I’ve been a successful freelance writer for about five years now so if only two people in the world know the answer to this question, I’m one of them.

Okay, that’s a bit of a stretch, but you get the gist – I know what I’m talking about. Some of the tips I share may overlap but don’t worry, it’ll all make sense in the end.

Without further ado, here are six proven ways for attracting prospects and closing clients as a freelance writer:

1. Through referrals

2. From social media

3. Via communities or job boards

4. By applying to open roles, anywhere

5. Leveraging cold outreach

6. On freelance marketplaces or websites

1. Through Referrals

Many prospects reach out because someone recommended me to them. I get recommendations because I’m vocal about the work I do and don’t hesitate to let people in my network know when I’m looking for work.

Want to get referrals? Make sure you’re top of mind for people that can send work your way by:

• Telling friends and past colleagues you’re looking for work and letting them know the specific roles you want.

• Posting about being open to work on LinkedIn or Twitter and adding your freelance writing expertise to your bio.

• Adding the #opentowork banner to your LinkedIn page and updating your profile with your most recent work experience.

2. From Social Media

I mentioned LinkedIn and Twitter already in the first point. But asides those, Instagram and WhatsApp are also hidden gold mines for attracting new clients.

In fact, few days after I closed a new client who reached out to me on LinkedIn, another prospect contacted me via Instagram DMs. I didn’t accept the offer because it didn’t match my requirements, but I was happy that adding my writing expertise to my bio and posting occassionally about it was paying off.

Improve your chances of attracting prospects on social media by:

• Posting about your services and past experiences occassionally, without being too salesy.

• Following potential recruiters and engaging with their posts to boost your visibility.

• Connecting with people working at your dream companies and building a rapport with them.

• Messaging previous employers or colleagues to see if they have or know of any freelance writing opportunities.

3. Via Communities or Job Boards

Personally, I am a member of top content marketing communities like Superpath, Peak Freelance, and the FCDC (Freelance Coalition for Developing Countries).

While I haven’t closed a ton of freelance clients from these communities, I connected with some colleagues at one of my highest-paying full time jobs in one of them. I also recently closed a new client that pays relatively well by applying to a job posted in the freelance channel of the same community.

Some of these communities also have job boards for full time, part time, and freelance writing roles across various industries so they might be worth exploring.

4. By Applying to Open Roles, Anywhere

This tip is pretty straightforward. I see a freelance writing vacancy or someone sends it to me and I apply! You win some and you lose some.

Some ways you can improve your chances of getting an interview and winning the client include:

• Connecting with the recruiter on LinkedIn, engaging with their posts, and (possibly) sending them a quick DM about your application.

• Reaching out to your connections or people in your network who work at the company to ask about the company culture and see if they can help track/push your application in-house.

• Creating and sharing a website and/or portfolio link where prospects can easily view and assess your work experience and portfolio.

• Sending an email to the recruiter, hiring manager, or a C-level executive at the company, telling them about your application, and sharing your experience and portfolio – plus reasons why you’re a great fit for the role.

5. Leveraging Cold Outreach

I added this to the list because some freelancers swear by it. However, if my memory is serving me correctly, and I believe it is

, I’ve had 0% success with cold outreach. Honestly though, I haven’t really tried it that often.

Want to give it a try? Check out this piece on freelance cold pitching by The Freelance Writers Guide. The summary:

• Create a portfolio.

• Have a professional-looking email address.

• Create an email signature that instills trust.

• Make a spreadsheet of your dream clients/companies.

• Write a cold email pitch (download templates)

• Start cold pitching

• Follow up (not more than 3 times)

6. On Freelance Marketplaces or Websites

As with cold outreach and pitching, I have had little success with freelance marketplaces and websites. Some successful freelance writers would beg to differ though so don’t limit yourself.

Here are some top freelance marketplaces and websites I hear are the most beneficial for writers these days:

• Upwork

• Fiverr

• FlexJobs

• Freelancer.com

Conclusion: Can You Really Build a Career as a Freelance Writer?

Yes you can.

Starting out can feel daunting and fruitless, so it makes sense to fear failure. But most of these tips (in my experience, at least) will help you on your way in no time.

The major challenge would be around closing your first few clients, retaining them, and operating as an independent contractor without the security of full time employment.

I’ve been freelancing during and in-between full time jobs for a while so I understand the anxiety, but we have to keep moving regardless. If you’re often left stranded with no work for extended periods though, then it may be time to consider a full time job instead.

FAQs for Getting Clients as a Freelance Writer

Have more questions? I’ve got you!

How Do I Get My First Client as a Freelance Writer?

Use social media to brand yourself as a freelance writer, connect with prospects, and showcase your expertise. Ensure to share the niches you’re open to writing for, make your portfolio easily accessible, and be flexible with your rates.

How Do I Reach Out as a Freelance Writer?

Follow or connect with your potential employer on social media (LinkedIn is a great platform to start) and initiate a conversation about their business. Once you get a good response and the person seems comfortable with you, casually mention that you are a freelance writer and ask if they need your services.

How Do I Market Myself as a Freelance Writer?

Build a strong online presence and personal brand and network with potential clients and other freelancers.

Also, choose your niche, make it public, and ensure you do great work for any existing clients so they can recommend you. Lastly, guest posting is a great option for improving your visibility where it matters the most.

How Do I Price Myself as a Freelance Writer?

There is no one size fits all answer for this question, especially because pricing standards vary across location, industry, and client. However, talking to freelancers around you or in your desired vertical will give you a benchmark amount to work with.

You should also have a certain amount you can’t go below no matter what – to maintain certain standards.

Your pricing can be either per word, per project, or hourly – it’s up to you. Personally, I prefer per-word pricing. Meanwhile, on a platform like Superpath, they do not allow recruiters posts writing opportunities that pay less than $0.10/word.

How Much Do Beginner Freelance Writers Make?

Similar to the pricing question, the answer to this varies due to factors like niche, client, and location. Some low prices I’ve seen include $0.03/word and $15/hour though.