Note from Jennifer: When I started The Freelance Content Marketing Writer group on Facebook in May 2018, when my book launched, I had no idea how fast it would grow into a friendly, supportive community for writers. But it has. We now have over 2200 members. And in some ways, the group is the networking resource I’ve always wanted specifically for content marketing writers. I strongly believe writers can become more successful by helping other writers and making friends that ease the loneliness of freelance life. Cat DiStasio, who helps me manage the group, understands the power of community too. In this article, she explains why writers have to give as much as they hope to receive when networking with other writers. Be sure to visit her website and blog after reading as well.

By Cat DiStasio

Networking with other writers is a key part of any strategy for becoming successful as a freelance writer. It’s priceless to have writer friends for venting frustrations, exchanging advice, and trade encouragement when things get rough. Writers can share feedback on tools that help us run our businesses, contact info for key editors, and other valuable insights that only other freelance writers can understand.

But networking isn’t enough. In order to truly reap the benefits of relationships with other writers, you have to work on community. Because humans are social creatures, we’re more likely to offer help and support to people we feel who have helped us as well, or who are ready and willing to help us. So it’s also important to make building relationships and community a priority in your interactions.Think about that as you read the suggestions below.

This advice is specifically for writers connecting with other writers, but a lot of it applies to relationships with other people as well, such as former clients and editors, or that guy you shared a study group with in college who now works for a company on your dream client list.

Here are 5 things freelance writers can do to benefit more from online communities:

1. Use your manners.

Just like in-person conferences and other networking events, writers need to act like real live human beings when they’re connecting with others online. Before you ask a person or a group for help, introduce yourself. Highlight your skills and experience so others know what kind of resource you can be for them. Remember what I said above about people being more willing to help those who can help them in return. And when someone does help you, show your gratitude.

2. Pay it forward.

When you’re working toward the larger goal of building relationships and community, it means you have to give without expecting to get anything back. Chime in when others ask questions, share relevant articles and resources, and do what you can to encourage others. This helps support the community’s overall culture, and helps others see you as a friendly, helpful individual.

3. Ask the right questions in the right way.

It’s fine (and can be great, actually) for writers to ask questions. In online communities, that privilege comes with some responsibilities. If you’re networking in a writers’ group, always search the previous posts or comments before posting your question, and don’t ask questions that would be better answered by Google. That said, there are plenty of questions only other writers can answer, but nobody has to help you. Being humble and generous can get you a long way, and if those things don’t come naturally to you, it might be time to practice. When you ask a question, try making a specific suggestion for how you can repay the favor when others help you.

4. Find an accountability partner.

If you need a lot of support or want to have someone to talk to about your work on a regular basis, consider finding an accountability partner. This would be another writer who is also looking for support and encouragement, and could be the next best thing to a ‘coworker’ that a freelancer can get. Most accountability pairs work out a private agreement about how (and how often) they will communicate, and it’s awfully nice to have someone you can count on when you need a pep talk.

5. Know your limits.

Your new online contacts may have offered you some stellar advice or helped you solve a sticky client mystery, but that doesn’t mean you can expect that to happen over and over again. It’s important to realize that your fellow freelancer’s time is as valuable as your own, and free advice isn’t free for those who are giving it out. Be respectful of other writers’ time and energy, and know when you’ve demanded enough of it.

Do you have any tips for building relationships with other writers in online communities?