How freelance writer website tips can inspire your website

Key quotes:

• "I’m assuming you already know how to write well and have already written at least a few articles or blog posts."
• "Since your niche is DIY Auto Repair on a Budget, you’ll want to create a website name that clearly states what you write."
• "Now anyone looking for a writer in the DIY Auto Repair niche will know what you write — even before they see your website."
• "• Title and description at the top.header (who you are, what you do) — For example Fred Smith, Freelance DIY Auto Repair Writer • Simple, visually appealing layout • Get a photographer and take a professional headshot • Menus that are super-easy to navigate • Use keywords related to your industry Throughout the site (this will help your site show up on Google) • Write persuasive copy to convince potential clients to use your services Think about what you want your clients to see when they first come to your website."

Key quotes:

• "I like that the side-by-side testimonials make excellent use of space."
• "On her testimonial page, each blurb is clearly separated by the alternating color scheme."
• "Carol Tice takes a similar approach and integrates relevant testimonials into each writing category page of her site."
• "Even though he’s a graphic designer, Charlie Layton’s minimalist page focuses on the praise he has received and the all-important contact info."
• "If you want to use images, but would rather not use photos, adding the company logos — like Amy White does — is an ideal alternative."
• "I also like the overall layout of his page, including the use of the single centered block quote and plenty of whitespace."

Key quotes:

• "Your early clients will, most likely, be people you already know, so you don’t need a website to sell to them."
• "Client work pays my bills right now, but over the coming months, I will continue to build my reputation as an thought leader and expert freelance writer, create more training products, and do more speaking engagements."
• "Over the past two years, I have been more intentional about developing my personal brand because I want to build an audience for my writing (personal, not business stuff) and to do more speaking engagements."
• "You can bring clarity to your website’s navigation in three specific ways: Here are must-have pages for every freelance writer website: Here are optional pages: As time goes by, you’ll be tempted to add more and more pages."
• "You already know how Google works: People use keywords and phrases to search for information — for example, “Knoxville copywriter.” I once used Market Samurai, and Google’s free Keyword Planner tool to research keywords."

Key quotes:

• "But as content writers know, an effective website should cater to the user and what they are looking for when they visit the site."
• "Building on your relationship as a customer or long-time acquaintance can be a great way to introduce your writing business to a potential new client."
• "Spend some quality time poking your nose through your neighboring businesses websites and see if you have ideas that will help them sound like a boss while meeting the needs of the average buyer who searches for them."
• "Tell your readers how much happier they’ll feel when they let you solve their problems.” For the freelance writer who is hungry for business, taking the time to rewrite a paragraph or two of a potential client’s About page shows them how effective this juxtaposition of ideas is for the potential customer."
• "Be ready to explain why you are proposing certain changes so the client understands the marketing principles behind your recommendations and why your suggestions will lead to better engagement from their customers."

Key quotes:

• "But having all the projects you’ve flexed your creative muscles on, all in one place, is absolutely the best way to show a potential client just what you’re capable of."
• "Whenever you’re working on a project, make sure to save several high-quality visuals of it so you have a variety of images to choose from."
• "If you’re a graphic designer or writer who’s worked on physical deliverables, from print ads to concrete products, it’s a good idea to show photos of the finished product rather than just the flat Photoshop or Illustrator files."
• "It’s not going to give a client faith that you’re keeping up with the ever-evolving world of design."
• "Projects can be grouped together depending on the type of work: like book cover design or blog writing."
• "Be sure to keep adding new projects and other cool things you’ve worked on while they’re fresh in your mind — and it’s easy to get source files, stats, and quotes from the right people."