Writing Services Key: Offer the Services Desperate Buyers Want Now
If you are starting a web writing career, you’re bewildered by all the writing services you could offer. How do you choose the right ones so you’re flooded with eager clients?
Many writers don’t choose their writing services at all: They simply fall into a writing job and take on similar jobs as they come their way. While this isn’t bad, you may soon find yourself caught in a trap: You may become so entrenched in one form of writing or one subject that you don’t have the time or energy to consider better paying markets.
For example, you might take one of those $1-per-article gigs just to get your feet wet and build your portfolio. You decide you enjoy writing articles but get so wrapped up trying crank them out that you don’t get a chance to look for better paying work.
There is a better way: Before you plunge into your next assignment, stop. Take a day to explore other opportunities. Type “writing services” into your favorite search engine and see what comes up. There’s a whole world of opportunity for you.
It’s perfectly OK to look at other writers’ web sites to see what services they offer. Consider whether you could do what they do.
In addition to articles (you can — and should — look for better paying article writing gigs), you can write ebooks (which can simply be a series of articles compiled into book form), newsletters, academic papers, grant proposals, resumes, product descriptions and reviews etc. Which of these most appeal to you? Which do you think you could do without too much of a learning curve?
Look for the websites of those who offer these writing services. Do they post their rates? Read their samples. Could you do the same type of work (or even better work)? Does there seem to be a need for the service they offer — a need you could help fill?
Be sure to also consider your expertise. If you’ve been involved in the real estate market, for example, perhaps you can specialize in writing services for that market. By setting yourself up as a real estate expert, you can command higher rates. Don’t worry, you don’t have to have a real estate license (though it would help), just be able to show a potential client that you understand the industry.
If you don’t have the experience, don’t despair: With a little study you can still find an area in which to specialize.
Think of subjects that interest you and search online for opportunities. For example, if you happen to love weddings, search for “wedding writer” online. You may be surprised to find there are plenty of writing services you can offer: from customized vows to descriptions of wedding products to blogging about all things bridal.
One article is not enough to completely detail all the writing services you can offer. And there is no one right answer for everyone. But by taking the time to do some research, you will be able to determine which opportunities best meet your skills and interests.
Become a Copywriting Master Fast
Copywriting is writing for business: promotional writing. Copywriters write material like advertisements and compared to most writers, they’re VERY highly paid.
The explosion of the influence of the Web means that copywriters are flooded with offers of work. Even new copywriters find it easy to get copywriting gigs and to build their copywriting services business.
If copywriting intrigues you, join me in my Copywriting Master Class. I’ll take you from copywriting novice to pro.
“Copywriting Master Class – Ten Weeks to Copywriting Genius” gives you a comprehensive copywriting course, as it helps you to set up your copywriting services business.
Writers’ Websites: How to Find Your Way Through the Writing Maze
If you’re a writer, it’s a given that there are several things you need. One important thing is a writers’ Web site. There are many different types, however, so here’s a guide to help you to find your way through the maze.
1. Your own writers’ Web site
Your own site is a major priority. It’s your home on the Web, and it establishes your credibility in the online world. How can you claim to write effectively for the Web if you don’t have your own online presence? It’s fairly easy to create your own Web site but be sure to include the essential information: Sample content, testimonials, a page about your background and, of course, how to contact you.
There is some debate about whether your writing fees should be listed at a writer’s own Web site. Including them makes it easier for the client to decide whether he or she can afford your services. Not including them gives you more wiggle room when seeking clients — theoretically. It’s only a theory, because you can always negotiate.
2. Writing job boards
This type of writers’ Web site allows you to bid on jobs posted by others. These job boards are great for breaking into Web writing, or for trying something new. For instance if you’ve been writing articles but want to try writing ebooks or sales letters, bid on a job and see what happens. However, the best advice is to move away from these boards once you get some experience because bidding tends to keep the pay low.
3. Content mills
While a rather unsavory term, content mills are another easy way to break into Web writing. There are many of these writers Web sites which collect articles to be used on other Web sites. Writers approved to write for the particular mill simply claim the title, write the article to meet the specifications and turn it in. These sites are great for those writers who have weaker marketing skills. The pay may be a little bit higher than those found on the job bidding sites but still on the low side. It pays to compare the content mills, however, they are similar but each one has its own little quirks.
4. Web sites by and for writers
Face it, most of us Web writers do so from the comfort of our own home. While it is nice to work while wearing bunny slippers, it can be a little lonely. Plus Web writing is still in its infancy, comparatively speaking, so it can be difficult to build a career without some guidance. Look for writers’ Web sites that offer guidance as to legal and financial matters, problem clients and writing help. Some of the best writers’ Web sites regularly compile job postings, too.
5. Internet marketing sites
A large part of Web writing is geared toward article marketing. There are many forums which allow writers to post classified ads promoting their services.
Visit several forums and take a look at what other writers are charging for their work. Are your rates within the same ball park? Try posting your own ad and see what happens. The beauty of posting your own ad on one of these message boards is that you can specifically request testimonials in exchange for a lower-than-usual price. Those testimonials are gold in terms of getting referrals for future jobs.
Bet you just thought about a writers’ Web site in reference to your own page, didn’t you? Use each of these types regularly and often and watch your career blossom.
Develop a great income writing for the Web – start by writing simple articles
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Each week, for one full year, you’ll receive a lesson, with an assignment which will build your Web writing income – you EARN as you learn.
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Introducing — Angela Booth’s Lazy Rich Blogger method
After several years of trial and error, these days I create blogs which I know will make money: I’ve cracked the code. Not only do my blogs make money almost immediately, they’ll also keep on making money for years to come.
If you wish, you can join me on the blogging journey. I hope you do. As the Internet grows ever larger, there are endless opportunities which can turn you into a lazy, rich blogger.
Freelance Writing Jobs: How to work with new clients
Freelance writing jobs are exciting; there really is something new and different to do every day. This includes working with new clients.
Here are some rules to keep in mind:
1. Always be professional. I know you’re working in your pajamas with the stereo blasting, but when a new client contacts you, he or she doesn’t necessarily know that: Always answer requests professionally and promptly. Always err on the side of formality in your email, (Dear Mr. (name) rather than Hey Joe).
2. Get the details. If a new client says ìI need 5 articles on healthcare,î before you quote him or her a price, find out more information:
How long should the articles be?
What keywords do you need?
What keyword density does he or she want?
What is the purpose of the articles (for a brochure or website, for a newsletter)?
What is the purpose of the publication or website (to sell a product, to provide advice)?
What aspect of healthcare should the articles discuss?
When are the articles due? (You can generally charge more for freelance writing jobs with a tight deadline)
Is there an existing website or sample? (If so, is the client happy with it or is there something different they want?)
3. Get it in writing. You may think you know what the client wants but you may be surprised to find out he wants something completely different. As soon as you’ve gotten answers to the questions in Step 2, write them down. This will become the basis of your price quote. This way the client will know exactly what you will provide.
4. Carefully consider the answers in Step 2 as you create your quote. Can you really deliver the articles by the deadline? How much extra research will you need to do? Have you looked at the website or other reference materials?
5. Create your bid and submit it to the client. Offer to answer any questions about the freelance writing job. Ask for a deposit (or the full amount) before work begins.
6. Write the articles, following the information you received in Step 2. Ask the client for any clarification you may need. Be sure to proofread your finished work (and have someone else read it too).
7. When you are finished, send the client an invoice for the balance of your fee. Do not send your finished work until you receive it. Offer to make any necessary revisions.
8. Address concerns quickly and promptly. Make the revisions requested. If you disagree with a request, politely and professionally state your reasons.
9. At every step of the process, simply and sincerely thank the client for his or her business. Ask to be considered for future projects and for referrals.
10. Ask the client for a testimonial. This can be done in several ways: You may write up a brief testimonial and ask to insert their name. You may ask to quote any comments they made about your work. You may ask them to write a sentence or two about the project. Explain that you will use the testimonial to promote your business.
11. Query the client every three to six months to ask about additional freelance writing jobs. Mention the work you’ve done previously.
To successfully work with clients on freelance writing jobs you must take care of your customer. Treat them as you would want to be treated and you will soon have clients beating a path to your door.
Become a Copywriting Master Fast
Copywriting is writing for business: promotional writing. Copywriters write material like advertisements and compared to most writers, they’re VERY highly paid.
The explosion of the influence of the Web means that copywriters are flooded with offers of work. Even new copywriters find it easy to get copywriting gigs and to build their copywriting services business.
If copywriting intrigues you, join me in my Copywriting Master Class. I’ll take you from copywriting novice to pro.
“Copywriting Master Class – Ten Weeks to Copywriting Genius” gives you a comprehensive copywriting course, as it helps you to set up your copywriting services business.
Freelance Writing: 3 Reasons Your Site’s Not Getting Clients for You
Do you want to make money from freelance writing? If you do, you need a website: it’s your primary sales tool and will get more clients for you than you can handle.
Unfortunately, many writers shoot themselves in the foot on their site. So, if you’re not getting lots of clients, let’s see how we can fix that.
Reason 1. Lack of Client Focus
Look at the home page of your website. Do you focus on yourself and on what you do?
This is a mistake. Your prospects are concerned about their own problems and challenges. Harsh as it may sound, they have zero interest in you.
The Fix #1:
Think about what your clients want. Think about the problems they have. Rewrite your homepage, and every other page of your site, focusing on your clients and what they want.
Reason 2. Lack of Credibility
Writers write. If your website is a poor, shriveled thing, with one, two or three skimpy pages, fancy graphics, logos and hyperbole won’t convince anyone you’re a writer.
The Fix #2:
Add content, and make that content client-focused. Saying that you can solve somebody’s problems is not the same thing as showing that you’ve solved others’ problems, so add case studies to your website.
This is especially important if you’re just starting out as a writer. If you already have a name, and are known as a writer, you don’t need to go to the same amount of effort — anyone who types your name into Google will see that you’re a writer, and a competent one.
Reason 3. No Compelling Reason to Contact You
Having a site is all very well, but every page of your site should also have a compelling reason to contact you.
This ties in with your client focus. When you’re focused on your clients, and their problems, you’ll find reasons they should contact you — put those reasons on every page of your site.
The Fix #3:
Add your contact details to every page of your site, and include a cell phone number. People who need writing services in a hurry appreciate having ways to contact you fast.
Additionally, in these days of rampant scamming, adding your contact details adds to your credibility and adds a little more weight to your customer focus. You’re a real person — show your customers that you are, and that you’re approachable.
Want to make great money writing? Discover the secrets of high-selling, highly paid writers, for free. Each week, Angela Booth’s Fab Freelance Writing Ezine is delivered in easy-to-print PDF format.
Join the thousands of other writers who are using the information to change their lives. You’ll learn how to write, and how to sell. Angela’s been writing for 30 years, and shares her knowledge with you.
Info Product Maestro: Make $500 a Day with Your Information Products
