How can you use your network to generate leads for your writing services?

1 Identify your ideal clients

Before you start contacting your network, it is essential to have a clear understanding of who your ideal clients are and what type of writing projects you want to work on. This will help you narrow down your list of contacts and craft messages that meet their needs and goals. To help you get started, consider the following questions: What industry or niche do you specialize in or want to write for? What kind of writing services do you offer or want to offer (e.g., blog posts, web copy, newsletters, ebooks, etc.)? What are the main benefits and outcomes that your writing services can provide for your clients? And what are the common pain points or challenges that your ideal clients face and how can your writing services help them solve them?

2 Update your online presence

Once you have identified your ideal clients, it's essential to ensure that your online presence reflects your personal brand and writing skills. This includes your website, portfolio, social media profiles, and any other platforms where you can share your work and connect with your network. To update your online presence, create a professional website that highlights your writing services, portfolio, testimonials, and contact details. Additionally, optimize your social media profiles with relevant keywords, hashtags, and links to your website and portfolio. You should also share valuable and engaging content that showcases your knowledge, skills, and personality - this could include blog posts, articles, case studies, tips, insights, stories or anything else related to your niche and audience. Finally, engage with your network by liking, commenting on, sharing and replying to their posts - this will help you stay in their minds and build rapport.

3 Reach out to your network

Now that you have identified your ideal clients and updated your online presence, you can start reaching out to your network and letting them know about your writing services. It is important to be genuine, helpful, and respectful when doing so. You should offer value, build trust, and spark interest instead of sounding like you are begging for work or spamming them with unsolicited pitches. To reach out to your network, send personalized emails or messages to contacts who fit your ideal client profile or who might know someone who does. Explain who you are, what you do, and how you can help them or their connections with their writing needs. Include a link to your website or portfolio and ask if they are interested or if they can refer you to someone who is. Additionally, share testimonials or case studies from previous or current clients on social media platforms. Tag them if possible and thank them for their feedback and support. This will help showcase results, credibility, and appreciation. Lastly, ask for referrals from satisfied clients or contacts who have worked with you or know your work. Offer an incentive or a reward for their referrals such as a discount, bonus, or freebie.