As some of you will know, I recently expanded my online endeavors into freelance writing. I have now been writing for WPMU for nearly two months (doesn’t time fly?) and have today landed my second client.
I have my fingers in many different pies. I have authority sites, a JV with Joseph Archibald, and of course this blog! But freelance writing is extremely important to me, as for the foreseeable future, it will be my livelihood! Given that I am quitting my job at the end of this year, I will need to move quickly to replace my income so that I don’t, you know, go broke.
So, I have been working steadily towards lining up work for the New Year. It is very difficult to do this whilst I still have a full time job, and it has been something of a crash course. Since I started looking into freelance writing a couple of months ago, I have already learnt a great deal. And now I intend to pass on my learned wisdom to you 🙂
1. Always Be Talking To New People
You should be getting to know new people, all of the time. And you should not discriminate in the slightest. You never know where your next client may come from – the more people you network with, the higher your chances of attracting work.
2. It’s Not Just About the Money
Don’t focus solely on how much money a job will bring in. There may be benefits that offer far more value than temporary compensation.
For instance, a job might generate valuable connections, or have potential for long term development. Alternatively, you might just really enjoy the work and be willing to do it for less than your typical rate.
Remember – if you’re quitting your job in search of greater freedom, flexibility and contentment, you don’t want to be doing work that you don’t enjoy! Always bear that priority in mind.
3. Don’t Bite Off More Than You Can Chew
This is especially important when you are first starting out and your reputation is non-existent. One of the worst things you could possibly do at this stage is let a client down. You should always aim to over deliver. Never take something on if you doubt you can get it done to a good standard of quality and in time.
4. Don’t Be Picky
Beggars can’t be choosers! Don’t turn your nose up at anything. This doesn’t mean that you should accept every single job that comes your way, but you should consider each one thoroughly. Remember – it’s not all about the money. Bigger things can come from humble beginnings.
5. Be Dynamic
Don’t be afraid to make (tactfully worded and respectful) suggestions to your clients. If you spot a hole in their content marketing strategy for instance, don’t be afraid to suggest how you might be able to plug it for them. One way of setting yourself apart from the crowd is by bringing things to the table – not just sitting within the confines of your job description.
6. Existing Clients Are Always #1
Client retention is almost always easier than finding someone new. And a client with a proven track record of regular payments and being easy to work with should never be undervalued. Even if you seem to have hit the jackpot with a job that seems too good to be true, don’t be in a hurry to dump your tried and trusted clients.
7. Establishment First, Money Second
When first starting, money should not necessarily be your priority. Whilst a lot of freelancers will say that you should set a healthy hourly rate from the get go (and I do not argue with that point), you may have no other choice but to make short-term compromises on your desired rate. Don’t be afraid to do so if it is necessary. Relationships can develop and rates can grow.
8. Get to Know People
I can tell you from personal experience that freelance writers are an extremely friendly bunch. I have been fortunate enough to talk to some wonderful people, such as Amy Harrison (who incidentally rocks it out with a totally badass Bluegrass band) and Ali Luke.
Get to know your peers, and forget about them being your “competition” (quite frankly, if you are dealing with established freelancers, you would probably be doing yourself too much justice!).
9. Don’t Burn Bridges
You might have a bad experience with a client. Resist the temptation to name and shame them, or leave the relationship on a sour note. There is absolutely no benefit in doing so, beyond a temporary feeling of satisfaction, and there can certainly be a big downside. Yesterday’s difficult client may recommend tomorrow’s awesome client. So keep it clean and professional.
I’m Just Scratching The Surface
I’ve only been at this for a matter of weeks, and know that I have an enormous amount left to learn. But these are the key principles I have borne in mind to date, and they have done me some good so far! So take these tips collectively as your starting point, and get started!
How about you? Are you a far more experienced freelancer than me? Or are you just getting started but have your own two cents to contribute? I would love to read your thoughts in the comments section!
Images courtesy of Patrick Feller, Leo Reynolds, Andrew Magill and Ethan R
Tom, great post! Really good foundational tips. The only thing I would add is cultivate lists of prospects. Freelance writers (in my opinion) need to be prospecting, making cold calls, and reaching out by email, on a daily basis. We need to feed the sales pipeline if we want to be successful!
Hey Ruth!
Thanks for dropping by 🙂
That’s great advice – never stop looking for the next client.
All the best,
Tom
Hi Tom,
I found that #6 works very well for me online and offline. Keeping those clients that consistently pay on time and like your work are keepers in my book.
take care…
Hey Justin,
#6 is one of my favorites – it actually applies to most lines of business, not just freelancing. As far as I am concerned, it’s one of the fundamentals of business.
Thanks for your input!
Tom
Hey Tom – exciting times! You’ve got a good idea on getting and keeping clients, and as long as you’re persistently and consistently taking action, you’ll do well!
Can’t wait to see what you get up to in 2012!
Hey Amy!
Thanks for popping by 🙂 2012 is going to be a very interesting year for me, one way or the other… 😉
Tom
Hi Tom,
After reading this, I wanna test the waters with freelance writing. I’ve never done it before but I know there are many sites and services that want content writers.
Hi Ryan,
That’s great news – you should definitely give it a go.
When I first decided that I wanted to quit my job and work for myself, I didn’t even consider freelance writing. It took me several months to realize that it is an excellent way of generating an income.
Cheers,
Tom
Hey Tom,
I totally agree with you. I also have to agree with Ruth here. It’s very important to treat freelance writing as a business and set aside an hour or two each day for marketing — no matter where and how you choose to market.
I maintain a CRM now just to keep track of the cold calls/cold emails/ Social media conversations bordering on “deals” and “possible opportunities”.
I really love the challenge freelance writing is. It’s exciting. You have an awesome blog here Tom, keep writing 🙂
Hey Ash,
Freelance writing is a great way of making money online. People are so focused on the pipe dream that is “true” passive income. They don’t see the immediate and realistic money-making opportunities under their noses.
Thanks for your kind words 🙂
Tom
Absolutely! It is indeed a great way to make money. It’s just that we need to understand that it takes time to establish ourselves, right?
In fact, this writing opportunity is so good that it’s the perfect “location Independent Job”. You could literally be anywhere and still make money.
How Awesome that is!
Exactly, my friend! 🙂
Hi Tom,
i’m really enjoying your blog and the wealth of information on it. I recently started a website/blog as a hobby and it has gotten me interested in trying to make an income online. I have a good job working in IT but lets be honest, i would quit if i could to pursue the things I love. Music, cooking ,writing, guitar etc..
I think freelance writing is something I could do. My family is growing and i could use the extra income. I just have to figure out how to get started??? Any advice for me?
Thanks
Hey Marc,
Forgive me for my awful memory, but why is it that your blog is so familiar? You’ve been in touch before haven’t you? 🙂
Music, cooking, writing, guitar…that all sounds familiar! Since I’m getting into the swing of shamelessly plugging my new band to LWB readers, you should check this out: http://www.facebook.com/theattilas 😉
Getting started with freelance writing – subscribe to my newsletter – 2nd edition has a good info on how to start. Also, a week on Wednesday will see the publishing of the Leaving Work Behind 100 – a list of 100 top blogs for leaving work behind, which will include a liberal sprinkling of freelance writing blogs. That should get you on your way!
If you have any other questions, just get in touch.
Cheers,
Tom
Hi Tom,
Thanks for the reply. Your memory is better than you think. I’m pretty sure I posted something on your site a few months ago. I will take your advice and subscribe to your newsletter and i will let you know how thing go in terms of finding freelance work.
I see you are a man of many talents. Great name for the band. I’m a musician myself. I’m a big acoustic guitar fan. Where can I hear some of your songs. I could give you a write up and post it on my blog in the Music Finder section.
Hey Marc,
We’re not quite at the demo-recording stage yet – our launch gig is in March. After that we’re probably going to record an EP in order to try and get more gigs. If you get the chance to listen to some songs at a later date a write up would be awesome! 🙂
Looking forward to hearing about how you get on RE freelancing.
Cheers,
Tom
Sounds really exciting Tom. I just “liked” your bands FB page. Please let me know when you have some songs I could listen to.
Thanks
Hey there Tom
Pretty strange: Came here and read your very interesting post, gained a newly acquired interest in freelance writing and then ended up at your FB page tapping my foot to your singing of ‘La Vida Loca’ – Oh yes, I pressed the ‘like’ button as well 🙂
I do like to cover a lot of ground Mike 🙂 thanks for liking!
Hi Tom
I’m going through your articles this morning to asses my freelance writing career and I’m finding it super helpful. I’ve experienced quite a few of the points you mentioned and I have learned a lot from my mistakes. I tend to focus too much on the money behind it all than gaining actual experience. My biggest struggle at the moment is finding a niche to get focused on, so that I can create a blog to help others while I am busy with freelance jobs on the side.
Hey Anneke,
Nice to hear from you (or read from you, anyway!).
I’ll be focusing on freelance writing quite a lot in the coming weeks, what with my guide coming out in early November, so stay tuned!
Cheers,
Tom
Yes, I saw you are busy with a Freelance Writing Guide- that would be so perfect! I cannot wait! 🙂
Have a great day.
A
I love #8 simply because meeting new people can make this profession a lot more fun. I don’ t think I would have even started freelancing if it weren’t for awesome bloggers like you (which, by they way I think I’ve literally spent an hour browsing your site!). I believe that #9 is super important because you just never know when those negative comments you make might bite you in the behind. You also never know when that particular client might have some important connections. Just because you don’t work with them anymore doesn’t mean they can’t be useful down the line. Karma my friends, karma!
Absolutely Sarah! Glad you’re enjoying the blog 🙂