How to Expand your Client Base
Every freelance writer wants to have a stable of regular clients. This is something that can take time, and even then, you never know what is going to happen. I have several clients that I work with on a regular basis, but at the same time there are others that are “one and done.” That being said, you never know when one small project is going to turn into a large, long term gig. For this reason, you should always do your best work while also pushing to turn a client into a regular.
If you are interested in expanding your client base, and you should be, there are several basic tips that you can follow:
1. Do not limit yourself when you are starting out as a freelance writer. In other words, be open to different types of projects and topics. This will help you to get a good feel for what you like best.
When I started as a freelance writer I really liked web content. And while I still write for the web, I learned that corporate writing and feature articles are also very interesting. By keeping an open mind, I quickly found which areas I was most interested in. And by being willing to work on a variety of projects, it allowed me to expand my client base in the shortest possible period of time.
2. Network with as many other freelance writers and online entrepreneurs as possible. My friends in the industry are always sending leads my way. And when possible, I do the same for them. The more people that you network with the more clients you are going to find. It can take a while to build a network, but in the long run it will work to your advantage.
3. Use every possible marketing method. This includes a website, blog, cold calling, cold emailing, and query letters among others. Through marketing, you will find potential clients while also getting your name in front of a lot of people.
These three tips are basic, but they will go a long way in helping you to expand your client base. And as you expand your client base, you have a much better chance of finding buyers that offer regular work.
July 31st, 2008 at 12:25 am
Great tips! I definitely took everything I could find in the beginning, because I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do. Now when I find lulls in what I’m doing, I’ll try accepting something outside of my expertise.
July 31st, 2008 at 10:51 am
I’ll try certain topics I haven’t explored before if they intrigue me; however, there are some I just wouldn’t touch as I feel they’ll bore the heck out of me. (forex, for instance).
August 5th, 2008 at 10:29 am
Great post. I found you via Michael Kwan. One thing that works well for us is a slightly different approach. For us it is more about offering different and multiple services to our existing clients. In the last 12 months this has worked wonders for our bottom line.
Services could include: Article Marketing, site content ,email marketing, newsletters, press releases, squidoo page building, email courses, eguides and ebooks!
We work in one niche only (which we dominate) and offer a wide range of content options.
There is alot to be said for the written word!
August 5th, 2008 at 11:15 am
Jayblogger - Thanks for the comment, and the info that you have offered. You make some great points about offering additional services.