When Freelance Writing Becomes A Business

For some reasons unbeknown to me, the description freelance writer carries a sour bi-taste for some people. I suppose the actual “freelance” in the description is what makes certain people cringe. This isn’t a problem though until it happens to a potential client.

So what can a freelance writer do to have potential clients respect them as a proper business owner? This question needs to be considered in all its importance. I get contacted by many aspiring freelance writers asking me for help quite often.

Time and time again I see the same repetition how they present themselves as a young business owner. Unfortunately, they think they ruin a business, but in reality they make a cheap attempt to do so. What I’m going to outline in this post is what I normally tell my readers when they ask for help. It is in my eyes essential for a successful start to any freelance writing business.

Brainstorm – Start At The Beginning

While some of you might go duh right now, believe me when I say most aspiring freelancers fail to do exactly that. They throw themselves full steam ahead into the game without establishing the proper basics first.

The whole game starts with a master plan. What is your ultimate goal as a freelance writer? You need to have some sort of an idea to keep you on track, otherwise you will be like a train without its tracks – lost.

Sit down and brainstorm your desires, dreams and ideas for a great start. Whether you use pen and paper, or a full fledged brainstorming software isn’t relevant here. What matters is your dedication to do this right from the start.

Branding Is Key

Branding is key. I said it in the past, I say it now. Without a brand you cannot expect clients to take you seriously. Some freelance writers choose a business name to brand themselves, while others use their own name. Personally I have always branded my own business with my name. However, I also use the name of my signature blog for this purpose.

This was my intention right from the start, hence the domain name I chose. In the time I have run my freelance writing business, both of these have formed a marriage made in heaven and these days my clients recognize both my name and my blog’s name before they book my services.

Blog Your Business

As a freelance writer you need to keep writing. Especially if you are brand new and have no degree, you will need to show prospective clients how your ability can wow them off their feet.

A proper designed and run blog should have the following attributes.

• It needs to be self hosted (You have to show your clients that you are serious about your business) While free blogs are ok, they are not the answer to running a business.
• Your blog should be updated frequently. It is great practice for you as a writer.
• You absolutely must have the following on your blog:

1. A hire me page
2. Client testimonials
3. A contact me page
4. An about me page

• Alternatively, you can also separate your blog from a portfolio site (My personal preference). This allows you to keep the two apart, but whatever you do, link them together.
• This one is major: Whatever niche you choose to become involved in as a writer, choose it to blog about. Compliment the topic with repeated topics fitting the purpose of your work if need be. The reason being, it is a sure fire way to pre-sell your services to clients!

Network. Network. Network – Like A Royal

A freelance writers holy grail! Networking to a freelance writer is what location is to a Realtor. It is money in your pocket.

You can’t expect people to bash down your door because you are so brilliant. At least not until you are established. Even then, it is still the same mantra, network, network, network. And then do it all over again.

Ah… and another thing. Stay away from interpersonal gossip. It won’t become your business.

Stay True To Your Word

If you tell your client you will deliver on Monday, then do so. Don’t get flaky on your communication. I know we can all fall behind schedule for various reasons. If you do, get in touch with your client ASAP and tell him honestly why and when. Most clients are lenient, they are humans too.

Communicate!

As a freelance writer you can’t communicate too little. Make sure the terms of your employment are absolutely certain before you start. Try to develop some kind of system to help you communicate easier and faster.

Keep Stock

Keep all conversations in a specified folder until you don’t need them anymore. Often you will need to go back and re-check on what has been said. By being able to easily access information will make life a lot easier for you.

Say Goodbye To Junk For Good

I mean it, get rid of your junk. Folders, files, email all need to be organized down to a T. After all, you do consider yourself to be a business person. Treat it as such. I use a backup hard drive and Google Docs to keep my own hard drive free of old stuff, while keeping relevant files.

I design a folder for each of my customers and all the work goes into it. When I need info fast, I find it fast by navigating to the particular folder. It is easy, but effective.

State Your Price

One of the biggest mistakes I made after being in business for a while was to undervalue myself. I basically sold myself short.

Just remember before you cut your rates too far.

• Freelance writers don’t get sick pay
• They also don’t get holiday pay
• Did somebody mention the 401K plan?
• There is no guaranteed income

When I realized this, I gave myself a pay rise and it has been worth it. After all, I’m worth it!

Give Your Very Best – Even If You Work At 2AM

Yes, sometimes the nature of a freelance writing business will require you to work well into the night. Even if you are dog tired, don’t get sloppy, just check your work twice more before you deliver to the client.

Remember, sloppy work won’t get you repeats and referrals.

Testimonial Power

A freelance writer without testimonials is like a skier without skis. Unless of course you are brand new. Make it a habit to collect testimonials from every happy client (that would mean all, right?) and then use them to showcase your talent.

In Closing

To run a freelance writing business requires dedication and passion. It isn’t a hobby and if you treat it as one, it will pay you the same.

Despite all the musts, running a freelance writing business is a lot of fun and very exciting. I hope you will feel the same way about your business once you are set to go.

Written by Monika Mundell from Monika Mundell
Posted on June 27th, 2008 and filed under Writing
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