Learn how to get more clients as a freelancing writer. I’ve interviewed for 10,000 hours, both as a writer and as someone who has hired and interviewed other freelancers.
The interview is a crucial part of getting a client to say “yes”.
Here are five tips to help freelance writers ace an interview and get more clients.
Interview Tip # 1: Prepare for a client call by doing some light research and preparation
I am rarely able to take on new projects. Every week, I schedule 2-4 discovery calls (free 30-minute calls with prospective clients) with people who need my help. While I cannot do extensive research before every call, I still review any documents or links that my potential clients send me.
While you don’t have to dig deep into a client’s background before you approach them, you should still be able to speak about their project and why you’re excited by what they are doing.
Try to find something in common when you are on the phone with clients. It could be something as simple as a common interest, a similar industry or aims. You could have a small thing in common, such as the fact that they are a cat lover and need someone to ghostwrite their memoir on how working at an Animal Shelter changed their life.
You might appear overzealous or desperate if you conduct too much research. Don’t go overboard. Follow your curiosity and learn about what they are working on. Keep in mind that this is a discovery call.
Tip # 2: As a freelance writer, don’t take rejection personally
It’s amazing how many people I’ve met who were initially polite and nice, only to become rude and mean when they received the standard rejection email: “thanks for your interview but unfortunately you are not right for this position, and I will keep you in my mind for future jobs.”
It’s important to realize that it is not about you. You’re not the best fit for this client, project, or job. If the company retains your information, it may turn out to be an offer in the future. But don’t expect anything.
If you are rejected as a freelancer by an interviewer, thank them for their time and move on.
You wouldn’t believe how many “lectures” freelancers have given me who took rejection personally. They send me emails that are five paragraphs long (an immediate red flag) about how they’re wrong, misunderstood, or too good for the role.
Do not try to intimidate the person who rejected your application into accepting you. That is a bad idea. Just breathe, shake off what happened, and move forward. You don’t know who they are, who could be a potential contact, or who might receive your portfolio or information.
Tip # 3: Be Confident in Your writing and process when answering questions
It’s okay for you to feel nervous before making a phone call. I was nervous about potential clients calling me at the beginning of my career so that I could understand.
You can help by understanding the questions that clients ask.
If a client asks you, “What types of copywriting deliverables are you most proficient at?” they’re looking to find out if you can create the type of copy that they’re paying a writer to produce for them. You can then share your past experiences relevant to the project with the client and get the job.
Confidence is key: Your experience is worth sharing. Remember that interviewing requires practice. The more you practice it, the better you will become at explaining what you are good at and how you could help your client.
Tip #4: Paid test tasks are not a sure thing
Freelancing’s nature is based on the fact that there is no such thing as a guarantee. Your clients will also benefit from your flexibility. I’ve seen projects get off to a roaring start, only for them to disappear before I had logged a single minute of work.
When you first start as a freelance writer, it’s hard to accept the inconsistent nature of the work.
Clients will often ask you to complete a trial task or first paid assignment in order to see how well you work with them. It’s what I also do when I hire freelancers. Paid tests — and first assignments, in general — do not promise a long-term client relationship or that the project will be completed.
As a freelancer, these early assignments will also help you determine if you like working with clients. Both sides are tested!
As I said in tip 2, you mustn’t take it personally when you are rejected after the first task or test. After the test task, I ended relationships with freelancers. I then received a 10-paragraph essay describing how I am a bad person and why I didn’t work with them. Or a sharp response with a virtual temper tantrum.
Listen to me, everyone: I know that it is hard out there. I’m a freelancer, too. When I first started, it was exhausting trying to get my business off the ground and do all the work. But burning bridges won’t get you anywhere. I recommend graphic designers, writers and other freelancers from my world to clients, friends and founders. I also help freelance writers find work through my curated job boards. I know it’s hard to get leads. I love sharing business with freelancers. I think they are cool and do great work.
Do your best with test tasks, but remember that even if you do not get the job, it is still a good thing! You were not the right fit. It’s better to know this now than go so far into a project with a client and end up failing to deliver what they wanted.
Expectations should be low when you are negotiating with new clients. Let them surprise you by choosing to hire or rehire you for a job well done.
Let go of the resentment that you may have felt for not being chosen. You don’t want to carry that around: Make room for the good and let go of what is bad.
Tip #5 – Continue to Improve Your Customer Service Skills As a Freelancer
It’s not just about having an impressive portfolio. You have to be someone people want to work with.
Anybody who claims that their “work” speaks for itself doesn’t realize the importance of being able to understand what clients need. You can’t just focus on your work. You have to tailor it to what the client wants.
In interviews with potential customers, you should show your work process and how you interact with clients. You also need to demonstrate that you are a good collaborator for their project.
Super-talented freelancers are not the highest earners. If you miss deadlines or are difficult to deal with, then it is best to find another way to monetize your skills.
Freelancing is ultimately a decision. The client decides whether to hire you or not. No one is obligated to you other than a polite bow. You can choose to return to your 9-to-5 job or pursue a more solo endeavour (like creating and selling art or e-books) if this is not for you.
If you are sitting across from me on a Zoom call for an interview, I am excited to hear about your freelance experience and possibly find a way to collaborate. Let’s keep up the positive vibes, everyone.
