Your Favorite Magazine Can Be a Source of New Writing Leads
June 27, 2008 by Jodee
Filed under Freelance Writing
by Jodee Redmond
I think that most people who write are also voracious readers, and I’m no exception. I enjoy reading books and magazines on topics that I find interesting. Since freelance writers should always be open to finding new leads, I want to suggest a few things that you can try the next time you are looking at a magazine to help you find new clients for your business.
Consider the Article Content First
As you read through the magazine, look for profiles of business owners or mentions of companies offering a new product or service. A company that is expanding its marketing strategies may need copywriter or new content for its web site.
Look at the Ads, Too
Since the magazine is written to appeal to a certain niche market, make note of the companies that are placing ads in the magazine. Add these to your list of potential clients you want to consider following up with. Don’t ignore the ads at the back of the magazine; these companies may need a freelancer as well.
Do Your Homework
Start doing some research on each of the companies on your list. You can get information online, from business directories, at your local library. Visit the company web site to learn more. Here are some things to look out for:
- Does the company have a blog? If not, then you can work up a pitch for them.
- Are they launching a new product or adding new services? They may be in the market for someone to write brochures or to update their web site.
- Has someone connected with the company received an award recently? The company may be interested in having a press release prepared.
The idea here is to anticipate what these potential clients will need next (whether they realize it or not). Then you can tailor your pitch to show how you are a person who can help the company meet that need. They won’t need to look elsewhere because the solution is right in front of them…and YOU are the solution!
Now that you’ve written this, all of these things seem so obvious. But I had never even considered them before. Jodee, you have this great knack for spreading helpful information as if it is a communicable disease. Thank you!
Thank you Jodee for this post and reminding us to take a more indepth look at a magazine that we enjoy reading as it can help us to glean possible writing gigs.
@ Carly: “Jodee, you have this great knack for spreading helpful information as if it is a communicable disease.” I hadn’t thought of it in that way, but I do like that, LOL!
@ Jenny B: You are most welcome.
I really like all these tips, Jodee. I had never thought to look at the ads in magazines before, thanks!
Jodee:
Great Idea! I never thought about that at all. I mean I look through some of my mags, for inspiration rather then actual job type leads. This something I will definitely think about when looking at my favorite magazine’s.
Thanks!