Are you a professional writing and editing service provider? To reach more potential customers, you need to market your services, but you don’t need to spend a fortune on expensive campaigns. By putting in a little time and effort several times a month, you can promote yourself absolutely for free.
Get a Craigslist account. Follow the rules and Craigslist can be a great way to promote your copywriting services. The online classifieds network has been around since Craig Newmark launched it in 1995. Still a free service after all these years, Craigslist is an often overlooked vehicle for connecting writers with clients. Just as you can sell your sofa or piano here, you can promote your business.
Get started by creating a free Craigslist account. Having an account allows you to post more frequently and in multiple cities. Starting with a city of your choice, click on the “write / ed / tr8” link under “services”. This will take you to the “writing / editing / translation” category. Click “publish” in the upper right corner and follow the instructions. Be sure to use the “anonymize” option for your email address to decrease the likelihood of receiving spam. For “specific location”, type “Anywhere.” Keep your post concise and include your website or blog address.
With a Craigslist account, you can create numerous ads, one for each city you choose. You don’t have to limit yourself to your own city or state. Make your ads unique. Always keep them appropriate and never misrepresent. By following the rules, you will avoid being flagged and can make the most of this great free marketing option.
Create your online presence with a blog. Launching your own blog is easy and can be accomplished in one day. A blog is especially useful if you don’t have your own website. In fact, you should treat it like a website even if you already have another site in place. Keep the presentation and content of your blog professional. This is not your personal journal, it is your professional online presence.
Blogs can be created through WordPress or Blogger. Other blog publishing systems include Movable Type and Drupal. I use WordPress and so far I really like it. Setting up my blog was easy and adding posts is quick and easy.
Your blog posts should be informative, with content that is useful to someone who might be interested in copywriting services (or some aspect of copywriting). Self-promotion material can be included on an “About Me” or “Services” page. Once your blog is up and running, include the link in your email signature, in your Craigslist ads, with your article signature, and anywhere else you can embed it.
Start a Facebook fan page. More and more people are using Facebook for professional purposes. A fan page allows people to join by liking your page. When creating a fan page to promote your writing services, keep it tasteful, professional, and informative. You will attract people with the helpful tips you share; Personal invitations via email or Facebook will increase the number of people who “like” your page. Make sure your page isn’t just one big commercial. It has to contain the right combination of relevant information with occasional promotional content.
Feel free to use other social networks for marketing purposes. If you’re comfortable with LinkedIn, Twitter, or any other network, find a way to use it tastefully and legitimately for your promotions.
In addition to doing online marketing, stay on word of mouth. This old-fashioned method still works today. The more word gets out about your business, the better your chances of finding great new customers.
