How do you sell your writing skills? (2024)

Do some work (strategically) for free. Especially if you think the client will have more work.Or, as I did, take on projects where you set a price but also say, "I know you're taking a chance on me, so you don't have to pay unless you're happy with the result." I did that for a couple of years on Elance (now Upwork) and not once did a client decide not to pay.Of course that means you have to do really good work... but then again, you were going to anyway.Early on, your biggest hurdle is bridging the credibility/demonstrated experience gap. Doing a small job for free -- under the stated, not implied premise of proving yourself worthy of additional work -- often bridges that gap. So does saying, "Hey, don't pay me unless you love it."

When I started writing, I knew what I should say but didn't know how to put it forward. I was shy and timid by nature but voracious and assertive in my outlook. That acted as a perfect bliss point combination of sweet, sour, bitter, and salty tone of voice, accent, perspective, and context. I didn't set my target audience, but I ensured that my writeups were not aggressive, blunt, bitter or sharp. I knew that only a handful of people understood and appreciated sarcasm. So I had a hard time molding my ideas into a palatable writing style so that my vast audience had something to chew upon. I ensured that my profile is updated and I feature my writeups that can bring some value to the table. I ensured that I sounded relevant :)

Often the person hiring you does not really understand "content." But everyone understands impact. Highlight past evidence, mention metrics and traffic; explain how it helped past clients. Like it or not, all clients want high traffic. Even when they don't need it. Content experts understand the concept called "target audience," but the one paying the bills might not.

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Many new freelance writers think they need to work for free to build their portfolios — and this couldn't be further from the truth.Instead, you can:- Create a free Medium account and start writing blog content that you could envision clients using- Write regularly on LinkedIn (for yourself) and become a creator- Send weekly newsletters to your followers (or publish them on LinkedIn)- Create spec pieces of ad copy- Accept lower-paying gigs in the beginning, build great client relationships, get bylines, and raise your rates as you gain experience

Your writing portfolio tells it all. Once it's built up with bylines showcasing your work, it sells itself. However, it can take time to build up a portfolio. If you don't have enough writing samples to create a portfolio, here are a few other ways you can showcase your talent to perspective clients:1. Create a website that includes information about you and your writings (whether they have been published or not).2. Ask potential clients if you can provide a "test" writing sample. For instance, write the first three paragraphs of a story they're in need of to show off your skills.3. Find a staff position that requires writing and keep samples of everything you write (newsletters, emails, social media posts, press releases, etc.)

For me, persistent and continuous writing on social media has helped. And to always bear in mind, to balance between visibility and showing off. People will cheer once or twice when you share, but over time it may wear off. Instead spend time writing valuable contents, insights and give readers something to think and reflect about. That also indirectly helps to position your brand. The authenticity in sharing shows

This is always going to be one of the most intimidating aspects of selling your writing skills, but also one of the most vital. One way to go about it is to determine how best you pitch. Do you do well with picking up the phone and calling someone to see if they need any writing? Are you better working with an e-mail? Or maybe you do your best work when you can see the potential client face-to-face from the start. The latter option will be beneficial at networking events, though those are always good places to start regardless of how you best pitch.

for a newbie writer, taking on free assignments can have its plus's and minus's. On the plus side, its great to grind your creative cells to produce good work. On the minus side the chances of being under-paid or high. I guess its all a case of knowing how much of your effort can be priced as low or zero.

I'd change this wording. In my opinion, your rate shouldn't really be up for negotiation. If they can't afford the rate, or think it's "too expensive" then I either:1. Reduce the scope of the project to be in their budget 2. Try to frame it in a different way. Explain that the rate is based upon the value they get by working with an experienced professional and that it will have a positive ROI for their business. 3. If they still don't budge, I kindly say that "it's not a good fit". And walk away with dignity intact.Don't sell yourself short just to gain a client. Work with clients who see the value of your work and WANT to pay you because they recognize the value you bring to the table.

In my experience, Hourly rates can benefit clients in the unlikely event a project takes less time than expected. On the other hand, flat fee projects that take longer than expected, as often happens, can hurt the vendor, meaning a factor for overrun may be priced in. Interested to hear what others think.

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In my experience, social media is the fastest and best way to market your written content for businesses.Even having a blog and website is not as powerful as social media. The feature of social networks such as LinkedIn and Instagram is networking. Websites and blogs are effective when we use them to link our formal and informal portfolios. They have a more personal space. However, the community of blogs and websites is much smaller than that of social networks.As mentioned, engaging your audience with your writing can also help your content marketing.

Yeah this is where social media comes in aid. Making your only presence would go a long way only if there is consistency and systematic regulation.

Make mistakes, cry over it, recover from it, get up, learn your lesson, implement it, move on to next thing, and repeat the cycle. But not with the same mistake.Make mistakes everyday but don't repeat any mistake more than 2 times. It's stupid.

Work with a good editor.I repeat: work with a good editor.It’s the fastest way to get better. Forget staying updated on trends, tools, and techniques. Good writing is timeless. But first, find an editor who can rip your work to shreds and make it 10x better than what you handed to them.

I agree that an excellent editor is worth their weight in gold. Listen to them. Learn from them. And write every day, even if you don't have an assignment to work on.

If your dream is to be a writer, never give up! There are obstacles and challenges but don’t give up. Seek help to improve your craft and keep moving forward and look for opportunities that will help you build your resume. If you get frustrated and quit too soon, you may miss the opportunity that was right around the corner.

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Here's the trick to sell your writing.Do NOT write to sell!When you write without any expectation, you can focus and maintain the flow.That's when you'll jot down something worth reading.