If you know me, you know that I’m all about paying it forward. When I launched my freelance writing career six years ago, other freelancers helped me learn the ropes. And since then, I’ve made countless connections with other freelancers who help me keep going every day. In fact, that’s why my partner and I co-founded The WM Freelance Writers Connection, a free one-stop career resource for our fellow freelance writers.
That’s why today’s post is for you, my fellow freelance writers. Are you satisfied with your current freelance writing income, or do you find yourself treading water between jobs? When some writers find themselves struggling financially between the high-paying gigs, they just shrug their shoulders and figure that’s part of the deal when it comes to the freelance life. But I’m here to tell you, if you ‘put on your thinking cap’, you can help fill in the gaps between the dream gigs.
One easy way to do this is to offer writing-related add on services in your freelance writing business.
Think about all of the things you do for your freelance business. Which things do you enjoy? Which things do people ask you for advice about? Which things do you think other people need help with?
As freelancers, we naturally develop other skills along the way, whether through working with our clients or just in producing and promoting our own work. If you develop (or already have) a particular gift for a writing-related service, you might consider adding it to your list of offered services. Not only can it increase your marketability, but it can increase your overall income. Plus, if you’re anything like me, you’ll be doing something you love–and getting paid. What more could you ask for?
While every freelance writer is different, here are ten ideas for related services you might consider offering to help increase your income:
- Editing
- Proofreading
- Website Design and/or Maintenance
- Social Networking
- Marketing
- Teaching Classes or Workshops
- Mentoring (other writers)
- Business Consulting
- SEO/SEM Services
- Administrative Support or Representation
You can also offer specialty writing, based on your own knowledge and experience. You might include specific genres, topics, kinds of documents (newsletters, whitepapers, etc), speeches, press releases, and more. Be sure that you advertise these services honestly–don’t claim to be an expert at underwater basket weaving unless you actually are.
Are you looking for other ways to increase your freelance writing income?
If so, you might be interested in attending the How to Make Good Money Writing Online webinar I’ll be co-presenting with Carol Tice, author of Make a Living Writing, on May 24. Get the details here!
Related articles
- 5 Tips to Improve Your Online Writing Income (wmfreelancewritersconnection.com)
- Writer’s Aid: Freelance Writing Job Openings for the Week of May 9 (wmfreelancewritersconnection.com)
- Exciting Announcement: New Forum for Freelance Writers! (angelaatkinson.com)
