You need to show prospects your value if you want to earn your worth as a freelance writer.
There — I said it.
You will earn your worth as a writer and make a living from this if you can show it.
You need to show prospects your value if you want to earn your worth as a freelance writer.
There are four keys to increasing your perception of value to prospects and command high rates (that you’ll get).
1. Learn the Skills and Tools for Freelance Writing
Content marketing is a big industry online. It’s in your best interest to become familiar with upcoming trends and current topics.
Two great resource are Content Marketing Institute and QuickSprout.
Both of these sites have oodles of awesome posts about content and marketing.
Another thing high-paying clients want from their writers is to know how to use common tools and best practices for online.
For example, knowing how to edit images, optimize images, take screenshots and annotate screenshots are all very popular skills you will need to learn.
In Write Your Way to Your First $1k, I provide enhanced video training on many of these topics and more.
2. Corner Your Niche
Do you have a writing niche? This is a writing topic you want to get paid for.
Not all niches are created equal.
Some niches like finance and business are very profitable, while other niches like lifestyle and relationships aren’t.
When I first started freelance writing, I picked what I knew — parenting, health and psychology.
I quickly learned parenting doesn’t pay well; there are just too many mommy bloggers who were willing to write at a low rate, so I didn’t want to compete.
I was able to land higher paying gigs with health and psychology.
But, instead of just sticking to those two niches, I learned about a new niche — digital marketing — and became an expert in it.
Now, most of my new clients seek me out for digital marketing content. I can ask for a premium and it’s justified.
3. Have Social Proof
I don’t know about you, but if my husband tells me that drinking 10 cups of water will make you lose a pound in a week, I don’t really believe him.
But, if an acquaintance tells me this, I’m all ears!
This is the magic of social proof. When others (that aren’t related to you or that you know) recommend your services, it creates social proof online.
And for prospects, hearing what other clients say about you, only helps tip the scales in your favor.
I was able to early on secure testimonials from my clients and later from my influential clients.
4. Become Their Go-To Writer
Wouldn’t it be great if a client with a team of writers always comes to you first for content?
This happens to me a lot.
When this happens you’ll have no shortage of work.
Work on Your Skills
When you boost your writing skills as a freelance writer, you’ll attract a whole new tier of quality clients?
I know there’s a lot to do as a new freelance writer:
- Create samples
- Find clients
- Design a website
- Market your services
- Set up your project management and payment system
- Learn about freelance writing
And now I’m going to add:
- Learn common tools and skills needed for online writing
Once you figure it all out, the clients will start coming to you!
Instead of focusing on five new skills you need to learn, choose one or two to start off.
The quickest way to give up on all this is if it’s too overwhelming. So, do what’s right for you.
Instead of five, start with one.
Learn more about blog writing and then about using social media and then about optimizing images, etc…
With time you will earn your worth as a writer!
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