Things You'll Need:
- Computer
- Internet Connection
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Step 1
Getting Noticed Online—Get a Reality Check
As a freelance writer, I often forget how I promoted myself before the advent of the internet. I wished I’d taken better advantage of the world wide web then, because now it’s a crowded world in which it’s hard to get noticed.
Recognizing this going in will do one thing: disabuse you of the “build it and they will come” mentality.
Once you shake this, you’re 90 percent on your way to successfully promoting your freelance writing business online. -
Step 2
Create Relevant SEO Content for Your Site
As a freelance writer, I’m so busy creating content for others that I have to literally remind myself, that hey, I need to add create SEO content for my site as well.
Well-written, relevant content is the backbone of any good search engine optimization strategy. Adding one or two well-written, relevant articles a week to your site is vital to keeping it well-placed in search engines. -
Step 3
Blog
Piggybacking off the step above, if I didn’t have a blog, I’d never create new content for my site. However, more than just creating fresh content, a blog is almost a must for freelance writers for two other reasons:
(i) attracting job opportunities: paid blogging jobs are now the norm. They can be found at job sites devoted to it (eg, Problogger.net) and/or on major freelance writing job sites like Craigslist.com.
If I hadn’t started to blog, I wouldn’t know the ins and outs of it, and hence, would not be able to market for these jobs, which tend to be some of the easiest money you can make as a freelance writer.
(ii) creating passive online income: Blog software like Blogger.com and Wordpress.com have templates that allow you to list affiliate products and services. Or, you may use the space to promote a product or service you created.
However you look at it, blogging is vital to promoting your freelance writing business online. -
Step 4
Interact with Freelance Writing Communities
You can use freelance writing communities very effectively to promote your freelance writing business. How?
By answering questions from other freelancers, you provide valuable feedback and become a noted authority. When you post in freelance writing forums, for example, you your signature can include links back to your website blog. This can lead to jobs via referrals.
This is a very effective method also for selling products and services of your own, or those you promote via affiliate marketing.
Many freelance writing communities are rife with job leads as well, as members tend to freely share information about new job opportunities. -
Step 5
Create a Tips Booklet
This is one of the most effective ways to promote your freelance writing business online.
You can create an ebooklet or pamphlet that you email to potential clients, outlining the benefits of hiring a freelance writer.
Remember to outline the benefits, not list the features. What’s the difference? Benefits tell them how you can help grow their business. Features highlight your skills and abilities.
Benefit Statement: Did you know that a well-written FAQ section on your website can increase sales by up to 20%? I can provide an in-depth FAQ section for your website that will increase sales, increase newsletter subscriber rates and save you time on customer service.
Feature Statement: My name is Jane Smith. I’ve been a freelance writer for over 10 years, and have a BA in Marketing. My specialties include real estate writing, with an emphasis on mortgages.
In this last statement, you haven’t told the client what you can do for them. The benefits statement is all about what you can do for the client, not what your skill set is.
Promoting your freelance writing business online is free in most cases, and it only requires a little ingenuity and know-how to garner big results.
Comments
ruecian2112 said
on 5/13/2009 Great article, this is what I need to get myself going on the freelance road to obtaining jobs.