We’ve all been there.

You write a great post. One that will change the world or at least get everyone online talking.

And then… nothing. Well, except maybe the sound of the laptop humming.

Most bloggers and writers get lost in the large environment of online content. Just think, there is so much “noise” out in the world of freelance writing. Mommy bloggers, film critics and self-proclaimed “experts” of all social media platforms.

So how do YOU stand out?

Let’s face it; you need to have a marketing strategy for your business.

I know, I even felt that eye roll from here. You’re saying I’m a freelance writer, not marketing genius. But…

Want to avoid the ignored page views and start increasing your influence online? You need to start marketing yourself. Plus it is easier than you think and (the best part) it does not cost you anything. Easy and free, what more could you want?

There are plenty of direct marketing strategies out in the world. (we’ll discuss those in an upcoming post). To grow your freelance writing business, start focusing on indirect (or soft) marketing tactics.

Indirect marketing is an excellent way to grow any business. It’s particularly useful for us in the blogging and writing professions. With a little motivation, you too can grow your freelance writing business in only a few easy steps.

Let’s look at how to incorporate a few soft marketing strategies into your freelance business.

Keep Updating Your Own Blog

Now it might seem counterproductive to write for yourself and not get paid for it. After all, we’re looking for ways to grow a business and not give it away for free. I know, I’ve had those same thoughts race inside my head.

Blogging for yourself creates so many more opportunities. First of all, it provides fresh content for potential clients. New posts can grab the attention of those friendly neighborhood search indexes as well. Like it or not, the primary name of the game is to gain rank within Google’s search results.

Bottom line: Blogging creates exposure for you and your work. Plus think of your writing skills as a muscle, you have to exercise it frequently. Neglect it, and your writing starts to suffer.

Do I have to update every day?

Try to at least update twice a month. Don’t go too long in-between posts. Your readers want new content, not to play the waiting game. You want to create excitement for your work. Keep the readers waiting, and they’ll eventually forget about you.

At the very least, keep updating on social media and stay in touch with your readers. You want to remain relevant. You know the old saying about yesterday’s news, don’t become yesterday’s writer.

But no one is reading my articles!

Don’t have many followers? So what! Engage your readers even if you don’t have many. Share, share, share across all social media. Eventually, you will start seeing page views and comments increase. Remember, it will not happen overnight. But if you build it, they will come.

Blogs are a great place to build a portfolio and to attract potential clients. What a better place to promote your writing than on your own blog! Write about what makes you unique and use your blog as a great marketing tool.

Follow the basic elements to create a great post and you’ll start to see the results:

• Craft an eye-catching blog title to grab readers attention
• Engage readers
• Make the content easy to read. Readers do not want a college term paper.
• Let readers know you’re available for hire with a call to action tab.

Create a Personal Website

Setting up a personal dot.com is an excellent way to market yourself as a writer. It provides a unique opportunity to create a digital portfolio to prospective clients. But it is more than slapping a few writing pieces on a page.

Don’t forget the two most important elements on the site

Your landing and about page are essential to any website. This is the first impression that clients will have of you. You want to showcase the best of your business.

The landing page should at least contain:

• Your contact information (email, phone number and social media accounts)
• Your picture. You’re not a robot behind the computer screen. Put a face to those words.
• Your “company” message. What can you do for potential clients? Make it front and center. If someone has to search, they will lose interest.

Show off your personality on your About page. You have a unique story so capitalize on it.

I show my nerd side by throwing out Star Wars references. They definitely can be conversation starters. Businesses want to know more about you. Anyone can say they are a writer, but only you can make yourself stand out from the crowd.

Personal websites move you from a writing novice to a professional. It shows you’re more than a casual blogger. Take your time and craft the image you want to display to the public.

Make an Eye-Catching Newsletter with an Email List

So how many of you receive an email newsletter each day? How many read it? If you’re like me, those emails go into the trash or the junk folder.

That’s the last thing we want to happen! You need to entice your followers. Why do they want to continue following your blog? Make at least a monthly update. It can be anything from your recent successes to a great tip you’ve just discovered. Anything that will make the readers come back for more.

Just don’t make it ALL about selling product! If you start sounding like a used car salesman, readers will likely unsubscribe.

But the most significant benefit of the newsletter is the email list. This is your gold mine to any blogger. It is one of the fastest and best ways to market any work. In today’s world, everyone has an email address. Plus how many people actually close down an email account? It is one of the surefire ways to guarantee that your work will reach a wider audience.

Why are email lists essential?

• Keeps subscribers “in the know.” Who doesn’t want to be the first to learn about new products?
• The email list helps you connect with your audience on a deeper level.
• You always have a way to communicate to your audience.

By creating an email list and newsletter to go with it, you are giving yourself a golden opportunity. It is one of the easiest ways to marketing yourself online.

Build a Social Media Following

Like it or not, social media makes the world go around. Businesses are always on the lookout for social media influencers to promote their content. Content that is shared, liked and pinned creates a buzz for any company. The more friends/followers you have, the more likely those people are to share. I know, tell you something you don’t know. By gaining a strong social media following, you to can be one of those sought-after freelance writers.

But how do I gather a following?

You need to dedicate at least a half hour each day to social media marketing. It may sound like a lot, but you will see definite results. You can start to gather a following that will launch the share/like/pin bandwagon for you. Don’t feel discouraged if it starts out slow. Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day either.

Social media can seem like a vast ocean to many people. But follow these simple steps, and you can create a community of admirers.

• Follow influencers in your field. Tweet and retweet using their @username. You may not catch their eye, but I guarantee someone who’s following them will take an interest in you.
• Learn the intricacies of the various social media platforms. One size does not fit all.
• Know when to post on various social media platforms to generate the most views
• Retweet but do not overdo it. No one wants to see 50 straight posts from a single user.
• Share other bloggers/writers posts.
• Make meaningful comments too. “Cool” or “Awesome” is not productive. Add to the conversation.

Knowing the simple in and outs of social media can do wonders for your soft marketing campaign. Take the time to learn the basics of the different platforms. By starting small, you will gain a significant following. Just remember to keep updating on a daily basis. Learn from my mistake. I once lost 50 followers on Twitter by not updating for over a month. You can have big gains one moment and big losses the next. Keep a steady schedule and you’ll start to see results.

Guest Post on Others Blogs

Want to know a super easy way to get exposure to hundreds of clients? Guest post on a popular blog. Now I know you probably think that why give away my writing on someone’s blog? But you know what? Established blogs have a huge following of supporters.

Many popular sites do accept reader submissions. Find blogs that well respected and established in the community. Remember you want a piece you can proudly show off in your arsenal of written works. Even if you don’t see anything on the blog itself, it does not hurt to ask. Get ready to pitch your idea to the editorial staff.

Guest posting can lead to more opportunities via your byline. Bylines can alert the reader that you are available for hire. Plus it can provide a link to an online portfolio or website.

So what are the advantages of guest posting?

• You can reach a bigger audience
• It gives you a chance to build your portfolio. This is especially useful if you haven’t had many clients.
• Opportunity to write about your niche. Go ahead and show your specialized topics.
• Gives you the potential to reach businesses or clients in search of a freelance writer.

Guest posting is the one soft marketing avenue that can yield the most results. Don’t worry about not hearing back for awhile. Often many other people are submitting their work as well. Be consistent and don’t rest on your laurels. Keep pitching your ideas, and you can find success as a guest blogger.

Soft marketing does not have to be difficult. Yes, you can be a writer and marketer all rolled into one. The few simple steps can save you a ton of frustrating in the end. Don’t feel like you have to conquer it all in one day. Space yourself out or even focus on one aspect (social media, newsletter, etc.). Once you get into a routine and see results, you can add another element. Just don’t feel overwhelmed. It is about building a successful freelance writing business, not running a race.

So what strategies have worked for you in the past? Any other tips for marketing your freelance writing business?