Pitching Content Ideas and Finding Clients

Remember when you were a kid and you had to ask your crush to dance? That stomach-churning mix of excitement and terror? Well, pitching your writing isn't quite as bad as that... but it's close, right?

This week, we're tackling the art of pitching your ideas and finding folks who'll pay you to write. No jargon, no fluff—just practical tips that'll help you get your words out there and your bank account a little happier.

We've got real stories from writers who've been there, done that, and lived to tell the tale. Plus, some nifty resources that'll make you wonder how you ever lived without them.

So, grab a cup of coffee (or tea, or kombucha, or whatever floats your boat), and let's get to work turning your ideas into opportunities.

Must Read

Pitching and Writing a Long-Form Article or Blog Post

Interested in pitching and writing long-form content? This is the article for you! It walks you through the entire process of pitching and writing a long-form article blog post. You'll learn how to:

• Uncover topics that editors and readers can't resist
• Craft irresistible pitches that land you more gigs
• Structure your post for maximum impact and readability
• Write engaging content
• Polish your work until it shines

How To Break into Freelance Writing WITHOUT a Portfolio

Recently, Trudy Rankin, host of the Online Business Launchpad podcast, interviewed Lindy Alexander, an award-winning freelance travel writer. Trudy asked Lindy about this common problem and what to do about it. 

And there definitely is something you can do about it.

Based on Lindy’s experience, the good news is there are definitely ways you can get started and land your first paid writing gig, even without a portfolio.

9 Tips on How to Write a Pitch for an Article

Diane Kelley Levy provides some great tips to help you write the pitch that will land you the gig and impress the editor. Ready to learn more?

Top Tips for Pitching and Writing for Publications

Tip #1: Know Your Audience

Before you write a single word, research the publication's readership thoroughly. Understand their interests, pain points, and what they're looking for. Read past issues, study the comments section, and even engage with readers on social media if possible. This deep understanding will help you tailor your content to resonate strongly with the audience, making your article more appealing to both editors and readers.

Tip #2: Lead with Your Most Compelling Information

Don't save the best for last. Start your article with your most interesting fact, shocking statistic, or powerful anecdote. This "reverse pyramid" style of writing grabs attention immediately and keeps readers engaged. It also helps busy editors quickly see the value of your piece. Remember, you're competing with countless distractions—make those first few sentences count.

Resource Roundup

Mindset Makeover

Freelancing isn't just about doing the work you love; it's about loving the way you work. But let's face it: running a freelance writing business sometimes feels like a rollercoaster with more downs than ups.

This transformative self-paced course will help you change your mindset and overcome the challenges of solo entrepreneurship. You'll learn powerful strategies to find the joy in your business, manage your workload, attract your ideal clients, and build a business that truly resonates with your passion.

Start loving the way you work with Mindset Makeover and start achieving the success you deserve!!

Find An Idea For An Online Business

If you've been thinking about starting a side-hustle (beyond your paid writing gigs), but you just don't know where to start this $9 mini-course will help you come up with a viable idea AND demystify the tech part of getting going.

Email Marketing Magic

If you're thinking of helping your clients with their email marketing, but you need to know more of the ins and outs of how email marketing actually works, this really excellent course by well-known online business guru, Pat Flynn (affiliate link), is a good one. I've done the course and it helped me with my email marketing.

What We're Loving

A Good Calendar

When you are pitching articles, meeting deadlines, and juggling client work you need to make sure you keep your schedule handy. We use a combination of digital and paper calendars to keep it all straight. My personal favorite paper planner is the Panda Planner (affiliate link). It's top quality and it motivates me while keeping me on track. I use a different color for each quarter so I can keep everything straight.

Hydration

Did you know your brain won't work as well if you aren't hydrated. If my thoughts get fuzzy or I can't make things make sense, I reach for the glass of water I always have on my desk. Because I have an office cat, that glass has to be spill proof or at least less likely to douse my computer. I know the Stanley tumblers (affiliate link) are all the rage, but I'm a Yeti (affiliate link) convert and I'll never look back. My ice lasts all day, spills aren't an issue, and when I forget a cup of tea on the desk for a couple of days it the cup is super easy to clean.

Featured Freelancer

Jessica Walrack: From Sales to Successful Freelance Finance Writer

Jessica Walrack's journey to becoming a successful freelance finance writer is a testament to persistence and adaptability. Before starting in freelancing, Jessica spent years in sales, both in consumer-facing roles and B2B environments. That experience, though different from writing, proved invaluable in her transition to freelance work. The skills she honed in sales, particularly in client acquisition and crafting compelling pitches, were assets for her freelancing business.

For her first seven years as a writer, Jessica took on pretty much every type of writing project. She was constantly learning and refining her craft. However, she reached a point where she felt the need to take her business to the next level, so she niched down and focused on finance writing.

The decision to specialize in finance writing wasn't random. Jessica carefully analyzed her past work, considering what she enjoyed, what was in high demand, and what paid well. Finance writing ticked all these boxes, and she went all-in on repositioning herself as a finance expert.

This shift in focus marked a turning point for Jessica. She updated her online presence, particularly on LinkedIn, to reflect her new specialization and the results were dramatic—she started receiving inbound leads from big-name companies, a stark contrast to her previous struggle of constant outbound marketing.

Despite her success, Jessica remains committed to continuous improvement and evolution in her business. Her journey from a struggling generalist to a sought-after finance writer serves as an inspiring example of what's possible with determination, strategic thinking, and a willingness to adapt in the world of freelance writing.

Jessica is the special guest on the Boss Responses Podcast this week!

Upcoming Events

Want To Start Getting Paid As A Translator Or Interpreter?

September 10, 11 or 12, 2024 - See link below for times

Want to turn your language skills into a successful translator or interpreter business? This masterclass from expert translator, Jason Willis-Lee, will show you what you need to get started. How To Set Up As A Freelance Translator Or Interpreter (affiliate link).

Wrap Up

Well, we've reached the end of our pitching pep talk. Remember, every successful writer started exactly where you are now. Your next great article is just a pitch away!

So here's your homework (don't worry, I won't be grading it):

Pick one idea that's been bouncing around in your brain. Shape it into a pitch and send it to a publication you've been eyeing. This week. No more "someday" or "when it's perfect." Your words deserve to be out there!

Did you do it? Hit reply and let us know how it went. We're rooting for you!

Until next time, keep those keyboards clicking and those ideas flowing.

Happy writing!

Trudy and Treasa

Please note that as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.  That means that if you click on one of our affiliate links (these are clearly identified) then we will receive a small commission, for which we thank you.  It helps us keep on providing informative posts that help you build your freelance writing career and business.