What is your biggest strength as a freelance writer? If you cannot answer this question something is wrong. After all, the answer to this question has a lot to do with the way you market your services. Some writers know exactly what they offer and why a buyer should hire them. Others are a bit confused in this area. If you fit into the latter group, you should definitely define your biggest strength as soon as possible.
For some freelance writers, their biggest strength is knowledge. These writers know a lot about many subjects. These writers have the ability to accept a wide variety of projects thanks to an expansive knowledge base. Fortunately, the longer you stick around as a freelance writer the more knowledge you will gather. Even if this is not a strength of yours right now, it will be in the near future.
Other freelance writers hang their hat on their actual writing skills. This is definitely a strength that you want on your side. After all, you can be a genius, but if you can’t write you are going to find it difficult to make a living in this industry. Above all else, this is one area in which you want to improve day in and day out.
Believe it or not, some freelance writers feel that their biggest strength has to do with sales and marketing. They know they have the skills to write, and have no trouble finding new work thanks to their background and experience in sales and marketing. This may not be more important than the ability to produce quality content, but it is an area in which you want to excel.
So what is your biggest strength? If you aren’t sure, consider your knowledge, writing skills, and sales and marketing expertise. Chances are that you are above average in one or more of these areas.Â
Many of you have expressed that you feel “silly†selling your freelance writing services. Some have even said that they feel like a used car salesman. Although this sounds funny, it is a major problem if you are in this frame of mind. The way that you sell your freelance writing services is very important. If you are afraid of doing so for one reason or the next, you are only hurting yourself.
There is a fine line between selling your freelance writing services and going overboard. On one side, you should have a marketing plan. With this in hand you can move step by step until you see what works for you. If you put together a quality marketing plan you will never have to worry about going overboard when it comes to selling your services.
What does it mean to sell your services too hard? Some freelance writers feel they are pushing themselves on clients or coming across as somebody who is begging for work. While you would have to go pretty far for this to happen, it is more than possible. For instance, if a buyer tells you that they are going a different direction you should leave well enough alone for the time being. You may think that you are the best person for the job, and maybe you are right. But remember, you are not the one doing the hiring. You should always put your best foot forward, but at some point in time you need to realize that backing off is in your best interest.
Don’t get be wrong. I strongly believe that you should market and sell your services day in and day out. On the same token I also believe you need to watch that you don’t push too hard. There is no reason to feel strange when talking about what you offer, and showing clients what you can do for them. But if you begin to feel that you are taking things too far, this is when you need to step back and let the process run its course.
Like a lot of you, I read as much as I can on the freelance writing industry. While there are many sites and blogs dedicated to this niche, there are two that have become my favorites.
All Freelance Writing: if you are a freelance writer you definitely want to check out this blog on a regular basis. Not only is it updated on a daily basis, but you can be rest assured that the information is of high quality. Jenn knows her stuff, and she can definitely help you reach your goals.
Beyond the Rhetoric: Michael Kwan is a successful freelance writer, and his blog offers tips on everything from the business of freelance writing to off-topic posts that are sure to make you smile.
If you have time, and have yet to do so, visit both of these blogs. Once you read through a few posts, I am sure you will agree that there is a lot you can learn from both Jenn and Michael.Â
