There is a lot involved in establishing your business and getting that first customer, but it is only the beginning. You will need to build a solid client base for your writing business to succeed.
Consider hanging signs advertising your business on public bulletin boards with tear off phone number strips. Contact local newspapers to ask about writing a short column for readers where you can share tips on a specific topic in exchange for the publicity. For example, you may be able to write a column and instead of being paid by the newspaper, you are allowed to include your contact information and web site which acts as an advertisement for your business.
Local radio stations may be interested in your tips for their listeners as well. If you are a sport fishing writer who can offer their listeners tips on great places to fish, pitch it to the station. You can record the tips and the station can air them with your name and contact information.
A web site provides an affordable means to reach your customers 24 hours a day. Most domain names can be purchased for approximately $10.00 per year and several low cost hosting sites are now available online.
Business cards and signs are a great way to let people know about your business. Hanging flyers at local colleges is a great way to attract professors looking for help writing their next article or book. Be sure to include all the benefits your service will provide and how it will make a positive difference in their lives. Keep your business cards handy so you can share them with people you meet who may have an interest in your services.
Networking is very important for any new business. Look into your local Chamber of Commerce or national writing organizations for additional people you can connect with or advertise through.
The Internet offers a multitude of ways to publicize, market, and promote your services as well as being a fantastic resource for learning more about the field of writing. Connecting with organizations and other writers through the Internet is a productive way to spend a few hours each day. Many discussion groups are available to writers through Yahoo.com. If you visit, just go to their Groups link then enter “writing,” “editing” or be even more specific and search for “moms who write comedy” or “science fiction screen play writers.” You will be amazed at what will turn up.
Brigitte is an accountant and the author of several business recordkeeping books including Bookkeeping Basics for Freelance Writers available through Amazon.com. She is a freelance writer living in Vermont with her husband, three children, two cats and three dogs. You can visit her online at Datamaster Accounting Services, LLC and Bookkeeping for Writers .
