5 Ways to Get More Online Freelance Writing Assignments

Being a freelance writer can be a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, you normally get to work from home, choose your hours, and ultimately be your own boss, but on the other you are continually dependent on finding new clients.

Whether it’s a gig crafting marketing copy for an Internet fulfillment company or composing a feature profile for an online magazine, you always want to stay busy. Here are five tips for landing more freelance writing jobs on the Web that you can put into action today.

#1 Expand Your Search

There may be more jobs than ever on the Internet for writers, but there’s also an incredibly dense pool of applicants as well. Besides pounding the pavement on the well-known job hubs like Monster and Mediabistro, you can research the growing number of smaller websites that specialize in freelance opportunities. You’ll be surprised how many are out there, and the variety of work they offer as well.

#2 Enhance Your Online Presence

What better way to show a potential employer how you can drive more traffic to their website or help craft a polished brand image than by doing so for yourself? If work is slow, put the extra time you have into developing your own web presence through a personal website, a professional portfolio, and productive social media interaction.

Being a freelancer is really very similar to owning your own business, so it’s important to focus on developing your brand.

#3 Perfect Your Portfolio

Often a great work of art takes on a deeper dimension of beauty and accomplishment when placed inside a frame. Curate the very best examples of your work and find a creative, visually stimulating way in which to put your craft on display.

This type of careful approach is sure to make a memorable impression on a client interested in viewing writing samples and clips.

#4 Learn a New Skill

Continuing professional development is a major asset in just about any industry, and doubly important when working in an environment that evolves as quickly as the Internet. Along with staying current with the latest writing trends and techniques, it’s important to accrue new skills beyond your core abilities. By learning something like basic web design or photo editing you make yourself a more attractive hire for companies looking for individuals with versatility.

#5 Don’t be Shy

Even the greatest salesperson gets a negative response more often then he or she would likely care to mention. As an independent contractor you are selling yourself, and are best served to be persistent in your professional approach.

Engage your past and potential client list at regular intervals so that you remain in their thoughts and can capitalize on sudden opportunities.

The Last Word

Beyond producing quality work in a timely fashion and having a professional demeanor, an online freelance writer needs to be creative and forward thinking to be successful.

By following these steps and staying diligent you are sure to continue to build your business by creating a brand that clients trust and desire.

Guest Author:

Guest post contributed by CJ, who blogs on everything from freelance writing to how the right online fulfillment company can help improve your bottom line.