I'm still amazed at how many freelance writers are operating without a website. I understand how this can be a business you can fall into unintentionally. Maybe you lost your job, or get laid off, and happily started freelancing to make ends meet. Before you know it, you have a rotation of regular clients. Still, at some point, you've got to make the transition from "accidental freelancer" to a business if you plan to make any real money as a freelance writer.
I know there are a gazillion freelance writers websites out there. So why am I making such a big deal about having a web presence? You could just continue applying for freelance writing jobs and emailing your resume and samples. You still get jobs, so is it really that big of a deal. Yes it is, and here's why:
Your website or blog can be a valuable promotional tool
It tells your clients about you and the services you provide. It shows them that you are a professional business and that you take freelancing seriously. Learn a few optimization tricks and you can increase your ranking with the search engines.
Your website helps others find you
There may be thousands of websites on the Internet, but never underestimate the fact that you might stand out among them to a potential client. I was recently contacted out of the blue by a client for a publishing project we are in the process of negotiating. I might have completely missed out on this opportunity otherwise.
Your website is an easy way to share information
When I market my services, or respond to job offers that require samples, I can easily provide the link to my portfolio and rate card information. It's a lot easier than cutting and pasting information into the emails.
Your website doesn't need to be fancy. You can choose a free template online or create a Blogger or Wordpress hosted site and add pages accordingly. Start taking your business seriously so that you can start making some serious revenue in 2009.
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