Guest Posts 29 - Be a Freelance Blogger

A Valentine’s Day Breakup Letter to My Cheap Freelance Client

Dear Freelance Client,

There’s no easy way to say this.

I put this off as long as I could, tossing and turning in bed, arguing with myself as to whether or not I should write this email.

I know this Friday was supposed to be the most romantic day of the year, the day that we looked into each other’s virtual eyes and imagined a lifetime of happiness together. But instead of snacking on heart-shaped chocolate and dreaming of your email address, I have to tell you…

I’m leaving you.

I remember when we started our relationship, when you replied to my email saying yes, you wanted to hire me! My heart leapt, and I had butterflies in my chest at the sight of every email you sent me.

But now, things have changed. Instead of feeling happy when I think of you, I have other, less positive emotions. Stress, sadness, and anger run through me at the mere mention of your name.

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By Pinar Tarhan

Not Writer’s Block: How to Cope If You Physically Can’t Write

Writer’s block is not a valid excuse for not writing. You can break through it by using one of the many kick-ass resources available on how to find ideas, re-slant articles, improve your brainstorming skills and more.

But what if you literally can’t write? What if your wrists give you too much pain when you touch a keyboard, or try to hold a pen?

Life-threatening or permanently damaging health conditions aside, a hand or arm injury is one of the worst things that can happen to a writer. And thanks to our constant love affair with our computers, hand injuries are becoming more common among writers.

In May 2013, I was diagnosed with nerve entrapment in my wrists. The pain was driving me crazy. At one point, it hurt even when I wasn’t doing anything.

The pain had been going on for 3 weeks when I got my diagnosis. It wasn’t the first time I’d had this problem. The condition can last anywhere between a couple of days and several months, depending on how serious it is and what you do to get better.

As someone who takes her health seriously —or, more accurately, as someone who would go nuts unless she could start writing soon— I followed my doctor’s instructions, which included using an ointment regularly, taking vitamin B, resting my hands as much as possible and wearing splints, especially while typing.

And while it’s extremely frustrating, it’s not the end of the world.

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By Shanna Mallon

How to Succeed As a Marketing Agency Writer

After three years of working in a cubicle, I became a full-time freelance writer in 2010—and from the first day I left my office job, I’ve been learning what it means to write from home.

While I started with multiple clients, today, I write predominantly for one Chicago-based marketing agency, a routine that gives me increased stability and more consistent hours (a freelancer’s dream come true!). And after years of writing for this marketing agency, I’ve also seen what it takes to succeed in this role.

Are you interested in freelancing for a marketing agency? Do you wonder what’s involved if you do?

If so, here are some tips from my experience. These are the habits to practice when you’re managing one single client instead of a handful of them, writing regularly in one style instead of many different ones, and reporting to one company instead of juggling dozens of contacts.

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By Francesca Nicasio

4 Guest Blogging Lessons You Can Learn from the Spice Girls

The Spice Girls may not be as “in” as Miley Cyrus, One Direction, or whoever the kids are listening to these days, but you have to admit, their all-time hits such as “Wannabe” and “Stop” are timeless and can still get people up on their feet.

Not to mention, the Spice Girls taught the world a lot about good times and girl power. [And about dancing in platform wedge shoes.]

But they can also school us about guest blogging. From how to approach bloggers correctly, to what to do after your article is published, here are a few guest posting lessons we can learn from this all-girl group that took the world by storm way back in 1996.

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By Brennan Dunn

How To Double Your Rates Without Scaring Off Your Clients

Imagine for a moment that you’re driving down the highway and you’re low on fuel.

You pull off at the next exit and see two gas stations. To your surprise, the one on the right side of the street wants $4 a gallon, but on the left side of the street they’re only asking for $2.

Where are you going to fill up?

For most of us, the answer’s obvious: at the cheaper station. After all, gas is a commodity. Shell and Exxon both sell the same product, no matter how hard they try to differentiate themselves.

So why do we question why our clients balk when we try to command a higher price or reach beyond the invisible ceiling of “market rates”? If all we’re selling is words, why should they pay you twice as much as what I’m proposing?

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