The demand for quality content continues to grow, and there have never been more opportunities for freelance writers to take advantage of. In fact, 2024 stats have the worldwide freelance market valued at $3.39 billion.
One of the biggest challenges freelancers face is, unsurprisingly, finding clients. And with more writers entering the market, standing out can be tough, particularly if you want to get more freelance content marketing clients. Fortunately, implementing the right strategy can help you land high-paying freelance clients and build a successful freelance career in a competitive space.
We’ll walk you through strategies help you solidify your freelance brand and attract more freelance brand clients who are looking for content marketing writers.
Best Tips to Get More Freelance Content Marketing Clients
Whether you’re looking to add a few more freelance content marketing clients to your freelance portfolio or you want to land your first content marketing client, these pro tips will help. (In case you’re a newbie, get the facts: What is content marketing writing?)
Identify your target market and freelance niche.
Once you’ve decided to launch your freelancing business, you might think the first step is finding content marketing clients. But the truth is that you need to set yourself apart with specialization. Niching down allows you to position yourself as an expert and attract ideal clients. Additionally, clients are more likely to pay a premium for specialized services – a win-win for all.
But how do you discover your freelance niche? Your background, skills, and interests are a great starting point. What industries do you have experience in? What types of writing do you like? Create a list of potential niches and research their profitability, competition, and demand.
Research is also a crucial component of positioning yourself effectively. For example, understanding your potential freelance content marketing clients’ industry and audience’s pain points will help you sell your content services.
Define your personal brand and unique selling proposition.
Equally important to finding your niche is building a compelling personal brand. Start by positioning yourself as a valuable asset by specifying your strengths. What are you exceptionally good at? Are you a skilled storyteller, a data-driven content creator, or an SEO copy expert? Use this information to define your unique selling proposition (USP).
Next, build your personal brand. Your brand is your promise and value to clients. Simply put, it’s how you want clients to perceive you. Think about what you want to stand for as a writer. For example, are you a research-focused writer who enjoys translating research or a creative copywriter? If you had a freelance friend refer work to you for a specific skill or niche, what would that work look like? Identifying what type of freelance writing you want to become known as can help as you’re creating your brand.
Lastly, showcase your expertise through a well-curated portfolio. Unlike a traditional 9-5 job where your resume represents your experience, freelancers rely on portfolios. Highlight your unique background to differentiate yourself from other writers.
Build an online presence to get more freelance content marketing clients.
Similar to your portfolio, creating a strong online presence is a must for attracting your ideal freelance clients. Like all brands, you need a website to showcase your services. Your website doesn’t need to be complicated, but it needs to include information about you, your services, your portfolio, and your contact information. Don’t overthink it! Here’s how to build your freelance portfolio.
As you build your website, optimize your content for search engines using relevant keywords and create a Google Business Profile. This will help potential clients find you when they search online for your services. This can be particularly helpful if you use SEO keywords for your city or town and you’re looking to secure local freelance content marketing clients.
Beyond your website, social platforms like LinkedIn are valuable for networking and showcasing your experience. (There are even freelance writer LinkedIn tips to follow to help you make more money.) Proactively posting, joining groups, and engaging on social media will make you more likely to show up in the feeds of prospective clients like content marketing managers.
Find your ideal freelance content marketing clients
Now onto the heart of the topic: landing more freelance content marketing clients. It often requires a multi-pronged approach, but here are a few tried and tested ways to expand your reach.
Research online platforms for freelance content marketing clients
Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer can be a starting point. Build a strong profile and actively bid on projects that align with your niche. You can also try websites like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Zip Recruiter which often post content writing roles listed by brands looking for content marketing freelance writers.
Network online and in real life to grow your freelance brand
As a freelance writer who operates as an introvert, networking wasn’t easy when I started freelancing. But, connecting with potential clients and other freelancers can help you build partnerships that lead to referrals. To find these freelance content marketing clients, attend industry events and webinars related to your niche. Plus, join online communities and set up coffee chats to build meaningful relationships. Attending local business networking events can help when you’re looking to secure more local freelance content marketing clients.
Use social media for freelance client prospecting as a freelance content marketing writer
Yep – we’re back on social media – but it’s because it matters! Through social platforms like LinkedIn, you can easily research companies in your niche. Identify key decision-makers like editors and content marketing directors, and introduce yourself through a personalized message.
Partner with content agencies
Content agencies and marketing firms often outsource writing projects to freelancers. They’re great resources to explore when you’re considering how to find freelance writing jobs. Research local agencies and introduce yourself as a freelance writer. (You can find some agencies on this list of best blogs for freelance writers.)
Keep in mind that finding quality freelance clients is a numbers game. The more connections you make, the higher your chances of landing writing projects. Stay consistent and experiment with different client acquisition tactics.
Turn content marketing leads into clients
Landing your first client can be tough and even intimidating – who actually enjoys selling themselves? Fortunately, with the right (and painless) approach, you can turn leads into freelance content marketing clients.
Warm up cold leads
Your ideal client isn’t always obvious. Research is key. Identify potential clients in your niche. See if any of them are in the best freelance writing niches of 2024. Understand their business, challenges, and goals. Use this client-specific information to guide your outreach. Some tips to warm up your cold leads:
- Tailor your freelance pitches: Your email is your first impression. Keep it concise, personalized, and value-focused. Highlight how your skills can solve their specific problems. Use a clear and compelling subject line to grab attention.
Get 24 examples of freelance pitches that sold.
- Keep following up: Utilize these follow-up email tips. Remember, email inboxes fill up and people forget to reply! A quick reminder can reignite interest.
Convert warm leads into freelance content marketing client leads
Once you’ve piqued their interest, it’s time to close the deal and land that freelance content marketing client.
- Set up a call or learn more about what they want. Freelancer Diana Kelly Levey recommends sending out a Client Intake Form to screen potential clients and ensure they have the budget you’re looking for. It also helps you have a better understanding of the type of content marketing projects they want. Make sure you’ve addressed these best questions freelancers should ask clients.
- Custom proposals: Create individualized proposals that address the client’s needs. Showcase your understanding of their business and how your services align with their goals.
- Value proposition: Articulate the value you bring to the table. If possible, use metrics and case studies to demonstrate your expertise.
- Negotiation and closing: Prepare to discuss rates and deadlines. Know your minimum acceptable rate and be willing to walk away if the client isn’t a good fit. Saying no can free up space for a better client who will pay what you deserve
Warming up and converting leads is more than landing the content marketing client. Focus on fostering a long-term relationship rather than just securing a one-time project.
Attract freelance clients with content
Your writing skills are your product, so market them effectively when considering how to get freelance writing work. Creating and sharing content is the best way to draw in clients and establish yourself as a thought leader. Here are a few tips to get started:
Create valuable content
To attract and engage potential clients, create valuable content consistently. Share insights through blog posts, offer free resources like ebooks or templates, and expand your reach by contributing to industry publications. Publish snippets of content on social media for your audience to see.
Build your audience with email
An email list is an asset for any freelancer. Offer lead magnets like free guides to encourage sign-ups. Once you have subscribers, nurture them with valuable content delivered through regular newsletters. This builds trust and positions you as an industry expert, increasing the likelihood of converting subscribers into clients.
Sign up for one of the best freelance newsletters here.
Engage in online communities when figuring out how to get more freelance content marketing clients
In addition to email and social media, participate actively in online communities and forums related to your niche. Share your expertise, answer questions, and build relationships with potential clients. This sets you apart as an industry expert and provides opportunities to connect with people seeking your services.
Becoming an in-demand content marketing freelance writer is a long-term strategy. Don’t expect to post one blog post and have inquiries flood in—consistency is key. Keep creating useful content, connect with your audience, and measure what works to refine your approach.
Networking and collaborating with freelancers
Networking is the backbone of most businesses—and freelancing is no different. But it’s about building meaningful relationships and finding your freelance community, not handing out business cards.
One networking strategy is connecting with other freelancers. Building relationships with complementary professionals, such as designers, web developers, or social media managers, can open doors to new opportunities. By recommending each other’s services, you can create a mutually beneficial partnership.
Another key component of networking is nurturing relationships. For example, after networking events or online chats, send a personalized note to keep the conversation going. Similarly, after meeting potential clients, share insights and resources to establish yourself as an expert. Consistent engagement is key to staying top-of-mind with potential clients.
Winning clients with your freelance reputation
Freelancing longevity is built on a strong reputation. Provide clients with consistent, high-quality work, and they’ll keep using your services. A few quick tips to help you build a good reputation as a freelancer:
- Deliver consistently great work. Quality is key to client satisfaction.
- Showcase your successes. Testimonials and case studies build trust.
- Encourage referrals. Happy clients are your advocates. This is one of the best ways to get more freelance content marketing clients.
- Stay updated. Continuous learning helps you improve your skills and grow as a freelance writer.
Find out, how do freelancers define “success.”
Landing more clients starts with you
Building a thriving freelance business requires grit and a solid strategy. Focus on delivering exceptional work, nurturing relationships, and staying informed on industry trends. If you consistently implement these strategies, you’ll attract more clients, increase your earnings, and establish yourself as a sought-after freelancer. By following these tips as part of your freelance business strategy, you can land more clients and watch your personal brand grow.
