|
If youre a freelance writer, then you are probably abhorred at the rates offered nowadays - especially for web content.
BUT, as I advise freelancers all the time, what clients are willing to pay you is based on your value to them - not your talent.
Following are three reasons freelance writers are underpaid, and what they can do to turn the tide.
1. Everyone Can Do It: "If you know your ABCs you can write, right?" This is the attitude of many when it comes to freelance writing.
"Whats so hard about it?"
"Why does it cost that much for a simple brochure?"
"My secretary can do that for me."
You may have run across these - and many other sentiments - about freelance writing.
So, how do you combat this "anyone can do what you do" attitude?
Solution: Do a freebie. I know many freelancers are against this, but when I say freebie, I dont mean an entire project - but a sample
version.
Clients with this type of attitude are ones youve probably solicited; they probably havent sought you out simply because they dont
realize how much they need your services.
As for doing a freebie, you might take one page from their website and rewrite it. Theres nothing like comparing a professionally
prepared piece of copy to a amateurs version. The difference will be clearly visible.
Ive gotten many clients this way. Id approach them about redoing their web copy, for example and have gone on to rewrite a lot of
their sales aids - primarily brochures and direct mail pieces like postcards.
Even if they dont realize the value of your work right then, trust me, they will store that nugget away for future use. Ive been contacted
by clients two or three years later whove kept my samples on file.
2. Misjudging Projects: As in, most freelancers dont know how to judge a project, so they make the mistake of undercharging -
usually for fear of losing the assignment altogether. This happens to experienced and inexperienced freelancers alike. Why?
It can happen for a myriad of reasons, eg, because clients sometimes change the parameters of a project in mid-stream; its a type of
writing youve never done before in-depth; clients request add-ons (eg, a newsletter in addition to the brochure), etc.
Rather than offend a client, risk losing a project or stopping to renegotiate mid-stream, many will just finish the project and vow never
to work for that client again.
Solution: Get as many details about the project up front. For years I used a spec sheet for my projects. What is a spec sheet?
Simply a questionnaire for each type of project that comes in.
If it was an editing project, I might ask the following:
What style of editing?
How many pages?
Are changes to be made on hard copy or right into the electronic document? If on hard copy, should they be transferred to the
electronic copy?
Due date?
This is a basic, general overview. Some projects can be really detailed, especially writing projects. So you want to find out as much
as you can.
Sometimes youll get a client who has no idea what he wants, so ask for samples of sites/writing/graphics, etc. that theyve seen that
they like.
TIP: Let clients know that while your intake may seem a bit tedious, youve found that the m ore information they provide up front, the
better you can deliver what they want without a lot of back and forth.
Ive found that pre-qualifying clients in this manner does three things: i) it lets them know that youre a professional; and ii) it helps
them clarify what they want; and iii) it shows (without you saying a word) how much work actually goes into what you do.
3. Fear of Losing a Client: As I alluded to above, many freelancers fear that they will lose a job if they quote a price too high, so what
they often do is undercharge.
Most small business owners suffer from the same problem - this is not a freelance writing problem, its a small business problem.
Solution: Show clients your worth. How? For example, if they contact you and want a brochure done, you might ask:
"Will this also be in downloadable form on your website? The reason I need to know is that writing for the web is different than a direct
mail piece. Knowing how you plan to use the piece will help me optimize its uses to fit your purposes."
Its up to you to prove your worth to clients, not for them to be intrinsically aware of it. This means constantly selling you and your
worth -- which has less to do with your writing ability, than your sales ability.
Good luck!
May be reprinted with the following, in full: Yuwanda Black is the publisher of http://www.InkwellEditorial.com : THE business portal
for and about the editorial and creative industries. Start a freelance writing career in 30 Days or Less -- Guaranteed! How? Via
InkwellEditorial.coms freelance writing e-course. This 5-part e-course will help you start a profitable freelance writing career in no time.
Log onto InkwellEditorial.com for full details.
|
|
