15 Freelance Writing Tips for 2023
With the new year underway, there’s no better time than now to review your career to date as a freelance writer. While doing so, it’s good practice to create a list of tips you can lean on as the year goes by.
If you need a push in the right direction, here are 15 freelance writing tips for 2023. You may not implement all of these, but there’s a good chance you’ll find something that works in favor of your career.
1. Review Your 2022 Performance
Before you go all-in on 2023, review your 2022 performance to determine what worked, what didn’t, and how you can adjust your approach moving forward.
Some of the areas you can focus on include revenue, number of clients, and number of projects completed.
This freelance writing tip allows you to make informed decisions about where to spend your time and resources in the new year.
2. Better Communicate With Your Clients
You’re a freelance writer, but you’re also a business owner. And for that reason, customer service is an integral part of your success. Get into the habit of better communicating with your clients.
Send regular project updates via email. Call your clients. Visit them in person. An open line of communication will do wonders for your freelance business.
3. Update Your Workspace
This doesn’t have anything to do with the words that you write, but it has everything to do with your performance as a work-from-home professional.
Do you have a dedicated workspace? How about a comfortable office chair? Is it time to brighten your space with a fresh coat of paint?
Don’t underestimate the importance of a well-designed workspace on your performance. With each update that you make, you’ll feel more confident in your ability to maintain peak performance throughout the day.
4. Become a Master of Time Management
Your ability to succeed as a freelance writer is tied directly to your time management skills. Do you have what it takes to manage multiple clients at the same time? Can you juggle a variety of projects, all while ensuring that you maintain the quality your clients have come to expect?
This may not come easy to you, but don’t give up. Continue to tweak your schedule and approach until you’re comfortable with your ability to manage every task that’s on your plate.
5. Choose a Niche
This freelance writing tip is one of the biggest steps you can take as a freelance writer, and most find that it’s necessary at some point. Choosing a niche allows you to display your expertise to a targeted group of prospects. It also allows you to focus your efforts on becoming the “best of the best” in your chosen space.
6. Spend More Time on LinkedIn
Social media remains one of the best ways to share your knowledge with your audience, generate new business, and help others. However, if you only have time for one social platform, let it be LinkedIn.
Use LinkedIn to grow your network, share your work with others, and secure new contracts. It takes time to build your audience, but a dedicated and steady approach will lead you toward the results you’re seeking.
There’s no shortage of opportunities for growing your freelance writing career via the power of LinkedIn.
7. Update Your List of Samples
It’s difficult to secure new contracts without work samples, so be sure to keep an updated list for easy sharing. As you complete new projects, continually update your list. This freelance writing tip can go a long way in helping you secure new business. The stronger your sample list, the better off you’ll be over the long run. This isn’t optional. It’s required if you want to take your career to the next level.
8. Network With Other Writers
It’s natural to spend the majority of your time prospecting new clients. That’s what you should be doing. However, networking with other writers is also important. Here’s why:
- It’s an opportunity to help others
- It positions you to review referrals
- It allows you to quickly collaborate on projects, when necessary
It’s easier than you may think to network with writers. The most efficient way of doing so is LinkedIn.
Get into the habit of reaching out to at least one freelance writer per day via LinkedIn. A simple message stating that you want to network with other writing professionals should be enough to kick off your relationship.
9. Upsell Existing Clients
Your clients look to you for guidance and advice. This is your opportunity to upsell them to additional services.
For instance, if you currently create blog content for a client, you could speak with them about whitepapers, slide decks, and social media copy.
It doesn’t have to be a hard sell. You already have a relationship. Ask if they’re open to speaking about additional services. And if they are, share an outline of what you can do for them. It really can be that easy to upsell an existing client.
10. Start a Blog
If you don’t yet have a blog housed on your website, now’s the time to launch one. And if you do have a blog, use this opportunity to review its past performance and create a plan for growth in 2023 (and beyond).
A blog is a place for you to share your knowledge, update your audience on industry developments, comment on news stories, and more. It’s your creative outlet so you can write whatever you want, whenever you want.
11. Help Other Writers
You have a lot on your plate, but there’s never a wrong time to help another writer. You can do this in many ways, such as answering their questions, sharing feedback on their content, or simply acting as a sounding board.
Make it known to your network that your inbox is always open to them. You may be surprised at how many people reach out.
12. Expand Into Other Services
Even though writing will remain the core of your business, consider related services that can help boost your reach and income. Some ideas include content marketing, email marketing, and search engine optimization (SEO).
It’s best to slowly expand into other areas. For example, if a client asks if you also offer SEO services, explain your experience and background to determine if there’s a way for you to work together. You have to start somewhere, so don’t be shy about taking a leap.
13. Gather Testimonials
It’s one thing to tell prospects that you have a lot to offer. It’s another thing entirely for clients to back you up. This is where testimonials and case studies come into play.
You don’t need a large number of testimonials to impress your prospects. In fact, one testimonial or case study may be all that you need to prove that you’re the best writer for the project.
Gathering testimonials is as simple as asking your clients to provide them. You can make this even easier by drafting the content for them and seeking their approval.
14. Get Serious About Negotiating
Growing your freelance writing business means setting fair rates. It also means learning how to negotiate with potential clients. Some of the best tips for doing so include:
- Know your worth
- Outline why you’re worth it
- Back up your rate request with work samples and testimonials
- Remain firm yet flexible
It’s not often that you’ll get everything you want when negotiating with a prospect. Compromise is typically necessary, and there’s nothing wrong with that.
Negotiating may not be the easiest thing you do as a freelance writer, but mastering this skill can go a long way in helping you take your career to the next level.
15. Refresh Your Website
If you don’t yet have a website, 2023 is the year to launch one. And if you do, take the time to come to refresh what you already have. This can mean many things:
- Updating the copy to better reflect your current services and rates
- Sharing additional testimonials and case studies
- Adding videos and images where applicable
- Altering the color scheme for a more modern appearance
- Changing the layout
Depending on your experience with web design and development, you may be able to make some or all of these adjustments on your own. You can also consult with a professional if you’re seeking expert guidance.
Final Word
These 15 freelance writing tips can transform your career trajectory. They can make you a better writer. They can help you secure new clients. They can help you generate more income.
Don’t be shy about “mixing things up” in 2023. With the right approach, it could be your best year yet!
Chris B. is a freelance writer and digital marketing consultant based in Pittsburgh, PA. When he’s not creating content, Chris enjoys watching sports, working in the yard, and spending time with his family.