As the economic recession continues, I’ve been seeing more Internet discussions around the need for freelance writing jobs or gigs. But if you’re serious about making a living as a freelance copywriter, instead of looking for new freelance writing jobs, you should be looking for new copywriting clients.
Before I explain why, I’m going to explain how I view the difference between freelance writing jobs, gigs and clients.
In my world, here’s the distinction between these three types of work:
- A freelance writing job is a one-off project that, once completed, creates a closed file
- A freelance writing gig is similar to a job, but may include a series of assignments rather than a single writing task
- A freelance writing client implies a relationship that typically results in on-going work
If you’re a student or have a full time job and are looking to make a little money on the side, freelance writing jobs and gigs are probably a good fit for you. But if you want to earn a living as a freelance copywriter, you really need to focus on finding clients.
Clients Create New Work
Existing clients are your single best source for new work. If you have a lull in your schedule, consider projects that would benefit your clients’ businesses and send them proposals. Here are a few suggestions:
- A client that just released a new version of their software product could use a press release and corresponding web copy (in the form of updating an existing page or adding a new page)
- If your client uses white papers in their marketing efforts, suggest a topic for a new white paper or an initiative to refresh older, existing white papers
- Use your social media savvy to become your client’s voice in the online networking world by offering to be their ghost-Twitterer, set up a Facebook page on their behalf or create and maintain a company blog
While you won’t get a project out of every proposal, you will get some new assignments. More importantly, regularly proposing new copywriting ideas let’s your clients know that they are important to you.
A More Rewarding Copywriting Career
Although I’ve accepted many single assignments from companies with little promise of future work, my financial bread-and-butter – and professional fulfillment – comes from the client relationships I’ve established and continue to foster on a daily basis.
Nothing is more rewarding that having an existing client give me the go-ahead to execute copywriting projects that I propose, or getting an out-of-the-blue call or email about an unexpected assignment.
Trust: The Building Blocks of Future Work
Establishing client relationships requires good communication and a commitment by both parties to meet agreed-on obligations. On the client’s side, that means giving you good project direction and feedback and paying your invoices in a timely manner. On the copywriter’s side, it means always striving to produce your best work – on time and within budget.
When commitments are kept, the resulting trust that is established becomes the building blocks of future work and a client-copywriter relationship that can last for years.
Copywriter Confession: Freelancing from home can be a little lonely. Building relationships with clients, even if they are virtual relationships, makes me feel like I’m part of something bigger than my isolated world. With one-off writing jobs or gigs, that human connection isn’t readily made. If you have a choice, choose clients every time.
Similar Posts:
- Web Site Copywriting: How to Ensure Your Content is On Target
- Freelance Writing Rates for Online Writing Jobs: 3 Tips for Newbies on What to Charge
- 5 Ways to Turn Your Freelance Writing Experience into a Copywriting Cash Cow
{ 1 trackback }