| Many freelance Web content writers are wonderfully | | | | your writing witty? Are you cheaper than the rest? |
| talented but struggle to find a continuous stream of | | | | Are you vastly experienced? Are you a niche writer |
| paid work. Often this can be because they market | | | | who specialises in writing about travel? Whatever |
| their skills in a haphazard way, without working to a | | | | separates you from the rest, focus on that and include |
| strategy. | | | | it early on in your profile. You could even include it in |
| Establishing an online presence is an essential part of | | | | your profile headline. You never know, if it's there in big |
| such a strategy. By positioning yourself online as a | | | | bold letters you might just snag the attention of a |
| go-to Web content writer you'll gradually forge a | | | | potential client who is looking for someone exactly like |
| reputation as an expert in your field and get steady | | | | you. |
| work as a result. | | | | More Tips and Tricks |
| Uploading a profile (short biog) and portfolio (samples | | | | - Choose an eye-catching image. Rather than just |
| of your writing) onto freelance work exchange | | | | using a headshot, how about going for something more |
| websites, such as PeoplePerHour.com, Guru, Elance | | | | original instead? As a tip, think about using an image |
| and iFreelance, can be powerful additions to your | | | | that corresponds with your USP. If you're saying you |
| online presence. Companies worldwide post paid | | | | deliver brilliant writing, FAST, how about using an image |
| writing jobs on these sites that writers can then make | | | | of a cheetah or an Olympic sprinter? You get the gist! |
| a bid for. | | | | - List the main services you offer near the top of your |
| This article will explain how to create your profile: what | | | | profile. If a potential client reads your profile quickly, |
| to include, what to leave out, and how to set yourself | | | | they will find the vital info quickly, and hopefully your |
| apart - to increase your prospects of having paid | | | | skills will match their project. As you mention a skill, |
| writing projects 'on tap', all-year-round. Imagine that! | | | | point the reader to a strong example of it in your |
| Preparing to Write Your Profile - Take a Step Back | | | | portfolio on the site. |
| First | | | | - Assume nothing. Don't just put 'SEO', write it out in full |
| - Don't just register with the site, log in and start typing | | | | (search engine optimisation), and explain briefly what it |
| up your profile and uploading your portfolio samples. | | | | is. |
| Take some time to think it all through first. | | | | - List sectors and industries you have written for. |
| - Grab a pad and pen, and brainstorm ideas. Mindmap | | | | - State how many years of experience you have. |
| it. Take as long as you need. Think about the services | | | | - Tell clients you can meet deadlines, and will give them |
| you offer, your strengths, what makes you different... | | | | a timeline. |
| - To get ideas (but without copying) read other writers' | | | | - Include genuine testimonials (ones that state how |
| profiles. What do they say about their skills, experience, | | | | your writing has actually benefited clients, rather than |
| payment terms, etc? Read through half-a-dozen | | | | just saying how great the writing was you did for |
| profiles and make rough notes. Not only will this give | | | | them). |
| you ideas, it will also help you get more of a feel for | | | | - Explain how you would go about a project (research |
| the sites. | | | | approach, briefing process, number of drafts...) |
| - Now start typing up a rough first draft of your profile | | | | - Include your payment terms (ask for 50% of your |
| in Microsoft Word. (Write two or three drafts and then | | | | fee upfront, perhaps?) |
| print the document and let it 'rest' for a few days. Then | | | | - BEWARE of including personal contact info as this |
| read it again with a fresh eye and make any | | | | could get you removed from the site. |
| necessary edits) | | | | - Offer an extra incentive: "I will write 10 articles or blog |
| Writing Your Profile - Techniques to Use | | | | posts for the price of 9!" Or how about offering to |
| - Go for short sentences and a simple writing style. | | | | proofread the client's website for free (as a bonus |
| Remember, you're selling writing, so the way your | | | | freebie) once they've given you a paid writing job? |
| profile is written will be potential clients' first impression | | | | Finally... |
| of your writing standard and style. | | | | - Overall, strive to make an emotional connection: Be |
| - Keep it honest. Don't oversell or overclaim. | | | | positive, friendly, human and accessible. Project |
| - Keep it positive. Don't say what you can't do. Focus | | | | yourself not as a writing machine, but as a living and |
| only on what you can. | | | | breathing person - someone others would want to |
| - Adopt a customer-focused mindset. Don't ramble on | | | | know, to be involved with (on a business footing), both |
| and don't just brag about what a great writer you are. | | | | in the short and long-term. Taking this approach will |
| Instead talk enthusiastically about what your writing can | | | | give your profile a heart and soul and will give you an |
| help clients achieve, how it could benefit them... think | | | | edge over other writers who simply craft their profile in |
| YOU YOU YOU. | | | | the form of an anonymous (and forgettable) list. |
| - Set yourself apart somehow. There are thousands | | | | Good luck! |
| of writers worldwide. What makes you different? Is | | | | |