Now more than ever, freelance writers have greater access to companies looking for their services. A freelance writer interested in expanding his or her client list can log on to a social networking site and chat with members (and, in some cases, "fans") of an organization. Facebook and Twitter are especially helpful in this area. Here are a few tips on how to find new clients using these two websites.
Find Freelance Writing Clients Using Twitter
The great part about Twitter is it allows writers instant access to various employees of an organization. Writers can do a Twitter search for the company's name to see if it is on Twitter, and immediately follow and interact with a member of the organization.
Freelancers should spend some time interacting with the company before approaching them for a job. Find out what types of things they tweet about. Do they write their own promotional articles? Tweet about news events related to their area of business? If writers can discover their "tweet personality" it will help them determine how to pitch a job that will be met with a favorable response.
If a company is not on Twitter, it could be one area writers can pitch their expertise. After all, being a freelancer today is more than just writing articles. Many writers have become experts in promoting their online writing or getting new visitors to their blog. This knowledge could be a potential help with an organization lacking in this area.
Find Freelance Writing Clients Using Facebook
Facebook has a very different feel and purpose. Whereas Twitter is about quick interaction, links, and conversation, Facebook allows for a more casual relationship with an organization. Writers can view photos or videos a company may post, links they share, and fans or employees who write on their walls. All this information can help freelancers get to know a company on a much deeper level than if they had simply visited their website.
The more knowledge a writer has, the better able he or she will be in pitching their services. While on Facebook, determine how the company interacts with its followers. Is there an area that seems to be missing? For example, does the company fail to respond to user comments? Lack photos or videos that could connect them with their ideal customer? Are they up on news events that their customers may be interested in?
Facebook also has the ability for a company to post pages or blog items. If an organization is lacking in this area, it could be one area they might need a freelance writer's assistance. Determine what types of items are being posted. Are postings done on at regular intervals? If not it could mean that the company is in need of a dedicated freelancer to help them. Read through everything on their Facebook site before making a pitch.
Facebook and Twitter allow for increased interaction with a company long before working with them. Finding out how companies use social networking tools can work to a freelance writer's advantage. When writers have enough information where they feel comfortable making a pitch, they should always be respectful in their approach and method. Doing so can make them invaluable to a company who might not have even realized it needed their help.
Cherie Burbach - Cherie Burbach writes about dating, relationships, health, sports, and lifestyle. She's the author of eleven books and ebooks.
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