Congratulations! You’ve landed your first project. Now what?
You’re probably excited.
And perhaps nervous too.
That’s totally normal!
What happens next? How do you ensure the project gets off the ground and you deliver a terrific piece for your client?
First, assess the project.
In a decade of running a freelance writing business, I’ve discovered there are two primary camps of projects — client-driven or freelancer-driven.
On the client-driven side, you receive an assignment to fulfill a strategic direction. On the freelancer-driven side, the client looks to you to take the lead.
Both have advantages and disadvantages.
The important thing is, you know how to recognize them.
Client-Driven Projects
These are the types of assignments where the client gives you a project such as, “write an 800-word blog post about xyz topic.”
Accompanying such assignments are guidelines such as target audience, angle of the piece, related keywords, tone of voice, and specific resources to use.
These projects usually fit within an overall strategy. The client requires solid writing, someone who follows the directions, and meets the deadlines.
The client will send a “creative brief.” That’s what we call the document with information you need to write a good post. I recommend reviewing it right away and making sure you have access to everything you need.
For example, if the client sends you links to Google docs, try those links in case they don’t work and you need to send the “request access” note. It’s awkward to have to ask a week later when you finally start work on the piece.
If it’s not already included in the brief, I like to ask for examples of similar content they liked and why. That way, we’re in agreement on the final deliverable before I start work.
3 Benefits of Client-Driven Projects
- Clear Expectations — When a client sends you the brief, it outlines what they want you to include, a word count, and by what day, as a starting point. Some client briefs include an outline. Some include links to relevant studies and links to other articles or content they want you to link to within the body of the article.
Review it, make sure you understand the goal of the piece and the desired reader.
Ask any clarifying questions.
- Less Risk — The client is working from a bigger strategy and looking to you to execute on the implementation. If they’ve given you clear direction in the brief, it’s usually not difficult to write it to their liking. Do follow the directions.
- Keeps It Simple — When you’re new to freelance writing, this type of project is great. It means you can focus on the research and the writing and less on the strategic work.
Cons
The primary con is such projects aren’t usually as well-paid as freelancer-driven projects. Also, you can lose these clients easily because they decide to stop publishing content or overhaul their business model with little notice (to you).
Personally, I like to keep a mix of client-driven projects and freelance-driven ones. Many of my client-driven projects are more consistent and have been my bread and butter over the years.
Freelance Driven
In these projects, it’s up to you to take the lead. You’ll need to discover the client’s goals and resources by asking questions, reviewing any existing brand guidelines, and understanding how sales and marketing works online.
If your background includes senior level communication or marketing roles, you may be comfortable advising clients right from the beginning of your freelance writing business.
In this consultant/writer role, you’ll suggest approaches, topics, and map out the path to sales from a content-driven perspective. You’ll work closely with the company to collaborate and ensure your vision aligns with theirs and meets objectives.
3 Benefits of a Freelance Driven Project
- More Creative Freedom — You’re creating a strategic direction (sometimes with the client and sometimes on your own and then submitting it for approval). You can dream up campaigns, pitch them to your client, and see them through.
- Build Your Brand — These are the kinds of projects that can become success stories for your business. Tap into your unique experiences and perspective to suggest creative ways to boost the client’s sales, brand awareness, and credibility. Track the results.
- Higher Pay — You’re more than a writer, you’re a consultant. You’re advising your client and depending on the project, you may track the results, test, and adjust. If so, you’re definitely in a marketing role and can charge accordingly.
Cons
You need strong client management skills to keep a project on track. If you’re new to freelance writing and marketing, consulting isn’t a natural place to start. However, you may be able to partner with someone more senior and have them handle the consulting and project management while you do the writing.
These two approaches to freelance writing both fall under the heading of “freelance writer” but are polar opposites.
If you’re new to freelance writing and marketing, it usually makes more sense to build your skills with client-driven projects at first.
Early in my writing career, I had many small businesspeople reach out with vague ideas of how I could help them when I really wanted them to say, write x number of blog posts a month. I wanted that because I was new and lacked confidence.
As I grow my skills (and my confidence), I find myself working on more consultation types of projects which can be fun and stretch my skill set.
What about you? Have you tried either of these types of freelance writing projects?
