As a new writer, it’s easy to get caught up in creating your content. However, organizing your business is more than a feel-good fuzzy feeling. Erin, owner of the website Freelancing Mama, told Forbes that:
“Keeping track of your pitches allows you to quickly see who you contacted, what their response was, and when you should follow-up.”
If you’ve ever received an email for a writing gig that you have no recollection of applying to, then raise your hand. What about those of us who sent off an email without a signature? Or found a dream job to pitch, only to spend an hour updating a resume and LinkedIn, then the baby woke up?
Although I rely on low-tech systems to back me up, I need the digital organization to keep up with the flow of data. Increase your writing income by keeping everything you need at your fingertips (and on your devices).
Start by putting the job board links on your primary device.
While I prefer to sit down, find jobs, do the background work, and pitch all in one sitting, that felt impossible with a baby. Instead, I keep the job board links on the home page of my iPad and open up potential job ads in tabs. Once the baby is asleep, then I tackle my tabs in one sitting.
- Grab the device you use most frequently.
- Create a folder on your homepage labeled “Job Boards.”
- Start your search with links from the job board resource list.
- Add a few links to your home screen.
Now, you can search for jobs during your free time, whether you’re sitting in a school drop-off line or watching your preschooler play in the tub.
INSIDER TIP | Keep it simple by setting a goal to check 1-3 job boards as often as possible. I review the Freelance Writing job board daily. If it’s slim pickings or I have more time, then I go down my job board list for more results.
Create a professional email template and signature.
This doesn’t need to be complicated. However, you also don’t want to spend precious minutes on every email writing out the necessary information. Automation is crucial.
- Add an email signature that has your name and link to your blog. I also include my LinkedIn account on here. That way even if I’m multitasking, I don’t screw up and forget to add my contact details at the end of an email.
- Create an email template. Once you start applying for writing gigs, you’ll notice that your emails sound repetitive. Every email will be similar, as in you’ll start with an eye-catching intro sentence, followed by who you are, what you do and how you’ll help their business. Draft a basic email template, including your links to your published articles,
INSIDER TIP | End your email with a solid call-to-action (CTA). You can say “Give me a call at xxx, I’m available at x-time.” Remember to personalize each email by adding relevant keywords and information that shows you read the job board post. You’d be surprised how many people don’t.
Keep your essential documents on hand.
I use Google Docs so that I can access my cover letter, resume, and LOI from any device. That way if I have a spare 15 minutes, I might look over my open tabs for any jobs of interest. Plus, I have access to my resume and cover letter for sending out a quick pitch. Here are the basic documents I use for my writing business:
- Resume. Keep a copy in PDF and Word, as requirements differ per lead. You’ll also use your resume for creating your LinkedIn and Indeed profiles.
- Cover letter. This can double as an email template as not all job pitches require a cover letter.
- LOI. Writers use the letter of intent for outreach and to build their client list.
- Email template. Having a formatted email ready to go is a real timesaver.
- Portfolio. Store a document with a list of published articles, along with any relevant stats or testimonials. For example, 11 Things You Need After Having a Baby, garnered over 8k shares. Keep this updated and on-hand when applying for jobs.
- Tracking spreadsheets. Data helps measure success, so you can spend your time wisely. Download my Job Board Pitch Spreadsheet and e-book guide here.
INSIDER TIP | Successful writers tweak their systems to make them more efficient, and to better support their work. Find out how I save time and track my job board pitches with my free Job Board spreadsheet.
Now nothing I’ve written here is a get rich quick scheme. Starting a side hustle or business is a lot of work. Also, job boards are only ONE avenue for acquiring new gigs, so it’s best to vary your methods and not rely on one or another too heavily. That being said, there’s no reason why someone who puts in the time, can’t find writing client work for free.
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