WritingThoughts

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How easy is it for potential clients to find you online?

There are thousands of freelance writers out there. A strong online presence is crucial for attracting clients.

But if you’re like most new freelance writers, you may be rather hard to find online. Even if you have a website and/or blog, it may not rank high enough in the search engines for anyone to find it.

One way to build up your online presence is through writer profile sites. I first examined writer profile sites in this post, 4 Writer Profile Sites Reviewed, nearly three years ago.

Today, I take another look at writer profile sites. I’ll explain what a writer profile site is. I’ll re-examine the original four sites that I reviewed. And I’ll look at three new writer profile sites.

What Is a Writer Profile Site?

Simply put, a profile website is a place where you can describe your background and your writing services. The site may, or may not, include a place for you to include clips.

The idea behind a profile site is to allow a potential client to find the right freelance writer for their project. Usually, this is done by listing writers in a directory.

This approach is different from a typical job board site, which freelancers must search to find listed jobs and apply to those they interested in. Although, some sites are hybrids and include both the characteristics of a job board and a profile site.

Of course, every profile site differs. Some profile sites include job listings as well.

Profile Sites Revisited

It’s time to revisit the first profile sites I reviewed:

• Contently. I am much more enthusiastic about Contently than I was originally. The main reason for this is the portfolio aspect of it, which is easy to use. In fact, I often send potential clients to look at my Contently portfolio. They have also developed an excellent resource in their blog, The Freelancer by Contently. As far as Contently leading directly to work, I’ve only gotten one assignment (from Contently itself). You can read that post here.
• Ebyline. Ebyline is more of a hybrid site. While you do create a profile on Ebyline, they also list jobs (called pitches) for writers to apply to. In my experience, most of the time, there are few pitches listed on the Pitch Board. I have to admit, I haven’t been consistent about looking at the pitches, but I did get one assignment through Ebyline. I should also mention that Ebyline has recently changed ownership. I’m uncertain about whether that will affect the site.
• LinkedIn. In my opinion, LinkedIn is the strongest profile site out there. It’s also the site where I’ve had the most success. I often get inquiries from potential clients through LinkedIn. I still have never used the paid version of LinkedIn. Since I last wrote about LinkedIn they’ve added features that are useful to freelancers. One such feature is the ability to include projects on your profile. In my opinion, if you have to limit yourself to one profile site, it should be this one.
• MediaBistro. I was listed in the Marketplace at Media Bistro for over a year. Unfortunately, I did not get any results from my listing. Because the listing costs $21 a month (or $145 a year), I canceled it. (Discounts are available for AvantGuild members.) That being said, writers should be aware that the MediaBistro site offers lots of great resources for writers such as training classes and articles.

(Note: Costs were correct at the time of publication. This information may change over time.)

Of course, every writer’s experience is different. A profile site that worked well for me may not work for you, and vice versa. And these four profile sites are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what’s out there.

Recently, I’ve started to look at other profile sites.

3 More Profile Sites to Consider

Here are some other profile sites that I’ve tried since I last posted about this subject:

• All Indie Writers directory. All Indie Writers maintains a Professional Freelance Writer Directory. The profile has basic information such as a link to your portfolio, your typical rate, a brief description of what you do and your qualifications. There is a one-time fee of $14.95 to create a profile. While I’ve not gotten a job directly from this profile site, I do get inquiries and traffic to my blog from my listing. Even if you don’t submit your profile to the directory, check out the rest of All Indie Writers site. It includes articles, job postings, and more.
• Envato Studio. Envato Studio recently expanded to include writers and editors in the service provider listings there. I was invited to take part. I found it easy to set up my profile. Your profile includes a specific price for each service you include. When you set your prices, remember that Envato Studio receives a part of what you earn through the site. I’ve already received one project through Envato Studio and am thinking about expanding my presence there.
• FlexJobs. This is also a hybrid site because it functions partly like a job search engine. The site also allows you to create more than one resume profile. Each profile can be specific to the type of job you would like. You can also take skill tests through the site and include the results in your profile. The site also directs you to job listings related to your profile(s). I like the site because it’s geared towards those who need a flexible work schedule (which doesn’t always mean freelance). A membership to the site costs $14.95/month or $49.94/year. I was able to get a discounted membership through my membership in the Freelance Writers Den.

(Note: Costs were correct at the time of publication. This information may change over time.)

The Bottom Line

I’ve just touched on a few of the many sites where writers can create a profile that helps clients to find them.

While being listed on a profile site shouldn’t replace your other marketing efforts, it can lead to more opportunities.

Do you use profile sites to help market your freelancing business? Have you had much luck with them? Which ones are your favorites?

Share your answers in the comments.