How to market your writing like a pro

Whether you’re writing a book, blog or you’re a freelance writer, marketing your writing may seem like a complicated task. Where to begin? A lot of the advertising that we see daily is far from appealing, very boring or brain-washing, so it’s no wonder writers around the world avoid marketing like the plague. However, here […]

Whether you’re writing a book, blog or you’re a freelance writer, marketing your writing may seem like a complicated task. Where to begin? A lot of the advertising that we see daily is far from appealing, very boring or brain-washing, so it’s no wonder writers around the world avoid marketing like the plague. However, here comes the biggest plot twist – without marketing, and I mean real marketing, no one would be able to make a living, especially writers. The trick is not to hold people at knifepoint in order to make them read your content; it’s about finding people who will be genuinely interested in what you do and what you have to say.

Identify your audience

This is a vital step in the promotion and marketing of your book, blog or service. Find out exactly who you’re writing for, what audience is your content most suitable for, and that makes it so much easier to pinpoint a good marketing strategy that will work successfully.

To gain trust and form a relationship with your readers and clients, you have to establish a stable connection and defining your target audience is the first step to it. If I learned something about marketing from reading countless blogs, it’s that you’re not trying to fool anyone into reading your material – you’re actually letting readers know that there is something new out there that might interest them.

Use an e-mail signature

If you’re a writer, that there’s no doubt that you’re writing a lot of e-mails during the course of the day as well. Although not all of the e-mails you receive won’t be inquiries, many of them can be potential leads for writing work!

The easy way to promote your services is to add an e-mail signature. It doesn’t have to look fancy – just make sure to have all the necessary links and information about you and your business included. Consider adding a phone number, Skype, headshot, etc.

Start a blog

If you haven’t started a blog – you should. Especially if you’re a new freelance writer. Your blog is one of the best ways to stay current and in the eyes of potential clients and a great way to find business. When you’re posting content in your niche, you are showing the world you know your stuff. You only need to keep in mind that content you create has to be engaging, well-written and promoted strategically on social media, or else you’ve done it all for nothing.

Invest in SEO

According to Websites that sell SEO Gold Coast, you can gain loyal customers and followers only if you build quality links from your specific niche and market relevant sources:

“Google looks at the bones of your website and it considers the value your content provides as well as how it is organized. Google watches how people engage with your content and how these people respond to your message in terms of social media activity.”

That’s why it’s important to use SEO carefully and strategically – otherwise your website or blog can suffer being ignored, and in worst case scenario, gain penalties from Google if the link building hasn’t been done using verified methods.

Join an organization or volunteer

Join an organization or the local advertising club. Face-to-face networking is one of the best ways to get the word out about your business. Put your business cards in your pocket and always hand two or three out to each person (one to keep and one or two to share). Volunteering can also be a great way to promote your work. Get noticed by taking a visible role in committees or events.

Final thoughts…

Although you’re first and foremost a writer, being a jack of all trades doesn’t hurt when it’s time to promote your work. Take your time, research, and manage to find a way or create a strategy that suits your needs and work style best, but make it worthwhile!

To summarize, you need to:

• Find out what your readers have in common.

• Get involved with your target audience in creative and friendly ways.

• Plan out your relationship-building process.

As I’ve said, just writing isn’t enough – you need to let the world know you have something beautiful to share, and there’s no shame in that.