Rather than passively looking for gigs, reach out to prospects you want to work with:<ul><li>Search on Google the keyword “(Your niche) brands)” or “(Your niche) companies)” to find a list of companies within your writing niche.</li><li>Head to each website and write a few things you like about the company, like a webpage or blog post you enjoyed — What makes their content unique? Why do you enjoy reading it?</li><li>You might want to check out their social media as well. Give them a follow and interact with their posts — the goal is to get in front of their radar.</li></ul>

 Reach out and build relationships

Freelance writing communities are the spot for: <ul><li>Asking for feedback </li><li>Sharing gigs you can’t take on </li><li>Holding each other accountable.</li></ul>The easiest way to connect with writers is via Facebook groups. You can also join indie hackers, a platform for creators, and join their "freelancing" group. When you join a group, go to make friends rather than finding clients.

Join writing communities

Social media is an optimal tool when you use it correctly. To avoid “social media burnout,” create and schedule your posts ahead of time. Don’t be afraid to show off your personality! Your authenticity is the best way to stand out. If you’re a writer, you’ll attract your ideal clients by being yourself.

Step up your social media game

<figure><img alt="A girl sitting at the computer" src="https://miro.medium.com/max/500/1*Zc-UCCuTn0AAQx7mVi8P1" width="680" height="402"><figcaption class="ic id cz cx cy ie if ce b ga cg fi" data-selectable-paragraph="" dir="ltr">Image by <a href="https://mixkit.co/free-stock-art/four-people-working-together-at-a-shared-desk-in-an-274/" class="ck ig" rel="noopener nofollow" dir="ltr">Mixkit Stock Art</a></figcaption></figure>You’re a new freelance writer who just wants to land a writing gig. So you head to a job site and scroll through each listing, applying to as many jobs as you can. When you’re done, you sit back and think, “One of these clients will reach out to me!”And then you wait.And you wait some more.And even more.Maybe you get one or two responses. Or, perhaps you get none at all.And now you might be wondering, “Why aren’t clients hiring me? Is there something wrong with my writing?”Let me stop you there and say there is nothing wrong with your writing; there’s something wrong with job boards.When I started freelance writing, I spent hours scrolling and applying to as many jobs as possible on Problogger and UpWork. Out of the hours I put in, I landed one client who fizzled out on me after one month.All of that time wasted on one gig? “That’s it!” I thought, “I’m never using a job board again.Ten months later, and I’m now making a full-time income with two ongoing clients.<figure><img alt="A graph showing my income results as a freelance writer" src="https://miro.medium.com/max/500/0*O8Nr7gjeTnXACcTO" width="680" height="332"><figcaption dir="auto">My documentation journey of reaching $10k a month. In April, I made my highest income yet of $4117.</figcaption></figure>And no, I didn’t find these high-paying gigs with job boards. Instead, I built relationships and pitched clients. No more sending applications and waiting for disappointment; I now get paid to do what I love.And guess what? You can too! I’m about to teach you three ways to find writing gigs WITHOUT job boards. Let’s get to it!<h1 data-selectable-paragraph="">3 ways to find writing gigs without job boards</h1><h2 data-selectable-paragraph="">1. Reach out and build relationships</h2>Applying for writing gigs via job boards is like one big waiting game. After you send an application, you have to wait for the client to reach out to you.Rather than passively looking for gigs, why not reach out to prospects you want to work with instead?A job board files you away with hundreds of eager applicants. But reaching out to clients yourself gets their attention. Plus, reaching out builds relationships within your industry. Those relationships might bring you future work or referrals.So how do you find clients, anyway?One way is with a Google search. Search the keyword “(Your niche) brands)” or “(Your niche) companies)” to find a list of companies within your writing niche.I’ll use health and wellness as an example.<figure><img alt="Searching “health and wellness brands” into Google" src="https://miro.medium.com/max/500/0*TeLkFybjYQguBSL2" width="680" height="84"></figure>In the search results, you’ll find a few listicles saying something like “The Top Health and Wellness Brands.”<figure><img alt="A list of google searches" src="https://miro.medium.com/max/500/0*z0lAFVscjhMB252t" width="680" height="539"></figure>Look through a few articles and note every company you want to write for. Then, head to each website and write a few things you like about the company, like:A webpage or blog post you enjoyed — What makes their content unique? Why do you enjoy reading it?One way you can improve their content — Is their blog missing a topic you could potentially write about? Or does their web copy need an upgrade?You might want to check out their social media as well. Give them a follow and interact with their posts — the goal is to get in front of their radar.And if you can’t figure out why you like a company, you probably don’t want to write for them. Keep the ones you like and ̶c̶r̶o̶s̶s̶ ̶o̶u̶t̶ ̶t̶h̶e̶ ̶c̶o̶m̶p̶a̶n̶i̶e̶s̶ ̶y̶o̶u̶’̶v̶e̶ ̶l̶o̶s̶t̶ ̶i̶n̶t̶e̶r̶e̶s̶t̶ ̶i̶n̶.Now that you have a list of prospects head over to LinkedIn and search for each one. I’ll use the health and wellness brand, Tonal as an example.<figure><img alt="Searching for “Tonal” on Linkedin" src="https://miro.medium.com/max/500/0*03mey7sxv16SQaKa" width="477" height="97"></figure>On the company page, head over to the “People” tab and search “Content” to find their content managers, leads, and writers.<figure><img alt="Searching for content employees on LinkedIn" src="https://miro.medium.com/max/500/0*F12jD2IuO2rcibH7" width="680" height="429"></figure>A list of employees in the content department should pop up. You want to find someone with a title like:<UL><LI>Content strategist</LI><LI>Content lead</LI><LI>Chief content officer</LI><LI>Content marketer</LI></UL>Give your best guess and choose someone you think will respond to you.Remember when I asked you to note a piece of content you like and how you can make their content better? This is where your research comes into play. As you request to connect on LinkedIn, send a quick note saying something like below:<BLOCKQUOTE>Hi [Name],​I checked out your content at [company name] and loved how [Why you like their content]. Have you ever thought about [How you can make their content better]?​Best,[Your name]</BLOCKQUOTE>Hit “Send” and see what happens! If they respond, then bam! You have a lead. Continue the conversation and guide them to your services. You should also continue engaging with their social media to stay connected.If you’re not into LinkedIn, you can always use the same concept with email. Email services like <a href="https://app.voilanorbert.com/#/prospecting/manual" rel="noopener nofollow" dir="ltr">Norbert</a> will find a client’s email address for you (it’s free!).Instead of spending hours scrolling through job boards, you’ll spend a day or two finding clients within your industry—you get to call the shots.<h2 data-selectable-paragraph="">2. Join writing communities</h2>Can you think of one freelance writer who isn’t helpful and engaging?I’ll wait.Let’s face it. Unhelpful writers are almost non-existent. So why not join a few communities and make connections?<figure><img alt="" src="https://miro.medium.com/max/500/0*zqUn7mWJErZdRZ5V" width="680" height="454"><figcaption class="ic id cz cx cy ie if ce b ga cg fi" data-selectable-paragraph="" dir="ltr">Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@brookecagle?utm_source=medium&amp;utm_medium=referral" class="ck ig" rel="noopener nofollow" dir="ltr">Brooke Cagle</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/?utm_source=medium&amp;utm_medium=referral" class="ck ig" rel="noopener nofollow" dir="ltr">Unsplash</a></figcaption></figure>Freelance writing communities are the spot for:<UL><LI>Asking for feedback</LI><LI>Sharing gigs you can’t take on</LI><LI>Holding each other accountable</LI></UL>And best of all, joining a community helps you create a supportive network. The other day, a fellow writer sent a writing gig they thought I’d like.<figure><img alt="" src="https://miro.medium.com/max/500/0*qTo9_rOc6nVLVtc4" width="424" height="118"></figure>Recommending writing gigs is a norm in freelance communities. I would’ve never found this opportunity without their help! So where do you find these communities, anyway?The easiest way to connect with writers is via Facebook groups. A few of my favorites are Female Freelance Writers and Creative Freelancing Unite. You can also join Indie Hackers, a platform for creators, and join their “Freelancing” group. Or, look into Slack groups!When you join a group, go to make friends rather than finding clients. You’ll make genuine connections that way.<h2 data-selectable-paragraph="">3. Step up your social media game</h2>Social media is an optimal tool when you use it correctly. Let’s take a look at Lily Ugbaja, a B2B SaaS writer’s LinkedIn post.<figure><img alt="Lily Ugbaja’s post on LinkedIn" src="https://miro.medium.com/max/500/0*mOEL7MG44f3h6hSx" width="564" height="594"></figure>Notice how Lily posted data-driven results about one of her services, content refreshing. A quick status and image of data received 200 likes and 50 comments!After talking to Lily, she mentioned how 400 viewers were titled as “Founder.”<figure><img alt="Showing how 400 viewers who saw Lily’s post is labeled “Founder”" src="https://miro.medium.com/max/500/0*xLv_l3eTKDh-zUnm" width="680" height="283"></figure><a href="https://freelancetofortune.com/linkedin-for-freelance-writers/" rel="noopener nofollow" dir="ltr">After posting on LinkedIn for 25 days</a>, I noticed how many potential clients checked my profile. I ended up landing 4 new leads and over 60 connections. With consistency, you can grow your social media into a lead generation machine.So how can you use social media to land clients?First, choose a platform where your writing niche hangs out. Most of the time, it’ll be LinkedIn or Twitter.Next, create a profile and post about your results, thoughts, and questions as a writer. Industry leaders want to know why you’re worth hiring, and you can show them with these types of posts!A quick tip: To avoid “social media burnout,” create and schedule your posts ahead of time.And don’t be afraid to show off your personality! Your authenticity is the best way to stand out — you’ll attract your ideal clients by being yourself.<figure><img alt="" src="https://miro.medium.com/max/500/0*09lxZx2PznwJIxtJ" width="680" height="455"><figcaption class="ic id cz cx cy ie if ce b ga cg fi" data-selectable-paragraph="" dir="ltr">Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@lightphonics?utm_source=medium&amp;utm_medium=referral" class="ck ig" rel="noopener nofollow" dir="ltr">Jamie Brown</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/?utm_source=medium&amp;utm_medium=referral" class="ck ig" rel="noopener nofollow" dir="ltr">Unsplash</a></figcaption></figure><h1 data-selectable-paragraph="">Over to you</h1>See how attainable it is to find clients without job boards? Besides, connecting with others is way more fun than applying to hundreds of jobs. I guarantee you’ll meet at least one quality lead with these steps.Before I leave you, let’s refresh what you learned.1. Connect with prospects: Use Google and LinkedIn to find clients you like. Then, reach out to them with a quick message.2. Get on social media: Post your best results and actionable tips to attract leads to your services.3. Join a writing community: Learn more about the freelancing world and client gigs with networking groups. For example, my blog, <a href="http://freelancetofortune.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" dir="ltr">Freelance to Fortune</a>, supports freelance writers ready to reach $10k months (Yes, you can make six figures as a writer!).Now do me a favor and remove every job site you’ve ever bookmarked. You’ll never need them again.

I stopped using job boards to find freelance writing gigs and raised my monthly income to $4000. Here's how you can too.

career

Career

writing

Reading & Writing

artsandculture

Society, Arts & Culture

You’re a new freelance writer who just wants to land a writing gig. So you head to a job site and scroll through each listing, applying to as many jobs as you can. When you’re done, you sit back and think, “One of these clients will reach out to me!”

Maybe you get one or two responses. Or, perhaps you get none at all.

And now you might be wondering, “Why aren’t clients hiring me? Is there something wrong with my writing?”

Let me stop you there and say there is nothing wrong with your writing; there’s something wrong with job boards.

When I started freelance writing, I spent hours scrolling and applying to as many jobs as possible on Problogger and UpWork. Out of the hours I put in, I landed one client who fizzled out on me after one month.

All of that time wasted on one gig? “That’s it!” I thought, “I’m never using a job board again.

Ten months later, and I’m now making a full-time income with two ongoing clients.

And no, I didn’t find these high-paying gigs with job boards. Instead, I built relationships and pitched clients. No more sending applications and waiting for disappointment; I now get paid to do what I love.

And guess what? You can too! I’m about to teach you three ways to find writing gigs WITHOUT job boards. Let’s get to it!

3 ways to find writing gigs without job boards

Applying for writing gigs via job boards is like one big waiting game. After you send an application, you have to wait for the client to reach out to you.

A job board files you away with hundreds of eager applicants. But reaching out to clients yourself gets their attention. Plus, reaching out builds relationships within your industry. Those relationships might bring you future work or referrals.

So how do you find clients, anyway?

One way is with a Google search. Search the keyword “(Your niche) brands)” or “(Your niche) companies)” to find a list of companies within your writing niche.

I’ll use health and wellness as an example.

In the search results, you’ll find a few listicles saying something like “The Top Health and Wellness Brands.”

Look through a few articles and note every company you want to write for. Then, head to each website and write a few things you like about the company, like:

A webpage or blog post you enjoyed — What makes their content unique? Why do you enjoy reading it?

One way you can improve their content — Is their blog missing a topic you could potentially write about? Or does their web copy need an upgrade?

You might want to check out their social media as well. Give them a follow and interact with their posts — the goal is to get in front of their radar.

And if you can’t figure out why you like a company, you probably don’t want to write for them. Keep the ones you like and ̶c̶r̶o̶s̶s̶ ̶o̶u̶t̶ ̶t̶h̶e̶ ̶c̶o̶m̶p̶a̶n̶i̶e̶s̶ ̶y̶o̶u̶’̶v̶e̶ ̶l̶o̶s̶t̶ ̶i̶n̶t̶e̶r̶e̶s̶t̶ ̶i̶n̶.

Now that you have a list of prospects head over to LinkedIn and search for each one. I’ll use the health and wellness brand, Tonal as an example.

On the company page, head over to the “People” tab and search “Content” to find their content managers, leads, and writers.

A list of employees in the content department should pop up. You want to find someone with a title like:

<ul><li>Content strategist </li><li>Content lead </li><li>Chief content officer </li><li>Content marketer </li> </ul>

Give your best guess and choose someone you think will respond to you.

Remember when I asked you to note a piece of content you like and how you can make their content better? This is where your research comes into play. As you request to connect on LinkedIn, send a quick note saying something like below:

I checked out your content at [company name] and loved how [Why you like their content]. Have you ever thought about [How you can make their content better]?​

Hit “Send” and see what happens! If they respond, then bam! You have a lead. Continue the conversation and guide them to your services. You should also continue engaging with their social media to stay connected.

If you’re not into LinkedIn, you can always use the same concept with email. Email services like <a href="https://app.voilanorbert.com/#/prospecting/manual">Norbert </a>will find a client’s email address for you (it’s free!).

Instead of spending hours scrolling through job boards, you’ll spend a day or two finding clients within your industry—you get to call the shots.

Can you think of one freelance writer who isn’t helpful and engaging?

Let’s face it. Unhelpful writers are almost non-existent. So why not join a few communities and make connections?

Freelance writing communities are the spot for:

<ul><li>Asking for feedback </li><li>Sharing gigs you can’t take on </li><li>Holding each other accountable </li> </ul>

And best of all, joining a community helps you create a supportive network. The other day, a fellow writer sent a writing gig they thought I’d like.

Recommending writing gigs is a norm in freelance communities. I would’ve never found this opportunity without their help! So where do you find these communities, anyway?

The easiest way to connect with writers is via Facebook groups. A few of my favorites are Female Freelance Writers and Creative Freelancing Unite. You can also join Indie Hackers, a platform for creators, and join their “Freelancing” group. Or, look into Slack groups!

When you join a group, go to make friends rather than finding clients. You’ll make genuine connections that way.

Social media is an optimal tool when you use it correctly. Let’s take a look at Lily Ugbaja, a B2B SaaS writer’s LinkedIn post.

Notice how Lily posted data-driven results about one of her services, content refreshing. A quick status and image of data received 200 likes and 50 comments!

After talking to Lily, she mentioned how 400 viewers were titled as “Founder.”

<a href="https://freelancetofortune.com/linkedin-for-freelance-writers/">After posting on LinkedIn for 25 days </a>, I noticed how many potential clients checked my profile. I ended up landing 4 new leads and over 60 connections. With consistency, you can grow your social media into a lead generation machine.

So how can you use social media to land clients?

First, choose a platform where your writing niche hangs out. Most of the time, it’ll be LinkedIn or Twitter.

Next, create a profile and post about your results, thoughts, and questions as a writer. Industry leaders want to know why you’re worth hiring, and you can show them with these types of posts!

A quick tip: To avoid “social media burnout,” create and schedule your posts ahead of time.

And don’t be afraid to show off your personality! Your authenticity is the best way to stand out — you’ll attract your ideal clients by being yourself.

See how attainable it is to find clients without job boards? Besides, connecting with others is way more fun than applying to hundreds of jobs. I guarantee you’ll meet at least one quality lead with these steps.

Before I leave you, let’s refresh what you learned.

1. Connect with prospects: Use Google and LinkedIn to find clients you like. Then, reach out to them with a quick message.

2. Get on social media: Post your best results and actionable tips to attract leads to your services.

3. Join a writing community: Learn more about the freelancing world and client gigs with networking groups. For example, my blog, <a href="http://freelancetofortune.com/">Freelance to Fortune </a>, supports freelance writers ready to reach $10k months (Yes, you can make six figures as a writer!).

Now do me a favor and remove every job site you’ve ever bookmarked. You’ll never need them again.

Yes, You Can Find Freelance Writing Gigs Without Job Boards

Reach out and build relationships

Join writing communities

Step up your social media game

CURATED BY

Related collections

More like this