Struggling? This is How to Sell Your Writer Services

You will meet a lot of people who want to be writers. Everyone assumes that it is impossible to make a good income to support themselves or their family. As a result, they let the dream die and settle for any other job that is far from their ‘ideal daily scenario’.

But is it really that hard?

No, it is not.

It is a bit harder than getting hired by someone to do a basic 9 to 5 job, but once you have all your ducks in a row you will be so happy you dared to give it a go!

Keep in mind that you might to source a few different ways to earn money. For example, you might have to do work for various clients or agencies. However, there is always a chance that a single company might want to hire a full-time remote writer. In that case, you will essentially be on salary.

Let’s take a look at how to spin words into money!

Are you ready?

1. Get a Small Sample Portfolio in Place 

You do not need to have countless articles and published material in place to get work. But you will need some samples.

To get some samples together you can do some free work, publish as a guest in established blogs,  and put some ideas down (not for a particular client, but general samples) that showcase your writing style and abilities.

For more on how to build your portfolio check out our article here.

2. Update your Social Media and Email Signature

Let people know that you are now available to write content. There is no need to tell every person on your social media. Just do a simple update on your current work status.

At the same time update your email signature to reflect that you are a writer.

Do you know how many emails come and go daily for the average person?

The last actual quoted number by Campaign Monitor is 121 emails per person on average.

These are 121 chances to let people know you are available.

3. Sign up on Content Platforms

These platforms do not always pay the best or work out, but why not have your ‘freelance writer’ profile in as many places as possible?

Other platforms such as Fiverr or Upwork might land you a few big projects. Then it is up to you to continue collaboration with the client.

4. Join Relevant Social Media Groups

There are writer groups on most social media platforms. These groups are a great resource for asking questions, seeing how others are doing it, and announcing that you are available for taking on new projects.

In many cases agencies scout these groups for new hires.

5. Approach Content Agencies

Content agencies are the best way to secure long term work and grow as a writer.

Most content agencies need to see samples of previously published work. They might ask that you do a sample article for free, or they might pay you if they decide to use it.

For the most part content agencies work with remote writers, which is part of the dream at the end of the day, right?

Keep in mind that when working for an agency there is a high probability that anything you write won’t be published with your name on it. You are essentially a ‘ghost’ writer.

But, and I cannot stress this enough, it is likely one of the best streams of revenue for many writers.

You will get to write about a variety of subjects and build up a strong portfolio.

If you are wondering how to find agencies, there is no magic formula.

You need to do research and send out a lot of emails. You do not have to limit yourself locally; remember that you are now independent which means you can work for agencies around the globe (as long as you can write professionally in the language they prefer)

6. Talk with Digital Marketing Agencies

Most digital marketing agencies need to have a few writers on call.

The best thing you can do is reach out to as many as you can, create an initial contact and let them know you are available.

Digital marketing agencies want to know how much you change, as opposed to content agencies that usually have a set price for the content.

So be prepared with your sample portfolio and your price menu! You can charge by the word, by the hour or by the project. It is generally good, especially for beginners, to be open to negotiating the price with the agency. Remember that the agencies are also dealing with set budgets from the client’s end.

7. Do the Blog Thing…Finally

Yes, you have heard this a hundred times, and deep down you wonder if there is any real value to it, especially with hundreds of thousands of blogs out there, right?

Wrong!

Your blog is your blog.

It is a way to stay current, publish interesting material, opinion articles, showcase the diversity of your writing styles, and attract potential customers. It can be your dynamic portfolio, accessible by anyone, anytime.

Let’s use for example a fashion designer who decides to simply work from home. They decide that since there are hundreds of other designer websites, what is the point of getting theirs up and running.

They approach many potential clients with their work, but there is no official place for these clients to visit. There is something off about that, right?

Since we are on the blogging subject, begin following and commenting on blogs you would like to publish some of your work with.

There are countless paying opportunities to by a guest writer on existing blogs. The landscape is so big that the best way to get started is to look for blogs that are covering subjects you would enjoy writing about.

Final Thoughts

We covered some of the ways you can start tapping into to jump start your writing career. Remember that it is incredibly easy to search online for days and months for the ‘perfect ways’ or #secret method’ of getting writing projects.

The reality is that nothing ever replaces hustle. You need to reach out to people and agencies and start!

Starting is half the battle.

Are you ready to get new writing projects?

Comment below and let us what methods have you used to sell your writing services!