Happy Halloween + Interview with Kaitlyn Arford
Hello!
Happy Halloween, friends! Hopefully, you all have some fun plans to celebrate. 🎃
In light of the spooky season, let's cover some red flags to watch out for so you don't end up taking on a client that is downright scary.
My red flags are when a potential client:
🚩 Balks at your prices
🚩 Asks you to lower your prices
🚩 Doesn't respect the boundaries you've set
🚩 Treats you like their employee/personal assistant
🚩 Won't sign your contract
🚩 Refuses to pay a deposit
🚩 Doesn't represent a reputable company
🚩 Doesn't have processes and won't follow yours
🚩 Expects you to take on SEO and social media management at no additional price
🚩 Has too many cooks in the kitchen (multiple people involved in the production of a single piece)
🚩 Asks for more than one set of revisions
🚩 Doesn't think writers need an editor
🚩 Wants to hop on a call every day
There you have it! What are some of your red flags? Join the conversation here on Twitter.
Happy Halloween,
Ashley R. Cummings
P.S. Content Connect is going on a lil' break, but don't fear. It will be back soon with some fun new surprises.
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MP4 |
Expert Interview | Kaitlyn Arford
1. Tell me more about yourself and how you got started as a freelance writer. What was your journey like?
I never intended to become a freelancer! After I graduated with a degree in journalism, I started working as a library clerk in small town Indiana. I luckily got the opportunity to do some technical writing (for only $50/post) and discovered that I loved working from home on my own schedule.
From there, I started exploring how freelancing works. I sent nonsensical pitches. I cold emailed potential clients with terrible letters of introduction. I reactivated my Twitter, subscribed to countless newsletters, and started learning from other freelancers. I didn’t know what I was doing, and I kept failing. But I kept trying anyway, and actually found more clients.
A few years later, COVID hit. I suddenly had less work and a lot of people asking me about how to start freelancing. So I started looking for new freelance opportunities, and sharing what I found, plus what I’ve learned along the way. I started doing a lot of personal development and filled a notebook with insights from other freelancers.
Covid forced me to switch my perspective from being a freelance writer to owning my identity as a small business owner. That mentality switch was crucial to continuing to build my business. I still make mistakes and struggle with imposter syndrome. I just attempt to embrace progress over perfection.
2. What advice do you have for freelancers to land clients? What are some of the best ways they can build?
Remember that you’re running a small business. You don’t need to frantically look for paying work, and accept everything out there. There are so many people who need your expertise and skills. You are an asset to the people who need your services and you deserve to be paid well. Learn how to communicate the value of what you do, and you’ll have a much easier time landing and retaining clients.
Use social media to your advantage. Some of my favorite clients have come out of nowhere because they’ve seen me around! Share what you’re working on, network with other freelancers and people, and tell everyone you’re available for work. Create a professional portfolio. If you feel uncomfortable marketing yourself, get over it. Getting out there and going after what you want is the only way to start working with well-paying clients who will treat you like a partner.
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