So you’ve decided to start a Ghostwriting business, but where should you start looking for clients?
Fortunately, most ghostwriters find their first clients in one of three places.
It may feel sort of weird, but usually the best place to start is to talk to your friends and family about hiring your services. Maybe you know someone who has always talked about writing a book, or you know the owner of a company who needs content for their website.
Tell them about the business you’re starting, that you’re just starting but want to create quality content for them, that your prices will never be cheaper; anything that could get them to let you help them and/or their business.
Your network will be the most sympathetic and willing to give you your first break. Make use of it, and show your gratitude after. You don’t have to disclose on your website that your first client was your best friend!
Social media is an incredible source of clients; never has it been easier to connect with thousands of people with the same interests all at once.
Post on your own social accounts about your services, and also think about posting in industry specific groups that may exist on Facebook or LinkedIn. Remember though, try to avoid sounding salesy, simply help right there in the post. In other words, post actual answers to their questions. Don’t ask them to read a post or private message you.
Generally speaking, mentioning what you do is fine, especially if it is relevant to your answer. For example, if someone asks now they can meet a literary agent, you could say “I’m a ghostwriter. One of my clients is working with an agent. I’d be happy to ask her if her agent is looking for more work. What type of project are you thinking about?” If someone asks for tips for overcoming writer’s block, you could say “I’m a ghostwriter, so writer’s block would be a big problem. What I do is [your tips].” In both of these examples, you’re not selling your ghostwriting services but being helpful and mentioning your ghostwriting business as a reason for them to trust your answer.
Of course, if someone posts looking to outsource articles or book writing, you could usually mention you do that for a living and would be happy to talk with them. Tap into the problems they have: they don’t think they’re good writers, they don’t have time, they can’t think of topics, etc. Offer people your help to solve their problems.
And, always—ALWAYS—learn and abide by the rules of each group. That will help you avoid getting kicked out or coming across like a spammer.
We’re listing this one last because it should be your last stop. Job boards can be helpful if you just need to get started and haven’t had any luck before. But they usually don’t pay as much as if you source your own clients. Many times, you have to split revenue, too.
Plus, it will be much harder to build long-term relationships with clients because they trust the board more than the writer. Also, the terms of service on the boards likely prevent you from doing so anyhow. Be sure to follow the rules of each job board, especially if you rely on them for income as you grow. Assume you can’t move the relationship off the job board.
Still, they can work and be a good source for building up your experience while earning some income along the way. Here are some you can check out to start:
Here you’ll have to be a little more salesy, but still focus on how you can help the person who hires you. Your service should be solving a problem of theirs. As you build up a resume and experience, try to shift your attention outside of the job boards.
Starting can seem daunting, but if you begin your search for portfolio building (or any) jobs with the mindset that you want to help people and solve their problems you shouldn’t have too hard of a time. Clients can tell when you’re being genuine, and they want their problems solved as much as you want be hired to solve them.
Social:
Looking for the best places to find ghostwriting clients? Check out this post to see 3 great places that are right in front of you. (LINK)
Your family and friends can be the best sources for finding clients for your ghostwriting business. Ask them about it and see if they can help you.
Build a ghostwriting portfolio can be daunting if you don’t know where to start. Check out this article to see three great places to find ghostwriting clients. (LINK)
Social media is a great source to get closer to thousands of customers all at once. Take advantage of this great resource and see where it can take you and your business.