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One of the inherent challenges of freelancing is finding work. Reaching out to prospective new clients through introductions or warm leads is less anxiety-inducing than cold pitching, but when you’re first starting out it’s often a mix of the two.
There are numerous freelance job sites you can keep an eye on, or you can sign up to newsletters that feature gigs (like the one you’re reading!). Then there’s cold pitching companies or publications you’d love to write for, or being introduced to leads by your network. But what other ways are there to look for work?
I’ve mentioned this one in a newsletter a few weeks ago, but first off;
Check your country’s job sites
You’d be surprised what leads you can find by finding full-time marketing positions and see if any of the tasks outlined include dealing with freelance writers. If yes, write/pitch to the company a few months after the ad closes, to allow for the company to onboard their new hire.
Go through company newsletters you signed up for
Chances are you’ve signed up to newsletters on topics that you’re interested in and to receive news from companies you like. If you’re looking for new places to pitch, those newsletters give you valuable insight into the happenings within those companies, which can help you draft a better and more insightful pitch.
Check out the newsletter with great resources for freelance writers for additional places to find work.
Like what you’re reading?
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This week’s great reads
I think it’s important to read widely, so you can expect to find a broad range of topics in this list every week:
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Freelance/contracting jobs opportunities
Cold pitching companies and publications you’d love to write for is a great way to grow your confidence and your network, but if you’re keen on “warmer” leads - here are a few opportunities I found.
Note: I try to only include opportunities that are decent and well-paid. However, more often than not rates, unfortunately, aren’t discussed in the call for pitches/writers. You can check Who Pays Writers? or Contently’s freelance rates database to see if the publication or organisation is listed and what they tend to pay.
That’s it for this week’s WordCount! If you’ve enjoyed reading this edition, please feel free to share it with fellow freelance writers. Or have a look at last week’s newsletter.