There’s no question that cold-pitching is one of the best, if not the best way, to land high-paying freelance writing jobs online. But the whole process takes time, from prospecting for clients and finding the editor’s contact name to finding their email address and crafting your pitch.
That’s not to mention that response rates are often low. Even when prospects reply, too often you’re faced with this typical response: “We don’t need freelance writers now, but we’ll keep your details on file.” We’ve all been there.
Hell, I sent 80 cold pitches last week and out of the 15-20 replies, 10 of those were that infuriating response. Even when you hook one of your targets, you’re also often faced with the reality of low pay. And so it continues.
But what if I told you there was a faster way? A way that will not only help build your prospect list faster but also help you land well-paying writing jobs online, quicker.
Would you be interested? I bet you would. The good news is, there is such a way.
In this post, I share the technique that helped me land my highest paying blogging gig yet: $250 for a single blog post.
It Started with a Eureka Moment
The other day while chatting with my friend, Richard Rowlands, I had a eureka moment. You know those moments where you’re like, “That’s deceptively simple, I can’t believe I never thought of that.”
When I tell you the technique, you’ll probably think to yourself while rolling your eyes “Thanks, Captain Obvious.” That’s okay; I know it’s obvious. But that’s the beauty of it – it’s deceptively simple, yet it works.
I tested it recently by sending seven cold pitches. The results I received were impressive and undoubtedly scalable to a larger prospect list.
But I digress…let’s get back to that eureka moment. I thought to myself, “What if I ‘stalked’ successful freelance writers in my niche, see who they write for, and then pitch those websites?
Surely this would allow me to build up a targeted prospect list faster, and help me find high-paying freelance writing jobs online a lot faster? I put it to the test.
I Stalked My “Competition”
Why not? It’s a free market, and there’s plenty of work to go around. I opened up my Chrome browser and typed my chosen freelance writer in my trusted old friend “Google”.
The first page of Google instantly provided me results:
After scouring page one and two of Google, I had a small list of 7 publications.
I Found the Designated Contact Person and Email Addresses
I found the relevant decision makers and their email addresses using a variety of techniques I’ve outlined on the blog before such as email finding apps and Linkedin.
My Pitch
I sent the following cold pitch to seven publications:
Hi [Insert name], I’ m reaching out to see if you need a freelance writer who can help with content at [insert company/website]. I’m [insert your name]. I’ve been featured in [insert social proof if you have. Include some relevant publications]. I’m a feature writer and B2B/B2C blogger [update according to your own needs], providing:
- Ebooks and whitepapers to capture leads for your business
- Feature articles for magazines; with a focus on profile stories
- Blog posts (ghostwritten if required) to drive traffic to your site
- Emails and newsletters to grow your revenue
- Tutorials and guides to educate visitors
[make your own list according to the services you offer] Here is a link to my writer’s website and testimonials from previous clients [Exclude if you don’t have a writer’s website or testimonials yet]. Shall we connect? [Ask a question to get a response. Better yet, set a specific date and link to a calendar]. I’d be happy to jump on a call to see how I can help your business. Cheers, Nick Darlington
I received the following replies from three different prospects:
Reply 1
Reply 2
Reply 3
Reply 1 told me the prospect wasn’t interested. Reply 2, was more positive, but after an email interaction, it became clear that the prospect only wanted backlinks. That’s not my game, so I left that.
But “reply three” was a live one. I responded:
Remember you don’t have to respond immediately – it only makes you look desperate.
Also, don’t be afraid to respond by saying you’re working on some ideas. This shows you’re actively thinking about how you can help their business and not just about the money.
So, the following Monday I sent this email:
This is her reply:
Not bad right? That first line is a killer testimonial right there. But you can also receive responses like this by:
- Focusing on providing value. Ask yourself: “How can I help the business?”
- Not talking about rates and money (unless they ask).
- Asking questions to show you want to help them.
I then took some time and responded with the following:
A few more points:
- Don’t be afraid to charge what you’re worth.
- If they ask about doing work you haven’t done, you can gently decline, but also feel free to tell them you’d be happy to tackle the project at an agreed rate, at no risk to them. If they like it, they publish it, if not, nothing lost. It’s a win-win. Jacob McMillen used this technique- which he calls the No-Risk Pitch Method, to land his first $5k writing gig.
- Use the above technique when a client shows interest but you don’t have writing samples.
I’m currently still in talks with the client. [Update] – 7 hours after publishing this post I got the gig. We’re just tying up technicalities, see below:
As you can see, it’s a potent strategy.
It’ll help you build a highly targeted prospect list a lot faster and help you find those high-paying gigs.
I mean, if other successful writers do write or have written for these publications/websites, chances are these publications see the value in content marketing and are happy to pay well.
Have you used this technique to land freelance writing jobs online? If not, why don’t you give it a try and share your experience in the comments below?
Wow… This is what I really needed. Kudos guys.
Hi Moulka,
You’re welcome. Test it and let us know what the results were.
Cheers,
Nick
This was ingenious
Amazing Nick!
I was gonna suggest that you write an article on this.
Thanks a lot
Hi Efose,
Was already written 🙂
Cheers,
Nick, this is natural! I definitely have to try it out.
This line really amused me: “You’re fast winning your way into my #1 freelancer spot (before you’ve even written anything)”
This is every beginner’s dream.
Hi Cosmos,
Really glad you enjoyed the blog post. I had loads of fun writing this!
Cheers,
Nick
Great and awesome piece, I must admit. I am trying this technique right away. Thanks Nick for this unparalleled insight.
Hi Bamidele,
Glad you found it valuable. Keep taking action Bamidele. You will see results.
Also, please let us know how it goes.
Cheers,
Nick
Good article. I haven’t pursued any freelance contracts yet; I appreciate your insight and methodolgy. Cheers Mate, I’ll keep ya posted as I move forward!
Hi Dylan,
Thanks. Keep us updated on progress. If you need any help feel free to email us directly.
Cheers,
Nick
I just stumbled on your site recently and I must admit you are so amazing Nick.
I am a young budding Freelance Writer and blogger and I really need mentorship if I must succeed.
Having someone like you will be so great.
Is there a way I can contact you directly?
Thank you so much!
Hi Ebere,
Thanks for your kind words.
You can get my mentorship by simply reading the content that is on the blog. We literally share everything we’ve done and have done to start and grow our writing business. That said, if you have any specific questions, feel free to email me directly at nick at nickdarlington.com.
All the best,
Nick
Thanks for a fascinating approach to pitching for paying writing jobs. Did I miss it, how do you identify your competition and which sites are paying them well. This seems key to working out who to pitch to.
I always enjoy seeing some creativity in how to tackle a task. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Shoshana,
In the post, it mentions identifying people who are in your niche.
Because I have several niches, I picked a writer and just pitched. I didn’t get hung up on the niche thing. For me right now, this is too much of a hurdle. As I write more, I’ll start identifying what niches I enjoy most.
Cheers,
Nick
Nick, this is a brilliant strategy. I landed one client by doing something similar but your follow up is boss! Also, WriteWorldWide is an amazing resource! Cheers, Deborah
Hi Deborah,
Thanks for the comment and the kind words about WriteWorldwide 🙂
What did your strategy look like?
Cheers
Nick
Thanks Nick for a wonderful post.It is indeed valuable
Hi Godfrey,
Glad you enjoyed it. Please use the tips and let us know how it goes.
Cheers,
Nick, you’ve shared gold here. You are generous and inspiring. Thanks so much!
Hi Kate,
Really glad you enjoyed it, and thanks for the kind words. Watch this space – there’s more to come!
Cheers,
Hi Nick,
Your idea is definitely a masterpiece. I have thought of it initially but was too afraid to try it out.
You have lay the way for us. I will definitely tread this part starting from today. Thanks so much for sharing too. Kudos to the whole team. A job well done.
Cheers,
Waliyulah
Hi Waliyulah,
Thank you. Please try it out for yourself and share your experience with us. We need to share progress to inspire others to keep going.
Cheers
Nick
This piece rocks, Nick! Thumbs up.
Thanks Mayowa. Glad you liked the post.
Awesome case study Nick! I love the way you laid out each step and this is a great and simple way to land writing gigs. I will definitely try this out!Pure gold 🙂
Hi Aisha,
Really glad you enjoyed it. I’m sharing another article like this tomorrow, so do check-in.
Also, please share your experience with us!
Cheers,
Nick
A great article. I’m now informed
Hi Doreen,
Thanks.
Cheers,
Thanks Nick for your well mapped out and understandable pitching ideas.They’re hugely inspirational!
Hi Peter,
So happy that you found it valuable. How’s your writing career coming along?
Cheers,
Nick
Hi Nick,
I am just starting out by creating my website before embarking on cold pitching.This is inline with your previous post on the insanely meaningful strategy that fast-tracked your way to success.I’ll keep posting progress as I go along.Thanks a lot Nick!
Hi Peter,
Keep us updated with your progress!
Cheers,
Nick
Why did it take me so long to come across this masterpiece?
I’ll be back with my testimonial.
Thanks, Nick.
Hi Akintubi,
Thanks for your message. Yup, use the technique and let us know how it goes 🙂
Cheers,
Thanks for the helpful article man, it’s really useful for writers like me, I am going to start my job and also I am going to suggest this article for my friends, thanks for the great article, keep sharing with us.
Hi Harish,
So happy you found the article valuable. And yes, do share it with your friends. The more people we can help the better!
Cheers,
Nick
Thank you for the tips! It’s great to see how other people go through the motion of finding work.
Hi Alice,
Yes, it’s a great way to pick up some new tricks. Have you tried any?