Finding New Clients

Sometimes it feels that all the effort in the world results in nothing for your services as a freelance writer. I know this only too well - I went at one point for 6 weeks without a paid gig, despite sending off a dozen proposals, applying for about 60 odd writing gigs and goodness knows what else.

When this starts happening, you need to change tactics. First and foremost, get yourself a notebook and note down your previous clients and the date you last did any work for them. Build a file of clients and when work is slow, flick through your book and see which clients you haven't worked for in a while and drop them a line to see if they need any work doing. Doing this simple trick, I have managed to land myself a big gig that will keep me busy for a while. 

Another way of promoting yourself is by looking through the yellow pages and picking up local businesses you think may be in need of your services. A good place to start would be advertising agencies, the local council and hospitals and schools.

Cold calling may not be everyone's cup of tea, but it works. Armed with a copy of the yellow pages, you need to contact at least 200 or so companies. Those that express an interest no matter how small, you should send out a promotional pack to.

A promotional pack should contain a business card, your bio, samples of your work, an explanation of your services, any promotional offers you may be holding, a list of any top clients you have worked for and of course your contact details which should contain your website.

Always follow up a week later - make a note of who you spoke to and as a courtesy, follow up by reminding them of who you are and if they had a chance to look through your pack. Chances are, out of 200 or so calls, you should get yourself at least a dozen or so new clients.

Lastly, always make a point of networking whenever you can and keep a supply of business cards at the ready. You never know who your next client will be.