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As the economic recession continues, I've been seeing extra Web discussions about the will need for freelance writing jobs or gigs. But if you're critical about producing a living as a freelance copywriter, rather of looking for new freelance writing jobs, you ought to be looking for new copywriting clients.
Before I clarify why, I'm going to explain how I view the distinction in between freelance writing jobs, gigs and customers. In my world, here's the distinction in between these 3 kinds of work:
- A freelance writing job is a 1-off project that, when completed, creates a closed file
- A freelance writing gig is comparable to a job, but could include a series of assignments rather than a single writing job
- A freelance writing client implies a relationship that commonly outcomes in on-going work
If you are a student or have a full time job and are looking to make a little dollars on the side, freelance writing jobs and gigs are probably a great fit for you. But if you want to earn a living as a freelance copywriter, you really have to have to focus on acquiring customers.
Customers Generate New Work
Existing clients are your single very best source for new work. If you have a lull in your schedule, contemplate projects that would benefit your clients' organizations and send them proposals. Here are a couple of suggestions:
- A client that just released a new version of their computer software product could use a press release and corresponding web copy (in the form of updating an existing page or adding a new page)
- If your client utilizes white papers in their advertising efforts, suggest a topic for a new white paper or an initiative to refresh older, existing white papers
- Use your social media savvy to turn into your client's voice in the online networking world by offering to be their ghost-Twitterer, set up a Facebook page on their behalf or make and sustain a firm blog
A Much more Rewarding Copywriting Career
Although I've accepted countless single assignments from corporations with small promise of future function, my monetary bread-and-butter - and expert fulfillment - comes from the client relationships I've established and continue to foster on a daily basis.
Absolutely nothing is more rewarding that having an existing client give me the go-ahead to execute copywriting projects that I propose, or obtaining an out-of-the-blue call or email about an unexpected assignment.
Trust: The Building Blocks of Future Function
Establishing client relationships needs decent communication and a commitment by both parties to meet agreed-on obligations. On the client's side, that means giving you great project direction and feedback and paying your invoices in a timely manner. On the copywriter's side, it indicates often striving to generate your greatest work - on time and within budget.
When commitments are kept, the resulting trust that is established becomes the constructing blocks of future function and a client-copywriter relationship that can final for years.
Freelancing from house can be a little lonely. Constructing relationships with clients, even if they are virtual relationships, makes me really feel like I'm part of something larger than my isolated globe. With 1-off writing jobs or gigs, that human connection isn't readily produced. If you have a choice, choose customers every time.