4 Beginner-Friendly Ways to Land Your First Paying Client

Ready to land your first writing client? Start with one of these four proven outreach methods. But know the real advantage comes from building genuine relationships and following up promptly.

If you’d like an extra nudge in finding clients, consider this permission to stop going in multiple directions and choose from a simple list of four.

In addition, it’s an especially good time to buckle down and pick your favorite because the back-to-school pull that comes with every approaching September tends to re-energize entrepreneurs as the lazy days of summer fade out (at least for the Northern Hemisphere).

My favorite tip in this one is the networking advice, along with where Jen tells you not to sell. Being yourself and connecting on a human level will always be the most effective way to land a project or position.

I’m also a big fan of direct mail because, just like I mentioned above, it’s a very human action and feels lovely and personal.

Finally, don’t skip Jen’s last tip at the end. That one is gold!

To landing that next client,

Mindy McHorse
Executive Editor, Barefoot Writer

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4 Ways to Land Your First Client

By Jen Phillips April

Congratulations! It’s the school year for most North American communities, when lots of entrepreneurs sit down to “begin again.” I’m guessing you have new goals for moving your writing career forward. One of those goals may be to put yourself out there and take on paying projects.

Fortunately, there are literally dozens of ways to find clients. The key is to pick one or two methods that you feel comfortable with and do them consistently.

Below, you’ll find four proven ways to land your first client.

1. LinkedIn

LinkedIn remains a tried-and-true way to connect with prospective clients. Once you’re connected on the social networking website, you’ll be able to post things they can see, or vice versa.

It’s a great way to build relationships. Because each time you interact with them through LinkedIn, they’ll see your name and you’ll stay “top of mind.”

Another way to use LinkedIn effectively is to join groups where your prospects spend time. For example, if you want to write for the pet industry, you might join a pet-focused group. From there, you’ll want to see what they’re talking about, follow some of the conversations, and when you have something to add, chime in.

When you share valuable advice on a regular basis, other members in the group will see you as a trusted resource. And the next time they have a writing project, you’ll be the first name that comes to mind.

2. Direct mail (aka, send something “snail mail”)

Whether you send a postcard, a letter, or a “chunky” mail piece (an envelope with something bulky like a pen), direct mail is a somewhat formal way to reach out — but it can also be seen as more personal.

First, make sure you get the correct contact information for the person in the company who handles freelance writers. You can usually find this online or by calling a receptionist.

Then, ask yourself how you will address their needs in the mailing and what you want them to do when they receive it. Ask them to take action, like calling you within five days for a quote or special discount.

Outline your strategy ahead of time so you know what offer you’ll make in the letter. And make sure you have a follow-up strategy. Whether it’s an email, phone call, or another piece of mail, following up will increase your odds of landing a client.

3. Networking events

Clients can’t hire you if they don’t know you exist. And one way for you to get in front of them is through business-focused meet-and-greets, such as events put on by your local Chamber of Commerce.

Networking events can be a great opportunity to shake a few hands and have conversations with potential clients.

Your goal here isn’t to land a job on the spot. If that happens, sweet! But meeting someone at the exact moment they need a writer may be a challenge. So your goal is to learn what people need, to ensure you’ll be able to follow up with them in the future.

Another added benefit is that you’ll gain confidence about venturing out as a writer. There’s nothing like meeting someone new and telling them “I’m a business writer” or “I help companies increase their sales by writing targeted content.” It’s especially validating when they say, “How interesting, tell me more.” Try it and see!

Just remember, one of the keys to effective networking is that you don’t try to sell. In other words, don’t attempt to land a client right then and there. It may sound counterintuitive, but you’re there to meet people and learn about their needs. If you try to sell a new contact directly on your writing services, they may be turned off.

Instead, focus on building connections.

4. Grab “Quick Wins” from Sites like Upwork

If you’re in the beginning stages of building your portfolio, you can land some projects and build your confidence by trying online job boards.

Or, go to job sites like Upwork.com. On these sites, someone posts a job they need completed, along with a pay range. You send a proposal outlining what you’ll do and for how much. Typically, these sites are full of bargain hunters, but there are some gems.

You can also try job boards where clients are looking for writers with a specific type of training or writing background, like WritersWanted.com. As a member of The Barefoot Writer’s Club, you can access both freelance and full-time writing positions from this jobs site.

One Last Tip: Always Follow Up

This is an essential component of getting hired, no matter which approach you choose. Sometimes you’ll meet someone and they’ll show interest in your services. Other times, you may get a referral or see a job opportunity you’d like to pursue. Here’s where you can be proactive by reaching out.

A phone call or short email explaining how you help companies reach their goals is a good start. Something like, “Hi Janet, It was nice speaking with you last week. Based on our conversation, you’re interested in a freelance writer to help with your newsletter needs. I’ve done this for X number of years and would love to talk with you in more detail. Do you have time for a short call this Wednesday between noon and 4 p.m.?” If you don’t hear back right away, follow up again in two or three days.

Remember, the key to a successful life as a freelance writer is to pick a few marketing methods that you’re comfortable with, do them consistently, and follow up!

Before you know it, you’ll have more clients than you’ll know what to do with, and will be looking for other Barefoot Writers to help you out.