Shift Your Strategy to Make More Money Writing

By Susan Carter

It’s become common practice to search for writing opportunities online. After all, it’s easy to do from the comfort of your own computer, and there are dozens of sites listing available projects. The trouble is that you’re usually competing with 20, 30 or sometimes hundreds of other writers from across the globe for the same
project. And, if you’re using a bidding site, it doesn’t take long before someone is bidding so low that you can’t AFFORD to win the project!

If you want to make more money, increase your chances of getting the work, and build potential for repeat business from the same client(s), then it’s time to shift your strategy and take your search offline. It is rare to find online opportunities that pay as well as offline work.
Here are three quick tips to get you started:

1.  Do your homework.

Choose a handful of local businesses –preferably those you already frequent – and conduct a little research. For example, let’ssay you target a small retail business. Check out the website. Browse the store. Make small talk with the owner. Then think of ways you can be of
benefit to that business. Is the website poorly written? Do they have a newsletter or ezine? If so, can it be improved? If not, determine how it
would benefit the business to start one. What kind of advertising do they do?

2.  Present yourself as an asset.

Good writers help businesses do better by producing materials like great ads, intriguing rticles, and informational newsletters, ezines,
or booklets that bring more people in the door. When you demonstrate how you can be an asset to the business, you increase your chances of getting work.

3.  Over deliver.

When you get the job, make sure you do the best job possible and strive to over deliver whenever you can. Small business owners talk to
each other. The potential for word-of-mouth referrals from a few happy clients—as well more business from them in the future—is the
jumpstart that can launch your writing career.

About the Author: Susan Carter is an author, editor and independent publisher of books to help small business owners and aspiring writers thrive in the competitive marketplace. Get more articles and tips like this by signing up for the weekly Monday Muse at www.writerprofits.com