As freelance writers we face uncertainty on many counts. Where will my next project come from? Will it pay enough to help me pay my bills or buy that new outfit? What should I do when recession makes freelance work much harder to come by?
The key to staying in business in freelance writing is one that is followed by most businesses……..keep your clients coming back. Here’s how
- That’s right. Keeping your existing clients happy is far easier than looking for someone new to work for. So go the extra mile and build a professional relationship with your clients. Look at it this way, why do you keep the same tailor, hair dresser or grocer for years? You’re satisfied with them because you can rely on them to provide an honest and trustworthy service. That’s the reason why you keep going back to them time and again despite the new boutique that’s opened down the lane or the latest, slick salon on the block or the swanky new department store in town. It’s less time consuming and more economical to service an existing client than hunt for a new one. So treasure your clients and keep your existing market share intact by building good long term client relations.
- All of us value accessibility which is why you should always be reachable. Your clients should be able to reach you on phone or by email, two of the quickest ways to communicate these days. Always respond promptly to all communication from the client. You response should not be delayed beyond two working days. Always be very patient and courteous when attending to client calls and while responding to emails.
- Maintain a list of names, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses of all your clients. Don’t rely on email addresses alone as they may change from time to time. Go out of your way to please your regular clients. Some amount of social interaction like participating in client activities whenever possible and sending out cards for festive events also help you maintain visibility and foster a bond with clients.
- In the end analysis its always quality that counts which is why it’s imperative to deliver the best quality work that you can. Small things like formatting your work, putting it through a spell check, editing and proofreading your work more than once, before sending it across to the client will add value to your job. Always aim to provide high quality writing services, and eventually, you will earn a high paycheck.
- Stick to deadlines. We all like dependability and a writer who meets deadlines is an asset to any publisher or editor. Procrastination will not help in the long run. Don’t try to rush the project and sacrifice quality, but deliver quality copy early whenever possible. Clients appreciate timeliness.
- Size matters but not always. No matter what size big or small, give each one your best shot. You never know when that short story you wrote could get you an offer to write a book. Very few freelancers make it by doing just one kind of work or working for one kind of client. Develop a visible mixture of work.
- Commit only to what you can do. Don’t lead people to believe you’ll do something and then don’t do it. Whenever you take up a project make sure it is in line with your abilities and skills. Don’t take up an SEO writing project just because it promises good money when you don’t know the first thing about SEO writing. Remember it’s your reputation and livelihood that are on the line.
- Increase your visibility. Most of us think just writing is enough and forget to let people know we are in business. It pays to cultivate relationships with other editors and writers and to continually expand and nurture your network. Networking with colleagues and fellow writers is also critical for tips and input from others who understand the nature of your work. Like any other professional, freelance writers must network; seek recommendations from clients, editors and everyone they’ve worked with. Marketing is critical for freelance writers. At least one query letter, prospective client contact or follow-up call a day is a good goal.
So what are you waiting for? Dig out your client list and drop them a line!
- Mariam Noronha
Please Note: Chillibreeze does not endorse techniques or views mentioned in the articles here. The articles listed here are provided as reference material for writers as a support service.
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