Most writing gig platforms cheat writers out of their hard-earned money and they also cater to low ball clients—many who refuse to pay for solid content. Many of these writing gig platforms charge writers an outrageous fee and offer underpaying writing gigs. I will not mention them by name, but you know who they are—the ones that offer to pay $5 for a 500 words article.

You may be starting out and maybe you just want some extra work but writing gig platforms are usually not going to be your best choice. Instead, I am going to discuss a few ways to get started as a new copywriter or get additional work—without a writing gig platform.

Here’s how to stop writing for next to nothing:

Network Online and Offline

Technology makes it easy to network online through social media. If you prefer face-to-face interaction, join your local Chamber of Commerce or other business networking groups.

Advertise Your Writing Services

You can do this easily and for free on social media. You can also post an ad on social media. The money you spend on an ad will have a far bigger return on your investment versus paying a writing gig platform.

Create a Newsletter

This is an easy and inexpensive great way to stay in touch with new and loyal customers. Popular newsletter software sites such as Mailchimp and Constant Content make it fun to create simple newsletters you can send to everyone on your contacts list. Build your contact list by networking online and offline.

Upsell to Loyal Clients

When you have created content to the same client, it is time to upsell. This is an excellent business model successfully used by leading organizations. Consider this—when ordering at McDonald’s, or any other fast food, don’t they almost always offer an additional meal item? They understand the concept that it is easier to sell more to a loyal customer than trying to get new customers. That is not to say you should not try to get new customers, but do not overlook the ones you already have. Always offer additional writing services that are relevant to your client. You would be surprised how often they say they were thinking of what you offered!

Send Direct Mail

To increase the odds in your favor reach out to your intended recipient first via email, in person networking or by phone. You can also make it irresistible by including a bumpy novelty in the envelope. A good example is to include an inexpensive pen with your logo. It might just pique their curiosity and that might be enough to get to a prospect open the envelope.

Make the (Cold) Call

Call a company you would like to offer your copywriting services. Reach out to the communications or marketing manager and be ready to pitch your copywriting services to companies. Do a little research and check out their existing web site so you can describe how your content will attract new customers. Persistence can really pay off here.

Offer Free, Informative Downloads

Create a well-written “how-to” article with advice or tips. Keep it short (350 words) and to the point. Post it on your website as a free download in exchange for which you capture their email address. You can also create a white paper about the value of your copywriting service. This goes far in demonstrating the benefits to companies that hire you. This is one of the easiest and fastest ways to build a great marketing list and branding yourself as a copywriting pro.

Create Your Own Press Release

You can make great money writing a press releases (PR), but you first must learn how to write them. The great thing about PRs is that there are countless reasons to write a PR for a client or even for your own writing business—from a new service to a new office. Write about your expertise in a subject and how you can help others with your content. Read press releases in major online or offline newspapers to view the proper form. With a quick online search, you can find many free online press release templates and platforms on which you can write and submit your press release. 

A Final Word

Get off the guinea pig wheel and make the money that you deserve. It is far better to be proactive than reactive. That is the difference between the writer who is making a decent living versus the one slaving away to barely make it. It is all about being proactive instead of reactive. When you take these pro-active steps, you are demonstrating that not only can you write, but know how to sell your services. And that is exactly what clients care about most and want to see in action.

Like the articles? Check back often, follow us and share this digital publication.