In various articles on this site, I’ve talked about ways in which you can find freelance jobs writing online. Most of the time I am talking about landing freelance work on bidding sites, where I make the bulk of my money.
In another article I outlined some specific client feedback I have received on those sites as to why they selected my bid over others; in this article I will use the same approach but in regards to some of the other ways I have landed online writing jobs.
The Cold Call
This is actually the freelance job finding technique that I hate the most. I don’t like to submit my name to anyone who has the chance to reject me and I really, really hate callbacks when I haven’t heard from someone. It feels pushy.
Still, according to at least two repeat clients, persistence paid off. Every time I come across a site on the web that has fairly obvious mistakes in spelling and grammar, or just suffers from poor writing in general, I look for the “Contact Us” button and explain in a letter what it is I do and how much experience I have.
If editing is the problem, I point out the errors I noticed. Most of the time I don’t hear back, but I do write down the sites and check back. If the fresh content still contains a lot of errors, I try again, and like I said, it has worked twice and that means two recurring clients (of course my success rate is still probably around 1% here but hey, work is work!).
The Application
Slightly better than the cold call approach is replying to jobs which advertise that they need someone for freelance jobs writing. There are lots of sites out there, particularly SEO exerts and web site developing companies, that are looking for writers to create content for their clients.
They can be found using services such as Craig’s List and other online classifieds, even through a search on one of the big engines.
Once you do find a site that is looking for writers to fill freelance jobs writing positions, the process becomes a lot like applying for a job fresh off the street.
Make up a good CV that includes your vital information and your years of experience, and remember to include your experience in the area. Be careful about who you include as references; the last thing you want as a freelancer is to be seen as competition or providing competition with material!
Once you send in your application, make sure to write the email address down, just like with a cold call. If you don’t hear back within five business days, contact the company again to see where the hiring process stands.
I think that both of these methods are a lot more work for a lot less in return than using bidding sites. Sometimes it can be a lot like hollering down a well, and it’s pretty lonely just hearing that echo.
Still, until you have a secure income every month with steady freelance jobs writing, you should take advantage of every opportunity possible.
