Strategies That Work in 2023

Many aspiring freelance writers change into discouraged after making use of to lots of of jobs on job boards and receiving zero responses. 

The issue isn’t essentially that you simply’re a nasty author.

You’re simply not utilizing the suitable technique to land your first freelance job.

Even if you happen to use the perfect follow recommendation, like personalizing your pitch and sharing related writing samples, it’s nonetheless arduous to face out on a job board.

If you happen to really feel discouraged and desire a simpler technique to discover a freelance writing job, this put up will present you precisely easy methods to discover and land a high-paying freelance copywriting job in 2023.

Why You Ought to Skip On-line Job Boards For Your First Writing Job

Freelance writing job boards, like Upwork, ProBlogger, and even Certainly, are extremely crowded, with numerous writers vying for a similar alternatives. 

For instance, this single job advert has over 400 candidates. There’s probability that the hiring supervisor received’t even see your utility:

Supply

Talking from private expertise, most hiring managers choose the primary first rate applicant they obtain fairly than sifting by a number of hundred purposes. 

Secondly, lots of the greatest freelance writing shoppers discover their writers by referrals and suggestions from their networks, so that they don’t actively publish job listings. 

Listed below are just a few simpler strategies that make it easier to land higher freelance writing jobs in much less time (and a few may even flip into full-time jobs if you want!).

7 Finest Methods To Discover Entry-Stage Freelance Writing Jobs

As somebody who has been on each the hiring and making use of facet of the method, I’ve used quite a few strategies to land and fill freelance writing gigs. Listed below are essentially the most profitable strategies I like to recommend for touchdown extra high-paying freelance work.

1- Use LinkedIn To Discover New Writing Purchasers 

Most supreme shoppers are already on LinkedIn, however chilly pitching methods hardly ever work. I personally obtain lots of of LinkedIn pitches from completely different freelance writers, and I’ve by no means responded to considered one of them.

Nevertheless, I’ve employed loads of freelance writers by LinkedIn.

The hot button is to construct a LinkedIn following to appeal to potential shoppers. After you have a following, you’ll have a gentle circulate of shoppers, and even when one shopper churns, you received’t should spend hours cold-pitching shoppers. 

As a substitute, you’ll nonetheless have a gentle circulate of inbound leads, and your follower depend will truly proceed to develop exponentially as you construct a presence. In distinction, if you happen to rely solely on cold-pitching shoppers, you’ll have to start out once more from floor zero when a shopper churns.  

An important instance of a person who has constructed her freelance writing profession on LinkedIn is Romana Hoekstra. She repeatedly posts useful content material on LinkedIn and has constructed a loyal following of SaaS entrepreneurs.

So how do you get began? First, arrange your LinkedIn profile.

Set Up Your LinkedIn Profile

Do all of the fundamentals like importing a high-quality headshot picture, an attention grabbing banner picture, and a headline that clearly communicates that you simply’re a contract author for (your trade) like SaaS or ecommerce.

Beneath is a wonderful instance of a fantastic profile image.

I additionally just like the banner picture of Elisa Silverman, who makes use of the logos of manufacturers she has written for previously. 

Subsequent, give attention to the 80/20 of what makes a profile actually glorious. Craft an attention grabbing abstract in your LinkedIn Profile, also called the “About” part. 

Use this house to relate your distinctive story and the way your expertise positively impression the folks you collaborate with. Right here is a superb instance of a LinkedIn profile abstract for inspiration:

Begin Constructing Connections

Subsequent, join with folks you understand personally, akin to colleagues, associates, classmates, and former shoppers. 

These connections can present a basis for increasing your community and make it easier to get new shoppers by sharing suggestions. LinkedIn endorsements act as social proof and will help your profile stand out from a pool of different writers in your trade. Constructive opinions in your LinkedIn profile can even increase your credibility as a contract author.

When reaching out with connection requests, take the time to personalize every message. Point out how you understand the particular person or clarify why you’d like to attach. A personalised message is extra prone to be well-received and accepted.

Be a part of Writing Teams

Be a part of LinkedIn teams centered on writing, content material creation, running a blog, and freelancing. Examples embrace “Freelance Writers” or “Content material Writing Professionals.”

Actively interact in group discussions and supply beneficial insights that would assist different content material entrepreneurs. Networking inside these teams can result in potential job alternatives, and hiring managers be aware of individuals who share nice insights and ask nice questions.

Some writing teams could have devoted sections for job postings or freelance gigs. Control these alternatives to seek out new writing initiatives.

I’ve loads of associates who’ve employed new writers from these teams, so if you happen to share insightful content material, you may discover them extremely efficient.

Write the Good LinkedIn Outreach Message

Earlier, I discussed that cold-pitching shoppers don’t work.

Nevertheless, if you happen to’ve put within the work and constructed a powerful LinkedIn following, you’ll have a reasonably good shot at getting employed if the corporate you’re focusing on is in search of a brand new freelance author. It is because a following is actually social proof, so that you’ll instantly stand out to potential shoppers.

To get began, analysis and determine potential shoppers who suit your writing providers. 

Then, take into consideration how one can present worth to them first. 

I prefer to ask for a quote from that particular person or present them that I linked to their firm in a unique shopper’s article. Most individuals will reply to those messages since you’re providing them free press.

They love these messages!

After you present worth to them and open the dialog, it’s very straightforward to say that you simply’re in search of extra freelance shoppers and ask in the event that they know of anybody in search of freelance writing work.

Right here is an instance template that you should utilize to construct connections:

Message #1

Hello [Recipient’s Name], 

I used to be writing a put up on AI advertising and marketing instruments and located [company name] within the course of. I added you to the checklist and linked to your weblog put up on X. I write numerous content material on AI advertising and marketing and could be pleased to incorporate you in additional future posts, so let me know if you would like me to vary how I place the product or add any extra info.   

Finest, 

[Your Name]

Message #2

Thanks for the suggestions! I’ll make these changes sooner or later! Additionally, I’m in search of extra freelance writing work. In case you have any associates hiring, I’d love a connection! Thanks!

​​This pitch is more likely to obtain a constructive response since you’ve already supplied great worth to them (free promotion and a hyperlink!) and so they’ve additionally seen your writing, so that they know you’ll be able to write nicely.  

2. Supply Your Companies For Free

If you happen to begin with low-paying jobs on a platform like Upwork or Fiverr, you’ll in all probability be working with low-quality shoppers which might be tough to handle.

It could appear counterintuitive, however providing your providers free of charge to your supreme shoppers is definitely the quickest approach to land a high-paying job.

In actual fact, that is how I bought my begin as a contract author. I reached out to my supreme shopper with a accomplished weblog put up related to their area of interest and advised them I may proceed sending them content material prefer it free of charge in trade for a testimonial.  

After just a few free items of content material, this shopper started paying me (very nicely!) and referred me to their associates. 

In consequence, I had a handful of high-paying, low-maintenance shoppers in a really quick time frame.

It additionally made it straightforward for me to win different dream shoppers by chilly pitching, as I may use the model identify from my preliminary free job to realize on the spot credibility. 

Right here’s a visible illustration of what it’d appear to be if you happen to begin with a free job versus a low paying job:

If I used to be beginning a contract writing enterprise in the present day, that is nonetheless the technique I might use.

3. Strategy Digital Advertising Businesses 

Digital advertising and marketing companies want dependable freelance writers, and lots of are keen to take an opportunity on trainable new writers. I’ve additionally discovered that working for an company can enhance your writing expertise as they typically present extra suggestions and processes. 

Begin by researching digital advertising and marketing providers in your goal market or trade. Search for corporations that align together with your writing area of interest or the kind of content material you excel at creating. For example, if you happen to concentrate on SaaS or ecommerce, you’ll be able to strategy companies providing SaaS or ecommerce providers.  

Go to company web sites in your space and familiarize your self with their vary of providers, present shoppers, and the form of content material they create.

Then, create an optimized writing portfolio showcasing your greatest samples associated to the goal area of interest. 

Kristen Bateman’s style writing portfolio is an inspiration to all beginner writers as to how your portfolio ought to appear to be: 

Subsequent, be sure you strategy the suitable particular person. In any other case, your message will in all probability be deleted.

You may e mail the corporate director or the president if you’re approaching smaller companies. For bigger companies (10 plus folks) e mail the content material supervisor or the advertising and marketing director. You could find this info on their About web page, just like the one proven beneath: 

Whenever you attain out to this particular person, make sure the pitch is related and personalised. Right here are some things to bear in mind:

• Keep away from mass emails. As a substitute, ship personalised and tailor-made emails to every company you’re approaching. 
• Keep away from submitting subpar or irrelevant writing samples, as it might probably create a unfavourable impression. Select your greatest and most related work.
• Comply with up politely after an inexpensive interval to specific your continued curiosity in working collectively.

4. Be a part of Related Fb Teams 

Fb teams are a superb approach to community and promote your writing providers as a freelancer.

Leverage Fb’s search bar by inputting related key phrases associated to your writing area of interest. Strive phrases like “freelance writing,” “content material writers,” “bloggers,” or the precise industries you aspire to put in writing for. It will make it easier to uncover related teams, pages, or people inside your writing pursuits.

Top-of-the-line ideas is to ask for suggestions on a few of your writing samples, because it isn’t a direct pitch however helps you get your work in entrance of your supreme viewers. It additionally exhibits that you simply’re hungry to study and teachable. 

5. Create Your Personal Web site To Generate Inbound Writing Leads

One of the best ways to enhance your writing expertise is to put in writing. 

You’ll additionally discover that rising an viewers makes it a lot simpler to generate inbound freelance writing alternatives so that you simply by no means should chilly pitch for leads.

So contemplate creating your individual web site and repeatedly publish content material on numerous content material advertising and marketing and writing subjects. 

There are a number of web site builders and CMS platforms accessible that cater to customers with out coding data. Some in style choices embrace: 

• WordPress.org: Affords a easy and intuitive interface with pre-designed templates and customization choices. 
• Wix: Offers a drag-and-drop web site builder with ready-made templates for simple customization. 
• Squarespace: Recognized for its visually interesting templates and user-friendly interface. 
• Weebly: One other drag-and-drop web site builder that simplifies the web site creation course of.

After deciding on an internet site builder, join an account. Most web site builders supply area registration providers, so you should buy your area by them instantly. Select a site identify that displays your writing model or area of interest. Hold it quick, memorable, and related to your writing providers. 

Right here is an instance of a primary freelance writing web site, the place the author describes his background in writing together with a CTA permitting prospects to contact for writing assist. 

You must have the next pages in your web site:

• Dwelling Web page: That is the primary touchdown web page of your web site and serves as an introduction to your writing providers. It needs to be participating, concise, and convey what you supply as a contract author. 
• About Me: This web page is devoted to introducing your self as a author. Share your background, experience, expertise, and keenness for writing. Make it private and spotlight what units you aside from different freelance writers. 
• Companies: The providers web page outlines the writing providers you supply. Clearly checklist the sorts of writing you concentrate on, akin to weblog posts, articles, net content material, copywriting, technical writing, and many others. Do not forget that shoppers wish to rent specialists fairly than generalists, so choose simply two or three providers to supply.
• Portfolio: Showcase your writing samples in a devoted portfolio part. Embrace solely your greatest writing samples. Most individuals solely learn two or three samples earlier than hiring, so ensure these two or three items they learn are your easiest work. It’s additionally necessary to make sure samples are related to your supreme shoppers. 
• Testimonials: Show testimonials or opinions from glad shoppers. Constructive suggestions from earlier shoppers can construct belief and credibility with potential shoppers. 
• Contact: This web page ought to present numerous methods for potential shoppers to get in contact with you. Embrace a contact type, your e mail handle, and any related social media profiles or different communication channels. 

Alternatively, if you happen to really feel overwhelmed by the prospect of constructing an internet site, contemplate making a e-newsletter on a platform like Beehiiv.   

Now it’s time to start out creating content material. 

Start by researching key phrases associated to “freelance writing” that your potential prospects may search when seeking to rent a author.

For instance, writing a weblog put up focusing on a subject like “hiring a B2B freelance author” may generate some leads as that’s a query many potential shoppers could search. 

You can even use search engine marketing key phrase analysis instruments like SEMrush or Ahrefs to seek out these key phrases. 

My favourite trick is to take a look at the highest web sites rating for freelance writing phrases, enter the URL into the search bar, after which have a look at the key phrases they’re focusing on. Then, create your individual distinctive weblog put up for that key phrase.

For instance, The Author Finder covers numerous freelance writing subjects, so I put that URL into Ahrefs, and listed here are a number of the key phrases it’s focusing on that you can additionally goal:

For instance, “enterprise weblog put up concepts” and “easy methods to outsource content material writing” could be good key phrases because the searchers are in all probability enterprise house owners needing content material author.

When you’ve selected a key phrase, listed here are some search engine marketing tricks to comply with: 

• Embrace goal key phrases naturally in web page titles of related pages. 
• Guarantee titles precisely characterize the content material of every web page. 
• Write compelling meta descriptions with focused key phrases. 
• Use key phrases in headings and subheadings for higher web page construction. 
• Incorporate key phrases naturally all through your content material. 
• Keep away from key phrase stuffing to take care of constructive search rankings. 
• Hold URLs easy, descriptive, and embrace goal key phrases if attainable.

6. Strategy Companies Wanting For Writers Utilizing Google Search

Considered one of my favourite hacks to seek out freelance writing jobs on-line is to enter the key phrase “in search of writers” in Google and seek for corporations taken with hiring freelance writers. 

Ignore the listicles and informative articles and filter the checklist of corporations which have posted precise job info on their web site. 

For example, after I searched with the key phrase “in search of writers” [in double quotes], I came upon that Selection of Video games LLC is actively in search of writers:

I clicked on it to learn the job description and apply on-line. 

Equally, you’ll find such direct writing alternatives utilizing quite a lot of queries, like:

• “freelance writers wanted”
• “Want technical writers”
• “writers needed”  

You can even search key phrases related to your area of interest like “in search of SaaS writers” or “in search of ecommerce writers”. 

You can even automate your complete course of by setting Google Alerts. Go to Google Alerts, enter your key phrase, and click on “Create Alert.”

Then, filter alerts based mostly in your necessities. For example, you’ll be able to change the settings to inform Google when to e mail the search outcomes to you – as soon as a day or week or because it occurs. You can even choose the area to get essentially the most related writing job alternatives delivered to your inbox every day.

Whereas I often advocate in opposition to making use of to job boards, this technique can work as I discover web sites often don’t obtain as many purposes as on-line job boards.

7. Write Visitor Posts To Construct a Robust Portfolio

Many hiring managers don’t even hassle posting jobs due to the overwhelming variety of purposes. So most hiring managers merely rent the perfect writers who’ve written for his or her rivals.

For instance, if I’m a hiring supervisor at a advertising and marketing analytics SaaS firm, I’d browse different respected martech firm blogs like Sprout Social or HubSpot and attain out to these writers.

To get in entrance of those hiring managers, supply to put in writing visitor posts for essentially the most respected corporations in your trade. That is additionally a good way to bolster your freelance writing portfolio. 

As well as, the businesses you write visitor posts for may supply to rent you in the event that they just like the work.  

To seek out visitor posting alternatives, decide the precise subjects and industries you concentrate on or are captivated with. It will make it easier to goal web sites and blogs related to your experience.

Use search engines like google and yahoo to seek out web sites that cowl subjects just like your writing area of interest. Discover blogs accepting visitor posts or have a “Write for Us” web page.

Beneath are some related Google search queries to seek out visitor posts:

• “write for us” + [Your Niche/Industry]
• “submit a visitor put up” + [Your Niche/Industry] 
• “change into a contributor” + [Your Niche/Industry]
• Inurl: “write-for-us” key phrase 
• Inurl: “guest-post” key phrase

You can even attain out to your dream corporations instantly, even when they don’t publicly supply visitor posting alternatives. 

Then, attain out to the content material supervisor instantly with a customized visitor put up pitch that matches their supreme target market. 

Start Your Dream Freelance Writing Journey 

Discovering freelance writing jobs could be difficult, particularly for learners. 

Whereas the trail to touchdown your first freelance writing job is comparatively simple (simply comply with the steps above!), that doesn’t imply it’s straightforward. If you would like extra steerage and help, contemplate becoming a member of the Copyblogger Academy. 

You get direct entry to me (a author, advertising and marketing company proprietor, and content material creator) and a vibrant neighborhood of freelance writers providing help, recommendation, and peer-to-peer accountability. 

You’ll additionally discover numerous self-paced programs to enhance your writing expertise, and also you’ll have entry to unique interviews with a number of the greatest content material creators of the day, like Steph Smith, Justin Moore, and others.

You may soar into the academy in the present day risk-free to see if it’s the suitable match for you. If you happen to’re not 100% glad within the first 30 days, tell us, and we’ll offer you a full refund. 

Whether or not you simply desire a facet hustle to herald just a few further thousand {dollars} otherwise you wish to construct a full-time freelance writing profession, your future self will thanks for the funding you make in the present day! See you contained in the Copyblogger Academy!