#content-collab

safeguarding yourself with a contract that secures both the involved parties interest is a must.

Well here’s another writer tip…

For freelance writers and marketers: Don’t waste time in the beginning on branding, building a big fancy website, logos, etc.

When I started, I spent hours on my site, thinking that I should market myself like I market the companies I work for. But I haven’t touched it since—other than to update my portfolio.

Your body of work and the network you build doing so will generate WAY more business than your website.

All your website needs to be is an easy way to access your best work.

So on point, Eric!

I have 2 things to share:

1/ So many newbie freelancers talk to successful freelancers and with their advice and charge the exact rates the successful freelancers do.

There's a difference between them and the newbies. I'd say there's one thing to unlearn.

If you don't have a portfolio, don't go charging $1000+ for a blog post. You can't.

Go against the advice of working on paid samples. They are important, agreed. But the unpaid work will give you a starting point.

If not money and gig, atleast credibility. But doing it strategically is the way. Go, write guest posts. Get bylines. Build portfolio. And pitch the websites you write guest posts for. They are the first to see what you write how you write and infact see your work processes. They'll be your first clients.

2/ Contract is just a piece of document and not a legal document unless you get it done by the lawyer. If you haven't hired a lawyer, don't rely on it solely and make decisions.

You can fire your clients. And they can dore you too. Don't think just because they pay lesser or more than others, they'll stick by. Clients only work with people who they like. And the way to do it is—become a resource for them. The day you start doing it is the day you'll be their favourite freelance going on and upwards.