How can a freelance writer go about getting new clients if they don't use social media?

As someone who's been thinking a LOT lately about the mental bandwidth social media takes up, this seemed like a good topic to tackle head-on.

And the truth is: You can be a social media ghost and still have a thriving freelance writing business.

Now, don’t get me wrong: I *love* social media (Twitter especially.) It’s even helped me connect with new clients and land new bylines over the years.

But overall, social media is only responsible for a small stream of work that comes my way (and this has been the case since I started freelancing full-time over seven years ago.)

So here's the good news: if the thought of coming up with a constant stream of pithy marketing tweets, Instagram lifestyle photos, and rambling LinkedIn updates makes you want to throw your laptop into a ravine…

Don’t worry.

You don’t have to build a following, post every day, or connect with CMOs on 30 different platforms.

You can find incredible, high-paying clients without making your personal social accounts business-oriented.

In fact, you don’t have to be on social media at all. Here's how.

Strategy 1: Sign up for premium freelancer platforms

Don’t waste your time on Upwork and Fiverr.

Seriously. Don’t do it.

These platforms have drained the motivation out of many freelancers. They’re packed with competition and everyone competes on one thing — price.

It’s grueling to build a freelance writing business on Upwork and Fiverr. You’ll race from bad gig to bad gig until you eventually burn out or move on to better platforms and strategies.

So just skip them altogether!

Instead, look for platforms that value expertise. The best platforms make it easy for quality writers and companies to find each other — many times even matching you up.

I recommend two companies to start.

1. MarketerHire

MarketerHire is a high-end matchmaking service for professional freelancers and top brands. They only accept 5% of applications, but once you’re in, you’ll be matched with well-known companies like Netflix, Rothy’s, and Coca-Cola.

MarketerHire handles the business side of freelancing for you. You don’t have to worry about finding new projects, contracts, or billing (as that’s all taken care of on the platform.)

To get into the MarketingHire network, you’ll need to pass an in-depth skills review and video interview. Most freelancers who are accepted onto their platform get matched to a project within one month.

2. SelectFew

SelectFew is a new kind of marketing company that empowers freelancers to work with quality clients in a transparent, honest system.

Many platforms hide freelancers and white-label their work before sending it off to the client.

SelectFew projects are different. You’ll work with a SelectFew strategist and have direct access to the client. They’ll know who you are and be able to reach out to you directly.

Strategy 2: Ask for referrals

Referrals are some of the biggest sources of new work for many freelance writers (self included.)

In fact, nearly all of my new clients are now referred to me by either a former client, current client, or friend.

With a little bit of work, referrals can become your top new-project-getter too. But it won’t happen overnight.

You have to build relationships and trust before people will start directing work your way.

So, how do you make that happen?

Do great work (under-promise, over-deliver)
Communicate proactively with your clients (always keep them in the loop)
Network with other people in your industry on a one-to-one basis (emails, calls, meeting up IRL)

Once you’ve built your reputation as a reliable freelancer, you can start asking around to see if your new connections know of anyone hiring a freelance writer.

I’ve found the most success with two sources:

Current or previous clients. If they’re satisfied with your work, they’ll likely recommend you to someone else — but you have to ask. It doesn’t have to be much. A short email asking if they know anyone else looking for that kind of work usually does the trick.
Your existing network. You know people from school, previous jobs, friends, family, etc., so tell these lovely people you're taking new projects on. Spread the good word. They already know you, so put the fact that they can vouch for you to work.

Strategy 3: Network with other freelancers

Other freelancers aren’t your competition. Many are incredibly kind, helpful people who want to see their fellow freelance writers succeed.

When you build relationships with other freelancers, you’ll find support from people who are going through a lot of the same struggles you are. Freelancer friendships can be a great source of referrals, of course, but they’ll also boost your morale and give you a ton of opportunities to learn.

Plus: If your fellow freelancers get overflow projects or a project that is outside what they offer, they just might send it your way.

Find a few folks you'd like to get to know better and see if they'd be up for a virtual coffee date. Make it a regular part of your week to book time chatting with fellow freelancers.

Strategy 4: Search freelance writing job boards

Job boards tailored to freelance writers and other marketing roles are great ways to find new clients without using social media.

Some interesting options to check out are:

Job boards guarantee warm leads and take the hunting element out of finding relevant opportunities.

However, there are typically a lot of other freelancers also searching these boards, so you’ll have to find a way to stand out on a standardized application. Having a highly curated portfolio is part of this.

Strategy 5: Pitch guest posts to niche blogs

Writing for popular niche blogs is a great way to demonstrate your specialized expertise and earn some publicity for your personal brand without posting on social media.

Look for niche blogs and industry publications where people you want to hire you go for information. These websites are typically smaller, but most people who read them are either in the industry or fascinated with it. These readers will be much more likely to hire you or recommend you to someone they know.

(Psst! I did this early in my career, and by writing a few guest posts for Copyhackers, I was contacted by a handful of new clients who'd seen my byline there and wanted to work with me. Poaching at its finest!)

You don’t need social media to be a successful freelance writer

Most clients don’t care if you aren’t active on Twitter.

What they do care about is how well you do your work.

There are plenty of ways to connect with new clients that don’t involve social media — but it’s up to you to sell yourself as the expert they need.

Setting up the right processes for screening and onboarding new clients will help set you apart, as this starts every client relationship off on the right foot.

Having a clear process helps clients see from the very first conversation that they're working with a pro who knows what they're doing (and is worth top-tier rates.)

Still trying to figure out how your processes should work?

Get my Freelance Writer Template Bundle and skip the legwork, or check out these email templates from my friend and fellow writer Marijana.