| Short on cash? Not to worry. You can market | | | | Face-to-face networking is one of the best ways |
| your freelance writing services with little or no | | | | to get the word out about your business. Put |
| money. These 10 strategies cost nothing, or close | | | | your business cards in your pocket and always |
| to it. They'll save you money...and put money in | | | | give two or three to each person (one to keep |
| your bank account, too! | | | | and one or two to share). |
| 1. Look in the business section of your local paper | | | | 5. After you join an organization, volunteer and be |
| for the names of people who have been | | | | active. Get noticed by taking a visible role in |
| promoted, hired or rewarded by their companies. | | | | committees or events. |
| Write a short congratulatory letter (refer to the | | | | 6. Call 5 to 10 people you know -- friends, |
| specific achievement to make it personal), and | | | | relatives, coworkers, folks at church, etc.--and talk |
| enclose two or more of your business cards (one | | | | to them about what you are doing as a freelance |
| for the person to keep, the others for him or her | | | | copywriter. Let them know you are available for |
| to give to others). By the way, your business | | | | work if they happen to hear of anyone who can |
| cards DO include complete information about what | | | | use your services. Sometimes we think our "inner |
| you do, don't they? If not, redesign them today! | | | | circle" knows what we do and can therefore |
| Just a title, such as "Freelance Writer," is too | | | | refer us to others. More often, though, these |
| vague. List what you can do (newsletters, | | | | people have only a limited idea of our capabilities. |
| brochures, ads, etc.) and add a blurb that highlights | | | | Change their misperceptions today! |
| the main benefit you offer. | | | | 7. Start your own newsletter or e-zine. Make sure |
| 2. Scan magazines and newspapers for articles | | | | at least 75 percent of the copy is information |
| that are of interest to one or more of your | | | | people can use -- not marketing hype about you. |
| current clients or "hot prospects" (people you've | | | | For example, write articles on "Better Business |
| talked to but have not worked for yet). Clip the | | | | Writing," "The Top 10 Mistakes to Avoid When |
| articles and send them to the prospects with an | | | | You Write a Business Letter," or "Advertising |
| attached, handwritten note stating something like, | | | | Copy That Sells." Show your expertise in most of |
| "Hi, Alice. Thought you might be interested in this. | | | | the newsletter, then highlight the benefits of your |
| Please keep me in mind for your future writing | | | | writing services. Remember to add a call to action |
| needs! Regards, Henry." This strategy gives you a | | | | (what you want the reader to do next, such as |
| reason to remind your clients and prospects | | | | call you for a free consultation). |
| about you. It's a way to keep your name in their | | | | 8. Contact a bookstore and offer to teach a free |
| minds. The use of snail mail and a handwritten | | | | seminar about writing. Use a recently published |
| note gives this tactic a personal touch. This is | | | | book as a resource, and have lots of copies on |
| much more effective (and less obtrusive) than | | | | hand for participants who are interested in |
| sending interesting tidbits via e-mail. | | | | purchasing the book. You'll benefit from the free |
| 3. Create an alliance with graphic designers. | | | | publicity and the store will benefit from the free |
| Writers sometimes need graphic design work or | | | | promotion of the book. |
| have the opportunity to refer their clients to | | | | 9. Call four ad agencies and ask to speak to the |
| artists. And artists frequently need good copy | | | | creative or copy director. Be ready with a |
| that their clients cannot or do not want to supply | | | | 30-second introductory pitch about your services |
| themselves. Contact local graphic designers and | | | | and how you can benefit the ad agency. Ask for |
| ask them about their businesses before you talk | | | | either a meeting to discuss the agency's needs or |
| about yours. Let them know that you may have | | | | permission to send a package with some of your |
| an occasional client who could use their services. | | | | writing samples. |
| After the conversation gets going, you can | | | | 10. Try to get in the newspaper or on the radio |
| mention your services. Follow up by sending a | | | | or local TV. Many media outlets actively seek |
| personal letter and several of your business cards. | | | | guests who have something interesting to say. |
| (One for the designer to keep, and the others for | | | | Develop a topic idea that will showcase your |
| the designer to give to clients who may need you | | | | talents as a writer while also making for a good |
| someday.) | | | | story or segment. Contact local reporters, radio |
| 4. Join an organization, such as the Chamber of | | | | hosts and TV producers with your idea. |
| Commerce or the local advertising club. | | | | |