Being a freelance writer can be stressful.
One month you’re scrambling to find a gig and other months your plate is soo full you’re telling fellow freelance writers about possible gigs.
It’s true that being a freelance writer can be a roller coaster, but it doesn’t have to always be like that.
The Moment I Got Off the Freelance Roller Coaster
I know the moment when I finally was sure I could make a living writing. It was around six months into freelance writing.
I had finally landed my ideal client. Up until that point I was landing work, but it was not always consistent. Also, since I was new, I didn’t command a high rate and it was only later that I started raising my rates.
I didn’t mind, but that just meant I had to pitch more and find more freelance writing jobs.
One thing I knew that didn’t help me out was I really didn’t have a solid niche. I was accepting projects in all areas because I wanted to get paid!
Maybe you’re in the same boat as me. You’re new to freelance writing so you pitch to anything and everything to start building your portfolio and credibility.
But after a while, you get stuck being a jack of all trades and a master of none.
And it hit me a few months into all this, that if I really wanted to make money from freelance writing, I had to work on establishing my place in this writing world.
And once I figured out how to do that, suddenly I was landing consistent gigs in my niche and high-paying ones too.
It’s not unheard of to make $5000 a month strictly from your freelance writing biz.
So, my friend, if you’re struggling trying to make ends meet as a freelance writer, let’s look at the three secrets I discovered that have helped me be a well-paid writer.
1. It’s Not Really What You Know, It’s Who You Know
Some of the BEST gigs I have are a result of networking with other bloggers.
In my course, I teach you how to be a sought-after freelance writer. It’s no secret that if you want consistent work, you need to have a presence online.
My most recent gig at OptinMonster was directly related to my connections with clients I have or had in the past.
But, how do you get on other influential bloggers’ radar? I mean, you want to get paid, and networking doesn’t pay the bills….yet.
Here’s what I have done to make connections with big bloggers.
1. Comment On their Blog Posts
One client told me that because I left a comment on their blog post (coupled with a referral from another writer), it led him to my website and to eventually hire me.
I had no clue that by merely commenting on their blog, I would eventually get hired.
This client also told me that my blog is what really helped him decide that I would be a good fit for their content needs. So, it pays to have a blog as this is an instant sample prospects can view.
What can you do to increase your odds of landing a freelance writing client? First, get on their radar. The easiest way is to follow them on social media and leave a comment on their post.
You never know, they can make their way to your writer website and blog (which is what you want!).
2. Reference These Bloggers in Your Posts
It doesn’t hurt to link to other bloggers in your post. Big bloggers check their analytics and see who is linking to them.
If they are curious enough, they may check you out or at least acknowledge that they know you linked to them.
Just last week, in my post about B2B writing, I linked to Jon Morrow’s site Smart Blogger (formerly Boost Blog Traffic).
And you know what freakin’ happened?
Jon tweeted my post and thanked me for mentioning him. Wha-what?
Glad for the mention in "How to Make a Living #Writing for Small Businesses" https://t.co/lsCkSJT6uk @ecainwrites pic.twitter.com/31vGGx6x4p
— Smart Blogger (@smartbloggerhq) June 3, 2016
I know that he’s pretty selective in sharing posts where he’s been mentioned since he’s probably mentioned a lot in posts, so I was pleasantly surprised when I saw this.
3. Share Their Posts
It goes without saying, that the best way to earn good karma points is to share other bloggers’ posts.
Connecting on social is a no-brainer for me and I feel all freelance writers – if they want to write online – should have at least a Twitter and LinkedIn account.
These two places have helped me land numerous gigs and I know it’s the same for other writers like Ariel Rule and Jorden Roper too.
Once you set up a few social media accounts, start following and sharing other people’s posts. Especially ones in you niche.
4. Feature Them in an Expert Roundup
One of the great things about having a blog is you can blog about anything! I love blogging and that’s why I have four blogs!
On this blog I’ve done two expert roundups which has helped me connect with other writers and work at home bloggers.
I’ve also done one on my Twins Mommy site and am amazed by how easy it is to connect with other mommy bloggers!
And for my next post on Huffington Post, I plan on doing an expert roundup. By featuring other bloggers, you are building relationships with them.
My roundup for Blogging Wizard introduced me to Bryan Collins of Become a Writer Today and Brent Jones.
Because of those connections, I was able to guest post for both of them, which was great since I was able to reach a new audience.
2. Always Be Available
Okay.
I know for many freelancers, this is hard. Many of you are doing this as a side hustle and that means you have a full-time job that takes up most of your day.
But, I found that the more available I am to prospects and my clients, the more opportunity came my way. This has resulted in an extra $1k one month.
And I’m not the only one that this happens to.
One of my course participants was able to quit her full-time job a full 9 months ahead of schedule simply because she was available.
If you are prompt, easy to get in touch with, and willing to go that extra mile, clients will see this and offer more work.
3. Make an Impression
One of the easiest things you can do is make an impression right off the bat.
This sets a precedent with your clients and helps you land more consistent work. And a simple way to do this is to exceed deadlines.
I’m often amazed by how this one little detail is often overlooked with many writers. I’m not the best with time management, but I do my hardest to exceed deadlines – if it’s only by one day. Typically 2-3 days is my standard.
Because you see, prospects usually have worked with other writers in the past, so they have a pre-conceived idea of content writers.
When you challenge that idea and provide awesome customer service, you will leave a lasting impression. This can result in referrals and more work.
And referrals is by far the best way to land high-paying freelance jobs.
Ready to Step Up?
Many writers struggle with finding those well-paying freelance writing jobs. Then they struggle finding enough work to make a living from writing.
But, if you network with other bloggers, I guarantee only good things will come from it. And if you appear to always be available, you’ll be more open to new work.
Finally, making an impression with your work can help you be the go-to writer for your clients.
So, are you ready to step it up? Tell me what you do to snag well-paying clients.
Become a Profitable Writer Today!
Download this exclusive free guide on how to boost your income as a new freelance writer
Thank you so much for this post, Elna! It’s just what I needed today. Some of these tips have helped me gain more readers on my blog but I put commenting on other blogs on the back burner for the longest time. I knew I wanted to be visible but I wasn’t really sure how to go about it. So thank you for giving me the push I needed in that direction as well!
Lisa!
You’re welcome! Yes, blog commenting is a strategic method to “get noticed” and it has worked for me for my freelance writing business! Good luck!
Sorry, auto correct got me, not maid, but I’m betting you already knew that. Lol. 🙂
Great article! New to the blogging world but I love to write. In going to work on my writing daily. I am trying to open maid myself up to writing in various niches but find your have to dig deep when you are writing in a niche that is not your passion. Research, statistics, and facts are key in any case. I’ll be reading more of your posts!
Hi Melanie,
Thank you so much! Yes digging deep in your niche is required if you want to be an expert and well-paid!
Your comments were encouraging. I used to dread networking, but connecting with other bloggers is motivating and you learn from the experiences of others.
Hey Nichole!
I did too! It take a lot of guts to reach out to influencers but once you do it, it becomes easier and easier! Good luck!
I enjoyed your article here! I’m new to the blogging world. I enjoy writing and have been told I’m quite good at it…but now that I’ve started my blog, I’m not sure what all to write about and began wondering if I should just quit. Reading your article has inspired me to keep going! Thank you!
Hey Melissa,
That’s great girl! Freelancing can be difficult unless you know your why and have self-motivation. Sometimes a change of scenery or creating a space to work can help ramp you up.
Finding your niche can be a process, so blog what you like and find out if people want to learn more about that topic. Consider your background and experience too! Good luck!
Hi Elna,
These are certainly great tips for anyone who wants to step up their freelance writing game. Thanks for putting this together and exlaining it so well – as you always do. 🙂
You know I’m passing this along. Hope you’re having a great week!
Cori
Hey Cori,
Thanks for hanging around her and on my other blog Twins Mommy! You’re awesome. I wish I had more time to comment on other posts. I have a big list of sites I go to, but never have the freakin’ time! Grr…And I’m NOT a morning person whatsoever.
Thanks for the comment. Yes, I hope this will help other writers step up their game!
Good tips, thanks. I have definitely found as I’ve started up my own freelance writing and editing gig that it’s all about networking. There’s nothing like having contacts who know you do great work and refer you to their friends.
Hey Cassie
That’s great! Networking is key to growing and sustaining your biz. It’s how I was able to land my ideal client. Another freelance writer recommended me! Litlte ol’ me. Couldn’t believe it.
Great stuff as always! FYI, I actually found you in an expert round up done by Brent Jones! I *JUST* started a free blog last month about my journey to find something that I can earn money at while I sail around the world (emunaendeavor.org) so I have been looking into quite a few options. Since I have a few free blogs (art, poetry, trip, and work-on-the-go), I figured I would see what I can do with them and freelance writing sounded like it might be a good additional option. Thanks for sharing such good information!
Hey Miouo!
Thanks for letting me know where you found out about me. I often wonder where people learn about me 🙂 Brent is an awesome freelancer and web-friend.
Happy to hear you think freelance writing is something for you!
PS… I am of course signed up for your email list and am loving it so far! ^_^
Thanks a bunch! I hope you enjoy it.
Hi Elna!
Thanks for the link!
Blogger outreach is something I’m committing to doing more consistently than I have. You’re right…it makes a big difference!
That’s great Cheri!
Blogger outreach important as a freelancer! I’m glad you are seeing it pay off.
Great post. The bit with Jon Morrow is awesome and just goes to show what a little bit of social network sharing can do. In fact, I like this post enough that that’s exactly what I’m gonna do! Haha.
Thanks Elna!
Hey Jeffery,
Thanks so much. Yeah, I was totally surprised when I saw that Jon Morrow tweeted my post and gave me a heads up that he appreciated what I did. Couldn’t. Believe. It.
Who knows what will come of that, but I guess I’m on his radar! Thanks for sharing my post.
Awesome post Elna! I’ve been trying to take a systematic approach to #1 and that’s been helping. I set aside a select chunk of time to read and comment on other’s blog posts and likewise with sharing on social media. I’ve found this has helped a lot of with consistently doing it!
Hey Chad,
That’s awesome! I think that’s a great thing you’re doing. By creating a schedule
that includes blogger outreach, means you will make it a habit and you’ll start to make connections a lot sooner.
Thanks for stopping by and commenting 😉
This is great, Elna. Your posts are always full of tangible, actionable advice that I feel I can actually use.
Hi Jessica!
Thanks so much. Glad you fond some pieces of nugget to chew on!
Awesome tips Elna,
These are proven points, I’ve tried few and I see improvement, even though it’s been a gradual process.
I must say, freelancing is not for amateurs.
Tips bookmarked to be looked at again. Thanks.
Francis
Thanks Francis!
Freelancing can have a big learning curve for sure. I’m not much of a business person but I’m learning as I’m going. Thanks for bookmarking this for later! Enjoy your week.
Awesome post and thank you for writing it, Elna!
It’s amazing how important networking with bloggers in your niche is, but as some people have said, finding the time to do it is the kicker.
I’ve been pitching on job boards for the last couple days with not much success so far. I’ve come up with a plan though and it involves spending most of the day trying to boost my online presence once a week (maybe over the weekend).
Maybe a good tip for writers would be to set aside 15 minutes to half an hour a day to network on social media and comment on blog posts. What do you think?
Brendon!
I’m happy to hear you are adapting your marketing approach! Setting some time aside to do some network and outreach is important for freelance writers. I like your idea of doing it for 15 minutes or half hour every day. That’s a great goal to have!
Thanks for stopping by.
Hi Elna,
A well written, unique and need-solving content here.
Another sub-point to #2 will be:
“Reaching out to them via E-mail” – not really to request anything though, just to let them know you admire their works…
Alongside stating cutely that you’re a freelance writer willing to work for them or their friends in future (indirectly asking for a referral) will surely do the Magic! 🙂
well, I’m just passing by…
Maybe I should just share this on Twitter then RUN!!
🙂 …Enjoy the rest of your week Elna!
Hi Favour!
Excellent tip! I have only emailed potential clients a few times and some of them have panned out to content work. It’s the extra things you do that can really help you land great writing gigs!
So, thanks for the tip!
Hey Elna.
Great post as always…you know what I still struggle with and which is onebof the 3 things to do (well)?
Getting a handle on the social media element, trying to follow, comment and share as best as I can…consistently. It takes more time than I expect and I really don’t want to just retweet or comment but add sonething to the discussion.
Back to the drawing board….:)
Hey Mariken,
Thanks for coming by!
Yes, blogger outreach does take time for sure. I don’t do it as much as I’d like, but when I have a few minutes I always check out other blogs and try to leave a comment.
Don’t beat yourself up if you aren’t tweeting posts or commenting consistently. Do what you can and nothing more!
Enjoy your week 🙂
This is great advice, Elna! And something I really need to do more of.
Hey Sally!
Thanks so much. Glad you liked my post.