How to Generate Clients for Your Writing Business

A couple of months ago, I decided to create a blog that would help writers and editors develop their own freelance business; and so far, the readership has been encouraging. For the month of November, my focus is to help get things started, using my own experience as an example for others to follow and to even build upon. One of the questions that many freelancers have is centered on how to generate clients for one’s business. And I think the answers are simpler than one thinks.

Creating a client base is essential to your business, without question. Being able to have repeat clients is even more important because they will continue to provide regular work throughout the year. Below, I will present a list of ways that I was able to generate clients.

1. My first set of clients came from my own circle. In my family, we have an author who had been publishing books for a number of years. She went the self-publishing route, which provided an opportunity for me. I noticed that her books contained some editorial issues, and so I offered to provide my expertise at no charge for the first book. She was impressed, and referred my services to some other authors. Even though the business was not official (no website, no Facebook page, NOTHING!), I was able to gain a handful of clients at the start.
2. Once I got this jump start, it was time to take my services public. Before the editing business, I had no dealings with social media. So it was a little challenge to put myself out there. But I did it, and I quickly began to receive more clients through Facebook’s platform. I created a fan page and joined several book groups. I posted my services all the time; and my business began to grow from there. In fact, nearly all of the clients I have received (excluding a writing contract from an educational company) came from Facebook. I worked with clients from across the nation, and it has been exciting to share their book publishing experiences.
   
3. Although Facebook was a great boost to the business, it didn’t provide the full-time, steady income that I needed. That’s when I began to think outside-the-box, and searched for freelance, remote positions through job sites like Indeed.com, Simply Hired, and FlexJobs. These platforms are phenomenal! And they can give you regular updates of newly posted jobs in your niche. I landed my first full-time writing contract with a company that I found through Indeed.com.
4. Use freelance platforms like Upwork. A while ago, Upwork was actually two separate companies: Odesk and Elance. Although I had not heard about these companies before 2015, I am so glad that I came across Upwork this year! Since joining in October, I have obtained three new clients within a month’s time. There are well over 100,000 freelance jobs on the site, and it is opened to the world. The key to success in this arena is presenting a compelling pitch through your individualized cover letter. Keep in mind, though, that you will bid or compete with other freelancers for an offer. There are individuals on the site who are very willing, and I mean VERY WILLING, to present low bids just to obtain the deal. But also keep in mind that there are clients who are willing to pay more for expert services, which I have found.
5. The last one that I will touch on is pitching your business to other businesses or organizations, whether in your community or through your search online. Although I have not put this suggestion into practice yet, it is included in my business plan for 2016.

So there you have it! These are just some suggestions of how you can begin generating clientele for your writing or editing business. Whatever you choose to do, be consistent. It’s easy to become overwhelmed by the sheer number of opportunities made available to you. If you can think of other ways to generate more clients, leave me a comment in the below section.

Let’s grow together!
- Felecia