Leveraging Former Freelance Employers as Hidden Opportunities
Keep Your Old Writing Gigs Hot: A Proactive Guide for Freelancers
Got a gallery of past freelance writing jobs under your belt? Don't ignore 'em! Here's how to bring them back to life or use those connections to snag new ones:
1. Ping Your Past Clients, personally.
Shoot 'em a friendly email to see how they're doing, and keep your antennae tuned for any potential changes in their business or enterprise.
If their previous point of contact has moved on, no sweat! Introduce yourself to the new manager and try to build a professional bond. By rekindling contacts, you prove yourself as a reliable and caring freelancer who genuinely cares about their success.
2. Drop the hint about your availability.
Hey, you need to eat, too! Don't be bashful about announcing new openings in your schedule, but tread carefully. You don't want to sound pushy or desperate. Keep it casual and straightforward, like, "I'm currently accepting new writing jobs. If interested, drop me a line!" Since your past clients already know you, there's no need for them to check your public site or social media posts.
Even if they don't need a new gig at the moment, they might pencil you in for an upcoming project.
3. Lob them a tailor-made pitch.
For instance, if you wrote articles for a newsletter last year, hit up that client and suggest the same project again. Is there something happening in the news that resonates with their field? Pitch a thought leadership article to tie their company with current events. Got a client with a product or service with a high seasonal demand? Offer a project to help them seize the opportunity.
Clients don't just want freelancers; they want problem-solvers! Arm yourself with a strategy and you'll raise your chances of landing a paying gig.
4. Ask for their connections.
Referrals are like gold for freelance writers since most opportunities aren't advertised. Why wait for someone to toss you a bone? Reach out to your former clients, remind them of your current availability, and inquire if they have any connections who might need your services. Know someone who's dying for a discount? Offer one! A 20% off on a return client's next order might encourage your client to book a new gig and refer a friend along the way.
5. Extend a limited-time offer.
If your past clients are hesitant but intrigued, consider offering a one-time discount to sweeten the deal. For example, how about a 10% off for clients who return after a 6-month hiatus? But remember, use promotions sparingly! Clients might hold off on ordering if they think they can score a discount later. So leverage this tactic wisely.
If you're new to freelancing, discounts can be an effective tool, but seasoned writers might not want to dilute their rates. Save the sale-a-thon for when you're in a pinch.
How have you landed new freelance writing projects with your old clients? Got a story or advice to share? Drop it in the comments!
Note: Originally posted on May 3, 2011. Updated and re-published on its current listed publication date.
Enrichment Insights:
Turn over a new leaf with your former freelance clients by employing tailored strategies that convey professionalism and genuine respect. Here's how to engage your past clients effectively:
1. Send a Personalized and Caring Message**
- Utilize email as your primary medium, and express your concern for their well-being
- Remember the Past: Revisit past collaborations and share your interest in their current challenges
- Examples:
- "I hope you’re doing well! Loved working on [past project together]. How’s business lately?"
- "It was a pleasure working with you on [project]. I’ve just expanded my services in [area]. Would you be interested in discussing potential new opportunities?"
2. Offer Value Right Away**
- Deliver relevant articles, tips, or insights that benefit their industry or current projects
- Overdeliver on minor tasks by sending a recap or summary of trends or content ideas
3. Make it Easy for Them to Respond**
- Propose a Time or Meeting: Suggest a specific call or meeting time and come prepared with questions about their current needs
- Example: "Let's hop on a call next Tuesday at 2pm to chat about potential writing projects!"
- Example questions: "How's business going? Anything I can help with?"
- Keep the Tone warm, casual, and professional
4. Keep in Touch Regularly**
- Make the first move, especially during industry trends or seasonal opportunities that align with their business
- Stay away from busy periods when they're fully booked
5. Optimize With Tools and Planning
- Schedule Meetings With Ease: Use tools like Calendly to streamline scheduling conversations
- Forecast Your Availability: Inform clients about your upcoming availability or any planned breaks to address potential issues before you go offline
- Revisit your past freelance clients, send a personalized email expressing concern and inquiring about their well-being, and remind them of your past collaborations.
- Offer value immediately by sending relevant articles, tips, or insights tailored to their industry or current projects.
- Propose a specific call or meeting time with your client, come prepared with questions about their current needs, and maintain a warm, casual, and professional tone throughout your conversation.
- Stay in touch regularly by reaching out during industry trends or seasonal opportunities that align with their business, avoiding busy periods when they are fully booked.
- Utilize tools like Calendly to make scheduling conversations easier, and inform clients about your upcoming availability or planned breaks to avoid any potential issues when you are offline.
