How I Improved My Freelance Writing Business in One Evening

It was Sunday night and I found myself switching between NFL football and MLB baseball, while in the back of my mind I was wondering what I could do to boost my business and make more money. So I turned off the television. With a pad of paper and my net book I went to my desk in the front room and starting working.

Now I know what your thinking "this guy is nuts if he thinks I am giving up sports to work more". I'm not advocating working 7 days a week but I am stressing to find quiet time to plan a strategy or a schedule that will bring you more freelance writing business.

Free Job Listings

I like to check job listings to get motivated that there are freelance jobs out there. But I have never done this on a regular basis.

I also decided that I would actually answer some of the listings and see if I could find some new clients. But I would do this with some enthusiasm by writing a professional response designed to sell myself and my freelance writing services.

It worked and I got three clients out of 12 replies. Now granted these were not huge clients, but new clients seldom are big. It's the nurturing and working with clients that turn their business from a one off to a regular gig.

Free Local Newspaper

I like to read the local newspaper, because I have copywriting clients whose ads I have made are displayed. But I had read somewhere that to increase your business look for prospects in the news.

I saw several ads that I could improve on and made notes to that effect. I then wrote a brief letter of introduction and a promise to call with some recommendations.

Out of 3 letters I sent out I have 2 appointments to discuss how my freelance writing services could improve these prospects business.

Almost Free Marketing

I know you will laugh at how stupid this next statement is but its true. I don't have a business card. Go ahead get that big laugh out. But I decided it was time. I got online and ordered those cards in 5 minutes. Granted they aren't the most expensive, but I have a business card.

Now when the cards come in I can go out and call on three local businesses a day to look for some new clients and fill my pipeline. Maybe all I do is enjoy making new acquaintances, which is fun.

I was shocked that these three things did not take that long and they had a positive impact on my ego and my freelance writing business.

You need to make a move and spend a couple hours one night to find three things that will impact your business. Maybe these three ideas or something else you have been thinking about for a while. Just do it!