You're not the BEST freelance writer there ever was
“After almost a year of full-time freelance writing, I can say, without a shadow of a doubt, that being the best at writing isn’t what’s helped me succeed.” – Rachel Ayotte
This week, we’ve got another special guest, freelancer writer: Rachel Ayotte. She’s drafted a pep talk for freelance writers.
Here’s a hard truth: You might not be THE BEST writer there ever was.
Here’s another less hard truth: You don’t have to be the best writer in the world in order to be a successful freelance writer.
When I first started my freelance business, I had imposter syndrome that felt practically unbearable. Everywhere I looked, there were writers who were more qualified than me and had even more impressive statistics to back up the success of their writing. For months, I grappled with feeling inadequate and like I could never succeed and win over clients — I mean, how could I if I wasn’t the BEST writer on the market?
The truth is — I never needed to be the best writer in the business (and you don’t either).
After almost a year of full-time freelance writing, I can say, without a shadow of a doubt, that being the best at writing isn’t what’s helped me succeed.
Of course, the content I’m producing is good, but it’s not the best piece of writing my clients have ever read — I know that for sure. What’s gotten me to where I am (on the precipice of doubling my income from last year!) actually has nothing to do with my writing skills. It has to do with my relationship skills.
Clients know that I will always deliver on time (I’ve yet to miss a deadline), I’m communicative, and I’m reliable.
I invoice on the same exact date every month
I follow up promptly
I aim for consistent turnaround times with whatever I’m producing
They know they can trust me with sensitive content and that I’ll ask the right questions, too. And — perhaps this is a little less concrete — I’m friendly, upbeat, and genuinely enjoy the work I do, and it shows.
If you’re a freelance writer and you’re doubting your skills – don’t! Often what matters most to a client is that they can trust and depend on you to take care of something — and that communicating with you is easy, pleasant, and stress-free, always :)
Rachel is a member of Pop Club, a community of freelance writers who are growing their businesses together. It’s a space for freelances who are in their first couple years of writing to both ask and answer questions!
An image for Pop Club, a community for freelance writers starting their businesses, starting at $30 per month.