeeze page copy
articles...etc.

What are you doing to market yourself? Have a blog that talks enthusiastically about what you do - not "I wish I could find more work." instead, make a blog post about how much you're enjoying learning about NLP because a client hired you to write something about it and the research process has been fun for you (clients love this type of enthusiasm and go getter attitude).

Research keywords for ghostwriters and start building pages on that. Teach people how to hire you and why they should hire you.

Tiff

THIS is the nuts
(...in poker, means best hand bar none)

Thanks

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laurencewins

14 years ago

This thread has been very informative for me too. I am also in the boat of not having enough consistent work. I could survive on what I do have but I do want more.

@JJPerkins, if you do want a writer, pm me and let's chat about it.

I am going to instigate some of the ideas here.
I am always learning new things from this forum and that is great. I have also been fortunate enough to be able to give info back in return to others needing help.

Thanks

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Cheers, Laurence.
Writer/Editor/Proofreader.

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rprost

14 years ago

You may be better off having several clients who use your services regularly but don't keep you constantly busy. I let myself get into a position where I had only two clients who were providing me with full time work, one of them has now informed me that he won't need any articles for the next couple of months. Needless to say this has seriously affected my income.

With hindsight I wish I had taken on more regular clients and done less work for each of them so that losing one of them wouldn't be such a big problem.

Thanks

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TopKat22

14 years ago

Well, I contacted you about 4 hours ago with a job and haven't heard back. That could be why you aren't getting continued work.

Customer support is as important as quality of work.

Thanks

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briankoz

14 years ago

I can't really speak from the perspective of a writer, but I can tell you what worked with writers I've hired before similar to you (better quality, U.S. based, etc.).

One responded to a Craigslist ad I had after I had to weed through several. He was the one who responded fast, answered all my questions exactly as I asked (vs. a generic reply), and was able to get work done fast at a reasonable price (without trying to raise rates or take advantage of me when asked to do little extras now and then).

A couple others simply went out of their way and contacted me to ask if I need any writing. I'm shocked at how few writers wait for the leads to come to them instead of actively going out there to find them.

If you contact others, be sure to give samples relevant to their niche and in different areas if possible (for instance, if internet marketing, give a couple different topics related to that with samples of each, if you did an ebook or two, give those as examples too, etc.).

And on that note, feel free to PM me with some samples, rates for longer term stuff, etc..

- Brian

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Charlotte Jay

14 years ago

Agree with you TopKat, it is all about customer service as well as the content. You HAVE to get creative, you can't just be a content spinning, word spewing robot

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Finding long-term people to write for?

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