Market Research for Freelance Writers | Marketing | Writing Forum

Jenn is the best person to listen to, but I'll tell you what worked for me. First, you have to decide whether or not you are going to specialize in something–which you definitely, definitely should. But don't just think about specializing in terms of writing–think about your knowledge and experience as part of what you're selling. Because knowledge and experience are easier to sell and harder for other writers to compete with. Writing–puh-leaze. Tons of people can do that. But writing about nano-baboon muscle technology with a focus on irradiated weaponry and sun gadgets? Girl, that's all you.

Once you know your specialty, you'll immediately know who your clients are–people who will benefit from a knowledgeable professional writing about nano-baboon muscle technology with a focus on irradiated weaponry and sun gadgets. And you find them not with a list, but by going where those types of people hang out, and by starting a targeted marketing campaign (and that could be where your phone book comes in).

You'll also be better able to find your competitors. If they have posted rates, you can compare their experience and rates with what you're thinking of charging. Also, take a look at their clients. If they are writing for properties known to be populated by content mill content, you'll get a sense of how realistic their rates are and what kind of competition they might be. If they don't have rates, you can look at trade magazine rates within your specialty, union averages, and you can connect with people in your industry to see if they can find out what marketing managers pay contractors (which can also help you get clients).

Now, I gotta go get my baboon forearm out of deep freeze and get to work. Later

Edited to state that I noticed you already said you were going to specialize--in which case I personally would not look for competitors by searching a generic "freelance writers in Phoenix" term. First, location doesn't matter. Second, when you specialize, as I said, you are selling more than writing--you're selling expertise. So comparing rates with a generalist doesn't matter. I would keep your competitor searches to general terms that your own clients might use to find you--and leave location.

Thank you both for the advice!  It gives me a fantastic place to start and maybe get some new clients by the end of the month. 

Evelyn – yes, I've already decided to go with a specialty.  I'm thinking business web content, eBooks, and blogs in the gardening niche.  I've had a lot of experience in that area and I like helping others find their way around the topic.  (In all honesty, I originally wanted something to do with science fiction and fantasy, where my fiction skills and my passion lie, maybe in the gaming industry, but I've had zero success there – they all get turned off by the fact that I'm a woman and therefore must not really be a hardcore fan).  So, according to your advice, I should then start looking for gardening groups, landscape developers, nurseries, etc.? 

As for location, I'm confused.  Is this another disagreement between freelancers, as Jenn pointed out in another post?  I've read that location doesn't matter – like you've said – but also that location does matter since local clients are often the most lucrative. 

Jen – I've already seen the benefit to social networking.  And I'm being good by actually trying to get to know the people I "meet" this way and not just spamming their feeds with "hire me" posts. 

Jessica Marcarelli said:

Thank you both for the advice!  It gives me a fantastic place to start and maybe get some new clients by the end of the month. 

 

Evelyn – yes, I've already decided to go with a specialty.  I'm thinking business web content, eBooks, and blogs in the gardening niche.  I've had a lot of experience in that area and I like helping others find their way around the topic.  (In all honesty, I originally wanted something to do with science fiction and fantasy, where my fiction skills and my passion lie, maybe in the gaming industry, but I've had zero success there – they all get turned off by the fact that I'm a woman and therefore must not really be a hardcore fan).  So, according to your advice, I should then start looking for gardening groups, landscape developers, nurseries, etc.? 

 

As for location, I'm confused.  Is this another disagreement between freelancers, as Jenn pointed out in another post?  I've read that location doesn't matter – like you've said – but also that location does matter since local clients are often the most lucrative. 

 

Jen – I've already seen the benefit to social networking.  And I'm being good by actually trying to get to know the people I "meet" this way and not just spamming their feeds with "hire me" posts. 

I think sometimes, too many generalizations are thrown around in the freelancing world. You have to find the best way for YOU to find high paying clients, and that could mean going local, regional or global. You also have to think about your business.

For comparing rates, I would NOT just look locally simply because your local clients are not tied to only using a local freelancer--so I'd look at ALL freelancers in your specialty. When looking for clients, you have  to choose the kind of business you want to have. Personally, I would stab myself in the eye with toenails found in the local trash heap before tying my location to my work because I HATE going to meetings. Hate dressing up and hate being accessible. Hell, I don't even want tot alk on the phone with clients. But that's me.

The way to make the most money and have the best career is to figure out what you like by trying lots of different things and then tweaking your approach.

LOL When I was reading blogs in my feed reader yesterday, I saw a post where someone basically said you can't succeed as a freelance writer if you don't do face to face meetings, dress in something other than PJs, etc. I laughed my ass off and said "you keep thinking that sweetie." Some of the most successful freelancers I know dress like bums, don't do meetings, and don't do anything locally. That's not to say other freelancers should take that approach. It's just another example of the kind of assumptions and bad "advice" you'll find about freelancing. As long as you don't undervalue yourself or embrace something that could permanently tarnish your professional image, you can do just about anything you want. You just have to make sure you have a plan in place so it actually helps you toward your goals.

Well, I do get out of my PJs, but I have no local clients and my only face-to-face occurs once a year when I go back to my old San Diego stomping grounds. Good to know success means clothes and latte. 

Well, that makes you a bigger success than me then! I'll take comfy "failure" over the other option most days. And hey. If this is failure, I think I'm good with it.

I should be such a failure.