Is There a Secret to Landing Private Writing Clients?

Updated on: by Jess Weaver

Written By: Jessica Weaver

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Recently, I landed my first professional online writing job with Cheer Channel, Inc.Many people are curious as to how I landed a freelance job like this and what my plan of action was. First of all, let me tell you that the process in finding private clients is very long but I now know it is possible.

Search Forums
There was a time a few weeks ago where I felt completely down on my luck (the life of a freelancer) and a good friend told me to keep checking work at home forums.  My friend, who happens to be the writer at GenuineWorkatHomeAdvice.com, landed her permanent gig by using forums like WAHM.com and WorkPlaceLikeHome.com to job search. These forums are also great to learn about other people’s experience with certain jobs and companies. For example, I recently got a job offer (that was a scam), and all I had to do was check the forum and see what other people have to say.

Be Persistent
The only way to land an actual permanent freelance writing position is to remain persistent. My job with Cheer Channel did not come overnight. It took weeks and weeks of emailing back and forth with the owner. She finally hired a content editor and he finally got me started. I know that many people would love to be in my position, and you will. Just remember to be patient and your time will come! I still keep pinching myself to make sure this is real!

Craigslist.com
This is an excellent resource for Work at Home Freelancers. I know not everyone thinks so but I had to prove them wrong. I have found about 80% of my freelance positions on Craigslist. I am very cautious, and I give out personal information sparingly. However, if you do not feel comfortable using it, then I would not. There are lots of other resources for you to use and find clients. Such as BloggingPro.com, ProBlogger.net and WAHJobleads.com

Bottom Line Advice:
Do not give up hope! Working at home is a constant battle between good and evil. Everyone is looking for that perfect job. Miranda recently did an article called “Why can’t I find the right job for me?” and no one has ever said it better! It takes time and patience to land private clients. Take the advice from the people who have been there.

Where did you find your first permanent writing position? I would love to hear!

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Katie Jones

August 30, 2011 at 12:30 am

Thanks for the mention, Jess 🙂 I like what you have written and landing private clients can be hard. The most important thing, like you said, is persistence. Show them what you got with all your might and believe that you can do it!

jess

August 30, 2011 at 9:57 am

Katie 🙂 It’s hard to be patient sometimes. Especially for that paycheck to come in the mail from the “said” private client 🙂

Lauri

August 30, 2011 at 3:11 pm

Fabulous article! I give you so much credit for all you do. You are an inspiration! I will be sure to forward your article to my friends that are interested in working from home. Thanks!!

Tanya

August 30, 2011 at 3:12 pm

Great Advice as always. Your stories of working from home always keep me motivated and inspired!

Lisa

August 30, 2011 at 10:50 pm

So glad you mentioned the WAHM.com forum. That’s where I found my first “work for somebody else” work-at-home job. There’s so much great information on there.

Leisa Good

August 31, 2011 at 10:24 am

Congratulations, Jess! WTO. Private clients are the best, especially when it comes to the pay! It does take a strategy (yes, and ‘lots of time) and a lot of just getting your name out there in THEIR face time and time again.

Niche forums are also a good place. If you have a niche, find a matching forum and participate. You’ll be considered one of the experts, and they will come to you for advice or writing.

Sloane Rossi

December 29, 2011 at 12:45 pm

Combining a solid portfolio with great samples and a few positive ratings with my best “sales pitch” of my services on sites like Elance and Guru has been a successful strategy for me.