The Confident Copywriter

Posts Tagged ‘writing skills’

A common question I often hear is, “How can I find better clients?” Translation: “I want to make more money.”

So how does a freelance writer find better clients to earn more? Run a quick Internet search and millions of results pop up…each one claiming to have the definitive answer. This program, that piece of software, this search technique, that pricing model…the list is endless.

Some suggestions are pretty solid. Others are plain foolish. It seems some people, a smaller percentage of the pack, understand the most crucial component to finding better clients.

What is it?

Value.

That’s right. Value is what separates you from your competitors and brings “better” (read: higher quality) clients to your door.

Finding better clients is not about you; it’s about them. When you incorporate value into your offer, you automatically crush 80% of your competition. (Thanks for the lesson, Gary Vaynerchuk.)

Surely you’ve heard about the 80/20 rule (The Pareto Principle)? From fashion to industrial equipment, the 80/20 rule roughly illustrates that 80% of effects come from 20% of causes.

So, for example:

• 80% of your income comes from 20% of your customers
• 80% of your sales efforts create 20% of your leads
• 20% of your clothes are worn 80% of the time (ok, a bit backwards, but c’mon…aren’t you wearing a favorite item right now?)

Look around. There is a dearth of average writers struggling to make a living at crafting words that sell. Why are they struggling? Because people don’t pay for words. They pay for results. If you have above-average writing skills, then add value to your skills, you won’t have much competition, because you’re already doing it better, faster, more efficiently, and getting superior results for your clients.

Ergo, you’ve elevated yourself to that sacred place where higher quality clients are waiting for you.

What do I mean specifically about adding value? There are numerous ways to do so and, in coming weeks, we’ll explore many of them. Here’s a brief list to get us started:

1) Articulating why your business exists and what you really offer: A drill is just a drill…what drill buyers want is a hole.
2) Identifying your market: We hear this constantly…but have you done it yet?
3) Segmenting your market: If you did not offer your services, how would this change life for your clients?
4) Creating your offer: what makes your services distinctly “you”?
5) Using technology to the fullest: Many freelance writers are stuck in “work at home” mode. You can do so much better!

How have you added value in a way that has elevated your business?