I had a nice chat yesterday with a woman from Ohio named Pamela who has been working for many years as a nonprofit fundraiser and is thinking about starting a freelance writing business to serve nonprofits. She called to ask my advice and here are a few of the tips I shared.
–Nonprofits usually don’t know what to do with “writers.” They do know what to do with “newsletter writers” and “website content writers.” Be specific about what you can write and you’ll connect much more quickly with the potential client. Think in terms of the product you will deliver as much as the service you will provide.
–Consider offering more than writing. Most nonprofits who need a writer will also need to fill gaps in other communications and marketing skills. I started out offering only writing and editing, but now offer print and online graphic design, publications management (e.g. editorial calendars, working with printers), communications strategy development, coaching/training, and more. I subcontract with a variety of other professionals to get all the work done well. But to the client, I’m a one-stop shop.
–Networking is essential to business development. I tried straight advertising in magazines read by nonprofit managers when I first started out and it was a complete flop. Nearly all of my clients have come from word-of-mouth referrals, networking at nonprofit events, and online networking via my nonprofit communications blog.
–Be flexible in how you structure fees. I offer clients the ability to pay by the project, by the hour, or by the word, depending on the task and how they want to pay. Sometimes clients are limited in how they can pay for your services, either by their own accounting rules or by the way they received the funding that they are using to pay you.
–A website and/or blog is critical. I have landed several new clients simply because of my online presence. I supply samples and client testimonials on my website and those have been enough to please several clients who emailed or called and offered me a contract with no additional marketing required on my part.
What tips do you have for freelance writers who are thinking about entering the nonprofit marketplace?
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I am 25 and have recently started out in the world of nonprofits. I am currently a development assistant for an international nonprofit. This article was extremely interesting and informative. Grant-writing and freelancing would be a dream come true and hopefully with the knowledge I learn from experienced people like yourself, I will one day be able to work for myself and help acquire funding for nonprofits that do good throughout the world. Thank you.
I’m so glad to have come across your blog. I can’t TELL you how great all this information is and how helpful. I’m interested in focusing my writing attention on non-profit and/or certain for profits that share my values and all the information I’ve read here is so helpful. I can’t wait to check out the archives and your website. Thanks so much.
Great information…thank you!