Freelance Writing References and Testimonials
A lot of my freelance writing business comes from referrals. In other words, I do a good job for a client and they in turn pass my name along to their clients, colleagues, and contacts. Believe it or not, referral business is one of the best ways to grow your freelance writing career. The nice thing about this type of business is that you do not have to go find it for yourself. Instead, it will find you if you do a good job.
In the same thought as referral business, you should also consider what references and testimonials can do for your freelance writing career. When it comes down to it, these are two more ways for you to increase the number of projects you secure and the amount of money you earn.
First off, let’s take a closer look at references. Generally speaking, a reference is somebody that you can have a potential client contact before they hire you. As you probably know, you want to make sure that you choose references that will put you in the best possible light. After all, your references will be telling potential clients about the benefits of working with you.
It does not take a lot of hard work to secure a reference. After you have completed a project for a client, send them a quick note asking if you can use them as a reference in the future. In most cases, clients are more than happy to help you out. Keep a list of your best references handy so that you can send them to those who ask without delay.
Testimonials are similar to references, but not exactly the same. A testimonial is more or less a few nice words about you and what you have to offer. The nice thing about a testimonial is that you can put it on your website or in the sales material that you have on file. A testimonial is words that you already have from past clients, whereas a reference is somebody who a potential client will have to contact on their own.
Consider how references and testimonials can help your freelance writing business. By using both of these tools to your advantage, you will find that you are securing more work than you ever thought possible.
