How I Work With My Clients
“So, like, what do you do, exactly?”
I field this question a lot from friends and acquaintances. They know that I’m a writer, and telling them about writing for publications or writing creatively needs no further clarification.
But when it comes to the wide world of marketing and branding — which comprises the majority of my business — they typically have more questions. You might, too, if you’re reading this, so allow me to explain!
Who are my clients?
Many of them are small businesses, start-ups, solopreneurs, creative professionals and nonprofit organizations. They work in industries from fine arts to finance to tech. They may not have the need or resources to staff an entire marketing team, so I provide my services as a contractor. For others, I support their existing team with projects or special content needs. I also work with marketing agencies as a subcontractor. In that case, they work with their own clients on 360-degree marketing approaches and offload content writing to me, like blogs and web page copy.
How do they find me?
Now, it’s mostly through personal connections and professional referrals (which is always ideal!). When I first began growing my freelance business as a side hustle, clients found me through FiverrPro — a freelance marketplace where buyers can order creative work from me. I’m using the platform less and less these days so that I can nurture my existing client relationships, but it’s good for lead generation. I also utilize staffing agencies on occasion, and I’m always applying to part-time and contract positions through LinkedIn.
What do I do for my clients?
Anything that’s related to their marketing and communications needs. Here’s a general breakdown:
Blogging: Brands need blogs so that they can show what they do and explain why it’s valuable. They’re opportunities to demonstrate expertise in their field and to position themselves as ideal solutions to consumers’ and customers’ problems.
Sales/promotional/event copy: Broadly speaking, this includes strategically written content for web pages, email campaigns, social channels and miscellaneous print and digital content.
Brand identity content: Brands need a solid reference guide that defines their identity, voice, personality, services, expertise, unique value proposition, key messages, target audience, mission and values. It summarizes the 5 Ws (who, what, where, when, why) and provides copy that can be repurposed in a variety of ways.
Content consulting: Once a brand is ready to grow their presence, they need assistance with content ideas. What should they publish on their website, blog, social channels, etc.? I develop an understanding of their communication strategy, marketing goals and data analysis to brainstorm content that impacts their audience and community.
Scriptwriting and video production: Video marketing keeps increasing in demand, and there are so many ways to make video production work within brands’ resources and needs. I produce video, compose scripts for explainer videos, manage on-camera interviews and develop concepts for production.
Below: An interview I produced for Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. Camera and sound: Sean Martin. Camera for performance: Sarah Bradley.
How do I work with with my clients?
Generally, I work with them on a part-time basis. That typically looks like providing a steady stream of blogs, emails, newsletters and copy for their social channels every month. With others, it’s more project-based, contract-based or ad hoc. No brand’s marketing needs are exactly the same, and some of my clients simply don’t need (or have the resources for) a writer on a steady basis.
How can you work with me?
Let’s connect! If you’re a brand who needs a creative and strategic writer to meet your communications needs, we might make a great fit. Send me a message, tell me what you’re looking for, and we can schedule a call to see if my services align with your marketing needs. Get to know me and my background here, view my portfolio here, and peruse my blog here.
