Hi, @boniferous!

Thanks for your note!

Most writers I know started out just like you. They worked with a couple clients, got their feet wet and landed bigger and better clients from there. The process can certainly feel like trial and error sometimes – which can be frustrating. But what you’re going through is pretty normal.

It’s great that you’re trying to excel at SEO writing and trying new things. Writing is certainly the best way to master the SEO writing craft! Book learning is great – but book learning + actual experience is priceless!

Regarding clients – one thing to consider is your desired niche. Is there a certain type of client you want to work with? A certain industry? Being seen as an expert – even an up and coming expert – is a great way to find new clients (and get paid more money, too!)

Another idea – if you’re still getting your feet wet, you may want to volunteer for a not-for-profit and offer to work on their site. Or, work on a small business site in exchange for a testimonial and a small fee. That way, you’ll get even more experience (and hopefully a testimonial or two!)

Also, you may want to check out these books and blogs. You’ll learn even more about the writer’s life!

http://www.seocopywriting.com/content-marketing/tips-and-strategy/books-web-writers-should-read/

Finally, if you can find one, working with a Master SEO copywriter as a mentor is a great way to learn the craft. You may not get paid much (if at all.) BUT, you will get a lot of feedback and one-on-one help.

Good luck! Just let me know how I can help!

So, to help me she asked if I could write for her websites. She was all over me with praise. I always knew I could write, but her happiness about it is beyond my comprehension. Over time she has increased payment by three times….

Yet, she’s very nice and I often wonder if she’s too forgiving and my perspective of my own writing may be “off”. After all, I’ve no experience or training in content writing. I do try to excel and get better at it.

But venturing beyond to gain more clients leaves me clueless. Any suggestions, would be appreciated. I would love to join up on the program, but cannot afford it right now.

Thanks for your articles. They are so very helpful as I remained glued to them.

@Dan – you make a good point. When writers are smart with their money (including charging what they need/want to make rather than low-balling every quote,) it gives them a LOT of freedom. If you’re always living hand to mouth, it’s really hard to tell a low-paying client, “no.”

Thank you!

I would agree. Spectacular copywriters (and branding consultants) bring a lot of value to the table. If you try to “sell” your client with your hourly rate, it will often be a frustrating experience. It reduces what you do to a pure financial consideration. However, if you can clearly explain your value – and how you’ve helped others – clients are often more than happy to pay your fees. :)

When I’m doing branding and strategy work with a client, that is intended to [re]reposition them powerfully in their market. The value could be tens or hundreds of thousands, or even more, especially over time. And the same could be said for top flight copy, right?

Just because coaches, lawyers and others charge by the hour [or in the case of many web writers, by the page] doesn’t make that a universal law, IMHO.

Thoughts?

What’s been giving me more power is the fact that I no longer absolutely need income NOW – got some built up so I can tell people no!

Hi!

I know people have different opinions around posting their rates. We had a guest post about this – you can find it here:

http://www.seocopywriting.com/freelance-seo-copywriting/should-you-publish-your-seo-copywriting-rates-online/

(I also wrote a post about this that I can’t find right now – I’m hoping that Laura can find it. I don’t post my rates online…)

P.S. No more “friends and family” rates. Your REAL friends should want to pay you what you’re worth. Not ask for a discount just because they know you. :)