In the early years of my freelance writing ambitions, I was not aware that being a writer also meant being a marketer. In fact I’ve met a lot of writers who were a little more than surprised at the self-marketing involved in this industry. Those who are determined, however, learn quickly how to get their self out in front of the right people at the right time. The problem with self-marketing is that many freelancers think of it as something you do only for a certain amount of time and then just sort of let it go, like setting up house in a new location. If you want to see continuous great clients flowing into your work schedule you have to keep marketing yourself. The New Year is a great time to give yourself a self-marketing makeover and hopefully pull in some new clients in the effort.
Evaluate Changes in Your Platforms
Most freelancers and content developers are working on multiple platforms. These platforms are making updates and changes every year. It is important that you take some time to evaluate each platform and see if there are changes you have not been aware of. Perhaps new industries you did not know about have been added which you are qualified to write for. If there are new tools available on the platform to show case your talent make sure you are using those to your advantage.
Update All Your Profiles
Profiles get outdated because you are always growing and changing as a writer. If you do not update these profiles to reflect that growth then you are not marketing yourself in the most efficient way. Devote a day or an afternoon to updating all of your profiles on all of your platforms. Make sure links to online work you have created are working and still relevant. The last thing you want would be for a potential client to follow a dead link. If you have mastered some new skills in the last year, be sure to showcase these with samples.
Branch Out
The awesome thing about freelance writing is that you are the only one limiting your success. You are the only one who decides what kind of work you can or cannot do. If you have been hesitant to take on certain types of jobs or to offer your writing services for certain types of jobs, let this year be the year your branch out. Take some time to learn the skills you are lacking and then offer those skills as well as part of your portfolio. The best way to really learn is by doing. If after a few months you find out it really is not your cup of tea then you can always remove those items from your profile or portfolio you offer on different platforms. But it never hurts to try and you might just discover a new industry or writing style you absolutely love. There are plenty of freelancers who never thought they would one day be successful ebook writers, or product description developers until they tried out that industry or niche and discovered how much they loved it.
Sarah R is a full time freelance writer, full time single mother of four and full time homeschooler.
