For many, this means taking on board new skills such as SEO.

A blog represents only one marketing strategy for freelance writers, and those who ignore more traditional methods – pitching new clients (especially those you want to work with); cold calling; building networks with designers, web developers, agencies, etc. – are probably not enjoying much return for their time investment.

In other words, I could generate more revenue with an hour’s worth of phone calls than most could with ten hours of blogging.

I think that’s probably true for most freelance writers.

I think every writer probably should maintain some sort of blog (for reasons not directly related to lead generation), but they ignore other – potentially more productive channels – at their own peril.

Marketing wisdom tells us to write content useful to potential clients. For me, this would include corporate marketing directors, agency CDs, small business owners and healthcare/pharmaceutical marketers. The idea is to write posts relevant and valuable to them.

And I do write some posts specifically for these readers. But I also write many other posts with my fellow copywriters in mind. I believe both kinds of posts have marketing value.

While they aren’t directly usable to potential clients, I hold that well-written “how-to” posts have self-marketing value in their ability to add credibility and position one as an expert.

You ask “what do you write about?” Digitally mediated marketing content is just sonew, I think we’re all figuring it out.

But yes, I think if you’re marketing to people in the cat business, your “cat content” can help. It demonstrates your expertise, strengthens your credibility and builds relationship.

But not all by itself. You need to leverage your content with other platforms–email, social media, newsletter (I still use direct mail as well as well). E.g., you might send a friendly email to a potential client with a link to your post or article. Then tweet a link to it on Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.

With an eye to providing value to potential clients–and a commitment to marketing over a longish period of time–I think you’ll see results.

I find your insights great but there is still one thing I still cannot understand, nobody seems to be giving me a spot on answer. So I’m a copywriter or lets say I believe I can provide great content for businesses. How do I market this with a blog. My actual question is this: What do I write about? I have tried writing about how to write great content and such stuff but it’s not looking like something I can do continuously. What do you guys write about? Can I for example write about cats and yet use that article to market myself as a copywriter who can then great great content for people running cat business? Hope the question makes sense, I’m really hoping for answers. IF it doesn’t make sense, kindly let me know and I will do it again. Thanks.

I occasionally lower fees for non-profit organizations–I’ve even done pro-bono work for causes I believe in. I’ve also adjusted day rates down when I’m working on a really big project that will take months.

And when you’re starting out, you can’t expect to command high pricing.

But adjusting fees to please low-budget clients is not a sustainable way to earn a living. It takes time away from clients who can afford your pricing–or from self-marketing that lets you find better clients.

Ask yourself if you really want to work for someone who can’t afford $800 for copy that enhances image, builds business and returns investment.

By the way, his referrals sound like hooey–a classic passive aggressive attempt to guilt-trip you because he can’t or won’t pay a reasonable price for your work.

For a lighter look at this kind of classic vendor manipulation, check out this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2a8TRSgzZY

Daniel B.
CopyStratic.com

No matter what you do………..
Keep reading and Keep Writing!