So you’re wondering how to become a freelance writer with no experience? Whether you’re a virtual assistant, editor, freelance writer, or graphic designer, you’re only in business after you’ve secured your first client.
Sometimes, that’s easier said than done. At least if you’re looking to secure a client willing to pay you fairly. Most new freelancers go to job boards like Upwork, Freelancer, and Guru for their first gig.
While there are high-quality clients on these boards, these clients opt for persons with experience. Furthermore, there are scammers looking to take advantage of new, vulnerable freelancers.
These websites can help you get your feet wet, but if you’re not careful, you can easily get washed up. Always trust your instinct.
If it’s too good to be true, you should probably decline.
However, there is one way you can get your first client. In fact, you may be sitting on a goldmine for clients and not know it. Here’s how to become a freelance writer with no experience, and how to get your first client.
The power of your network
“The richest people in the world look for and build networks, everyone else looks for work. Marinate on that for a minute.” — Robert Kiyosaki
People need people. Without someone else, you can’t make a sale. It’s a personal or professional connection that could get us into a room, get funding, help us when our internet breaks down, and support us when we start our new venture. Your network can turn almost any endeavor into early success.
If you are new to freelancing, your network is one of the best ways to get your first — or next — client. For instance, In casual conversation with a family member, I mentioned that I was looking for another client, preferably in the medical niche.
She connected me to one of her close friends, a dermatologist.
That turned into some lucrative, long-term work.
The dermatologist, in turn, even recommended me to one of her peers.
That’s the power of your network. The bigger the size and higher the quality of your network, the bigger the chances of success.
Your network is the key to starting and growing your freelance business.
Post this simple blurb on social media
Your social media following is your biggest and best network. People follow you because they know you, like you, and want to keep up with your life. And there are a few who would love to help you if they can.
For now, the size of your following does not matter.
It just takes one person.
If they don’t become your first client themselves, they can direct you to someone looking for your services. This works best on LinkedIn, but it will work on Facebook and Twitter too. This step is crucial to learning how to become a freelance writer with no experience.
Open a new post and write these few lines:
Hey Everyone,
I want to let you in on something.
I run a freelance [writing/editing/web design/funnel building] business.
Through [your particular method] I help [ideal clients] with [result].
A spot has opened up and I’m taking on a new client right now.
If you’re looking to [increase reach/redesign website/improve rankings/get started with content marketing] let’s connect.
Comment “interested” so we can talk more over DM. If you know someone who may be interested, tag them below.
This message positions you as someone confident and ready to take on your first client. These few lines could be exactly what someone in your network needed to see. Or someone would come to mind, and they would tag them.
Extra points if you can start messaging the contacts on your phone. Extra, extra points if you can create a video message instead.
Anyone who gets tagged, ask the person in your network via a DM for an introduction.
In short order, you’ll have your first paying client!
Don’t forget to say thank you
Were you successful with landing your first client though your social media ask?
Then that’s a cause for celebration.
Make sure to post an update thanking the people who helped and the person who decided to work with you.
Your network would love the success story, and they would keep you in mind for the future.
Remember, networking is 50/50.
Don’t hesitate to help someone in need.
Final Thoughts
Finding your first client is difficult. You’re putting yourself out there and trusting that you can deliver, and the person pays for the service. However, through tapping your network, that anxiety dissipates significantly.
You’ll be working with someone you know or someone you met through a mutual friend.
And you’ll be motivated to get things right.
That’s the type of first client I can vibe with.
So many of us hate to ask, but it’s the only way we’ll get what we want.
Are you willing to put yourself out there and ask?
That’s how to become a freelance writer with no experience. And once you’ve started, you’ll find these 10 tips super useful.
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