Hi. Welcome to the Ladybirdink podcast, the topic for today’s session is – how to pitch for content writing projects with international clients. So, get ready to hear our five tips.
1. The first tip we have for you is that you must understand what it takes to be a successful content writer in the English language. As a content writer, you need to write content that meets the standards of native English readers, which means that there must be fluidity in the way you write. You must be able to write in a conversational style without being casual. You must understand the words you’re using. We recommend keeping a Dictionary app open as you write so you can cross-check the use of words. Some words have different meanings and different usages in the U.K. and in the U.S. For example, biscuits versus cookies, chips versus scripts and bum in the U.K., and a bum in the U.S. have different meanings.
2. Let the client know that you understand the content writing style in their industry. There are a few things that can showcase this to the client. Share article samples that you have written in the same or related industry. If you have worked in the industry and now are a content writer as well, you have a perspective to offer which no other writer does. If you have neither of these two, we suggest you do online research and study the client’s website and see what kind of content they have written so far. Also, look at three other businesses in the same industry. Once you have done that, draft a brief content strategy that you can share with the client in your email pitch, saying that this is what you need to be doing.
3. Spell out your systematic approach for executing the project. You instill confidence in prospective clients by sharing the approach for the project. Some of the information that you must share in your project proposal is –
4. Perhaps the trickiest point, which often baffles freelance content writers, is the pricing. Typically, if the client has indicated a budget, that makes your job easier. But most clients will not do that. They want to sit back to know how much are you going to be willing to work for? And that’s why you start to feel underconfident and uncertain. Now, this is a tricky question to answer because everyone has their own approach to it. But if you are an out-of-work writer, then be conservative in the way you’re bidding. If you have the required skills set, leverage that in the bidding fee by asking for a higher rate than you normally would. Also, if you have adequate content writing projects and just are looking to take on a few more clients, by all means, bid for a higher fee. You never know the client may or may not take your bait, but you can take that risk.
5. Finally, follow up after submitting the project bid if the client does not revert on the acceptance or rejection of the pitch. Write to them two days later. Talk to them about your eagerness to take on the content writing project. And if you can share some additional information that would perhaps address some of the concerns.
This podcast has been made to answer a question that Sangeeta Ghosh Dastidar had raised on LinkedIn. If any of you listening today has a question on content writing or freelancing, we’d be happy to answer it. Please do drop your question in the comments below. We hope that you all have a busy month ahead. Take care and bye for now.