Are You Invisible?

When I started out as a freelance writer I was invisible — and that’s not a good thing to be. At the time I had years of writing experience, published clips in magazines and years of experience teaching journalism, but no one had ever heard of me. Many new freelance writers find themselves in the same position. Finding success as a freelance writer is about many things: writing skills, communication skills, punctuality and much more. But none of that will do you a bit of good if clients can’t find you. If you want to be a working freelance writer, you need to remove your invisibility cloak and step into the spotlight. That may not come naturally. If you’re anything like me, you would far rather stay in the background and get on with your writing, but you can’t.

Self Promotion

I know I say this a lot, but you have to market yourself as a freelance writer if you are going to get work. You need to have somewhere where potential clients can find you (either through a website, blog, Squidoo lens or social profile). You have to have a way for them to contact you (email or contact form). You need examples of your work (or links) and you need references or testimonials from your clients.

Socialize

That’s just the starting point, though. Some of the best recommendations come from word of mouth, so make it easy for people to talk about you by interacting with them on blogs, forums and social networking sites. I’ll give you an example of how this can pay off. I talk to a lot of other writers, not for promotion, but basically because all of us need to feel connected with others. I found out a few weeks ago that one of those writers had recommended me to someone looking for a backup writer. She didn’t even tell me. She did this because she had met me online, had talked to me and thought I could be trusted. (Thanks, Karen). So I’m no longer invisible.

What have you used/will you use to become visible to potential clients?

(Photo: juanarreo)