Freelance Writers Wanted
People starting out on their freelance writing career might think the “ freelance writers wanted “ jobs hard to find. Landing those first few jobs can be really tough, even when it comes to bidding on Internet jobs for various site developers. One of the keys to landing Internet writing jobs is to understand that the advice of freelance writers is wanted. Armed with just the right information, you can present yourself as an expert when it comes to what people are looking for, and succeeding with, when they write for the Internet.
In this article, we are going to look at some ways in which you can sell yourself and your advice to a client or a potential client. It’s about knowledge and about the right presentation, and I have had some experience with both. Here is what I have learned.
A basic understanding of SEO can really get you in the door.
We develop a better understanding of search engine optimization in another section of this site, and I really can’t stress enough how much site developers love to work with a freelance writer who understands this web strategy. A client of mine, a web site developer herself, continually stresses the importance of SEO and sound marketing practices. Letting potential clients know that you have a working knowledge of this proven strategy will mean you are in the top tier of freelance writers wanted for their services.
Don’t promise what you can’t deliver.
Please, please understand what you are talking about before you make your SEO pitch. One of the best moves I ever made was purchasing Search Engine Optimization for Dummies. It really helped me gain an understanding of what the search engines were all about, and as a result I was not only able to land jobs, but also to point out to various clients areas in which they could improve. The quality of work combined with the extra help solidified many working relationships, and set up recurring sources of income, for me.
Don’t come off as a know it all!
If there is one thing that will send you to the bottom of the list of freelance writers wanted for their services, it’s acting like you know everything. You might know a great deal more than your client about the material or even developing a web site, but you have to remember that they have already decided on a method that they think will work for them. Never just come out and say what you think; couch your advice in questions and so on. It seems a little bit weird, but pride is a big factor when it comes to freelance writing jobs, and you have to be careful not to offend.
If a client asks for help, give it.
“What do you think?” This is my favorite question from a client, as they are deliberately soliciting my advice. I have a lot of great ideas and I tend not to offer an opinion unless I know what I am talking about (unless of course you happen to be my wife, but that’s a different story), so when this question gets asked the flood gates will open. I don’t expect all clients who ask this to use all my suggestions, but the ensuing discussion almost always helps both of us to further our knowledge of the Internet, web sites, writing, the reader, and most importantly our own working relationship.
Freelance Writers Wanted ads can be found easily. But the ask for more than just writing skills. It is the advice of freelance writers that is wanted, but you have to know how to deliver it. Moreover, you have to have the knowledge to back your statements up. If you are just blowing smoke at your client, they will eventually realize it, and then that is a client lost, possibly forever.
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Tags: client relationships
February 28th, 2008 at 5:47 pm
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