Note from Jennifer: 2020 was full of challenges but many writers overcame them and had their best year ever. My survey of freelance content marketing writers revealed many of the reasons writers did so well, but I’ll never get tired of hearing success stories. Stephanie Trovato is on the blog today to share her amazing story about crushing her first year as a freelance content marketing writer. I hope her story inspires you and helps you conquer 2021. Check out her website and follow her on Instagram as well.

If you are looking for some help achieving your goals in 2021, consider signing up for my 4-week training class “Make More Money as a Freelance Content Marketing Writer.” Tomorrow is the last day to sign up for the early-bird price of $199. The price increases to $249 on Saturday, January 9th.

By Stephanie Trovato

As we roll into 2021, and all the goal posts begin, focusing on what is important and what is attainable may seem to pose a challenge, but if 2020 taught us anything, freelancers are MADE for challenges.

I, like many, began my business officially on January 1, 2020. Oh, what optimism I had (cue sarcastic laugh). My original plan for my freelance business was to supplement my income from being a waitress. I also had a full-time job, and I craved more time at home. I had a modest goal of $35k, which felt astronomical at the time. I even laid out my plans each quarter to ensure that I was growing at a reasonable rate. Well, as of December 31, 2020, I hit $136k!

So I bet you’re wondering how I did it. What did I do differently than so many? How did I get so lucky? How could I have possibly made that much in my first year? I promise you; there’s no secret, I am no different than anyone else, and didn’t have any ins or huge clients when I started.

Whenever someone asks me what makes me successful, my answer is always the same: persistence. While it may seem like too easy of an answer, it is what differentiates me from the crowd.  Let’s admit it; people suck at following up. It’s not necessarily done intentionally, but it often happens in this line of work. I recognized this from the beginning and used it as an opportunity to shine. I have since been complemented by many for my persistence and ability to follow up courteously. I also use SalesHandy, a plugin for emails to show when a recipient opened it and how many times. It helps determine whether you are being left hanging or if they haven’t even read it yet. 

Another key to my success… LinkedIn. You don’t know who you know until you really look. When I began my business, I scanned my connections for people who were in the industries I wanted to work with and reached out. There’s nothing wrong with using your connections; just be courteous and mindful of their role and time. I also learned how to scan the news feed by searching for terms like ‘freelance writer’, which populated any posts that included those words, which were mostly people looking for freelance writers. Investing in the LinkedIn premium subscription allowed me to reach out via direct messages and progress the conversation to the next stages. 

What didn’t work… Upwork and other job boards. I learned from the beginning to stay off of those low paying boards. I tried signing up for a spot when I first began and was denied by Upwork. I thought that was a travesty at the time but have since learned it was definitely a blessing. Can you find jobs on those types of job boards? Yes, of course, but they won’t pay you what you are truly worth. Don’t settle for a lower value just to get a job. 

When looking back on the year, I will say the things that helped me land jobs were published bylines, a website that displayed my portfolio, and my ability to invest in tools to help me become a sharp pitcher and communicator to potential clients. Your website doesn’t need to be fancy, just enough to show your work in an easy-to-view way. Ghostwriting is great and often pays well, but make sure you get a few published bylines under your belt so you have some social proof when pitching to clients. Go ahead and google your name, and see if your written pieces come up in the search results. That’s your proof right there.

One last thing I want to emphasize for success is using Facebook groups to your advantage. Jennifer’s Freelance Content Marketing Writer group on Facebook has been a lifesaver for me over the past year. It is filled with like-minded writers, brilliant business brains, and even resources and job opportunities that have already been screened. These types of groups have given me answers to my questions, connections for business advice, and even a job or two. Don’t discount the value these groups can have for your business.  

As you continue to go into this new year, whether encouraged and fired up or fearing the unknown and afraid to step out of your comfort zone, I want you to remember something. Only you can define your value, so learn it, define, and scream it from the rooftops. You are the only one who can drive your success, and your value is what will get you to your goals. Happy New Year! Wishing each of you a thriving, healthy, and safe 2021.

What strategies helped you find work in 2020?