Are you a writer whose work is not seen at all or enough? If “Yes”, then know this: taking action is the only way to get them to those eager eyes that’ll appreciate your work. Writing has become a saturated niche overflowing with incredible talents and capacities. However, getting seen and asserting your high level of expertise to potential clients or brands is necessary and possible when you promote your writing skills.
This act is called self-promotion. Idiomatically, the expression that suitably explains the term is the one of “tooting your own horn”. But in simple words, self-promotion is the act of talking about oneself to another so as to communicate value and distinction.
As a writer, self-promotion is a must-have soft skill needed to navigate the saturated niche and attract clients.
If you're interested in hacking self-promotion and perfectly executing it, this article will provide you with 8 practical steps that will help communicate your value and distinction as a writer to potential clients or brands.
Now, the steps:
1. BUILD A STRONG PERSONAL BRAND
A strong personal brand will help set your tone in the writing industry, establish authority and ultimately, unlock the opportunities you desire. To kick start a strong personal brand agenda leverage on social media. Begin with choosing a platform where your target audience can be found, then optimize your profile, follow other writers in your niche, and finally share writing samples, opinion pieces, and insights with your targeted audience. You shouldn’t stop there but also authentically engage your audience and fellow writers.
2. SHOWCASE YOUR EXPERTISE
Showcasing your expertise could be starting a blog to share knowledge and insights on topics related to your niche. Submitting and getting published in industry magazines/ blogs and speaking at conferences or webinars to further demonstrate your expertise and create an unforgettable impression.
3. NETWORK AUTHENTICALLY
The writing industry is so big on networking. A writer cannot write in a vacuum but needs to seek out, read, and consult with other writers. Networking takes place when you attend industry events — this will bring you into face-to-face interactions with writers editors, and even potential clients. Additionally, joining online writing communities opens you to discussions and an avenue to share your work. Lastly, leverage your existing network by continuously reminding them about your writing services and urging their patronage/ recommendations.
4. OFFER FREE VALUABLE CONTENT
Internet users are always on the lookout for the next valuable content. Identifying your target audience and knowing your strengths beforehand will help you understand their needs and interests and be sure you can offer them content that focuses on providing value and solving their problems. A Facebook user, Nonso Onyejemezi has garnered a great following for his business and core life hacks. The advantages of offering free valuable content are assured visibility, positive feedback, referrals, and a trusted reputation.
5. BUILD RELATIONSHIPS WITH CLIENTS
As a writer, one satisfied client can take your writing career to a bigger level. So you should try to deliver high-quality work on time and within budget to each client (overcharging is unprofessional and image-destructive). Furthermore, in the face of being unable to deliver a task at a scheduled date, remember to maintain open and transparent communication with your clients and not ghost them.
6. UTILIZE ONLINE JOB PLATFORMS
Explore freelance platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, Indeed, LinkedIn, etc. These places serve as ground level to building direct client relationships since you basically communicate your values to them while applying or pitching for a writing role.
7. STAY AWARE OF TRENDS
Stay aware of trends by authentically networking with writer peers, reading thought leaders, and researching the industry to catch a whiff of the latest writing tools, styles, and techniques. And it doesn’t stop there, staying aware makes it possible to sell your services competitively according to the current rates and not be on the receiving end of underpayment.
8. UPSKILL
Nowadays, writing has evolved from melodious sentences and flowery words. Modern writers are expected to be equipped with many subset skills like SEO knowledge, editorial skills, social media skills, and research competency to achieve great writing and eventually most-read reading materials. So expanding your skill set will help you to offer a wider range of services when the cases surface and erase career limitations.
Finally,
Though saturated, the writing industry is one of the most profitable industries in the corporate world. As a writer looking to create a watermark in this space, the best and most cost-effective way is by self-promotion. By following these steps and incorporating them, you are on your way to effectively promote your writing skills and becoming a hirable writer. But remember, success takes time and effort. Happy writing!
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