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The Value Added Writer

One of the most important aspects of building a freelance writing and ghostwriting business is working out how to keep the work coming in and how to get repeat work. The answer to this dilemma is to become what I call a value added writer. That’s a writer who adds value for clients by helping them to achieve their aims.

So, how does this work, and how does it benefit both the writer and the client? It works like this. If clients hire you to write web content, then suggest other related products that could help clients achieve their aims.  This might be in the form of an article marketing campaign or some ebooks related to the content. This is not a hard sell; this is you saying to the client: ‘Hey; if you want to improve your website and build traffic, here are a couple of tools that will help you do it.’

When I do this, I focus on how the technique works and how it will help the client (adding value for them). I also give examples of similar work that I have done, so that they know that I can do the job (adding value for me).  Even if they don’t use my suggestions right away, I am usually at the top of their list when it’s time to move to the next phase.

Another thing I do to give my clients value is to answer their questions. It may seem a simple thing, but many people who hire freelance writers and ghostwriters do so because they need some help in realising their goals. They often have questions about using one method over another, about what exactly you do and how it will help them.  As an old UK telecoms ad said, ‘It’s good to talk’. I try to answer questions as fully as possible, so that clients feel happy with the service that I offer.

When it is possible to do so, I deliver work early. Again, this works well for the client, who has the required content on time. It also means that the next time there’s a job, I’m more likely to be hired than someone who missed a deadline.  And, on the odd occasion that I need to reschedule, the client is likely to be understanding.

Adding value for clients means that my clients are happy and that I get plenty of repeat work. Even if six months passes between gigs, I know that there are some clients who keep me on their books for a suitable occasion.   And I sleep well at night because I know that I have done a professional writing job.

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