60: 7 Reasons You Aren't Landing Freelance Writing Clients

60: 7 Reasons You Aren't Landing Freelance Writing Clients

Author: Michael Leonard: Copywriter & Freelance Writing Coach February 26, 2020 Duration: 25:00

In this Writing Wednesday episode, I go over 7 reasons no one is hiring you as a freelance writer. I recently published an article on Medium with this same topic and it really resonated with my writing audience, because without clients, you can't have a thriving writing business. 

Freelance writing is as simple as finding a niche, getting clients, writing content, invoicing and then repeating that whole process. To be successful you need to increase your pitch ratio and win more clients and it starts with not making these mistakes!

Mistake #1: Your scared and afraid of rejection
Understand that each time you get a "NO" (or no response) from pitching clients, you are one step closer to getting a YES. This is why you need to pitch clients consistently because without pitching you will not get enough clients who say 'yes'. 

Mistake #2: You don't have a writing website
If you don't have a writing website, it is harder for potential clients to take you seriously. This is the first lesson I teach all my students in my writing course! A writing website helps clients know, like and trust you.

Freelance writing is as simple as finding a niche, getting clients, writing content, invoicing and then repeating that whole process. To be successful you need increase your pitch ratio and win more clients and it starts with not making these mistakes!

Mistake #3: You Don't Follow Up with Clients
Track your pitches and job board submissions in a Google sheet so you can follow up, this will help you stand out in the crowd of freelance writer applications. 

Mistake #4: You Aren't Using Social Media (Correctly)
I landed a client from my business Instagram in December of 2018. 12 months later, I have earned over $35,000 working together. Watch my video here to learn the exact steps I took to land a client on Instagram. Learn how to use social media strategically and post relevant content to your niche that will attract potential clients. Here are 21 social media tips for freelance writers that I posted on Medium.

Mistake #5: You Become Complacent
If you want new (and higher-paying clients), you have to keep setting goals so that you can attract new clients.

Mistake #6: You Have Only One Writing Niche
If you're not getting enough clients, don't be afraid to change your niche or simply add another one. Almost every niche in the world needs writers so why not have a second one about something you are passionate about?

Mistake #7: Your Pitch Is Boring
Instead of sending the same pitch template over and over, make sure that you customize it. Let your personality shine through so you can stand out among the sea of other writers.

Making money as a freelance writer is all about getting clients! Master these tips to be successful. 


Michael Leonard was a professional copywriter earning a solid salary before he walked away from that career in 2017. With no safety net, he built a thriving online writing business from the ground up. In his Inspire Your Success podcast, he gets into the real work behind that transition, moving beyond simple inspiration to offer a practical roadmap. Each conversation is grounded in his experience as a freelance writing coach, focusing on the actionable steps needed to build a sustainable independent career. You’ll hear honest discussions about the mental shifts required to leave a traditional job, the systems that actually generate income, and how to navigate the common pitfalls of entrepreneurship. This isn't about vague motivational talk; it's a detailed look at creating a business that affords more freedom, whether that means paying off debt, traveling, or simply designing a life with more flexibility. Tune in for a blend of strategic business advice and personal development insights, all drawn from Michael’s own journey from a structured 9-5 to successful self-employment. The podcast serves as a direct mentorship for anyone feeling stuck, providing the tangible tools and mindset needed to turn professional aspirations into a working reality.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Inspire Your Success
Podcast Episodes
REPLAY: How to Beat Overwhelm As a Freelancer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:03
Use these freelancing tips to beat overwhelm and get more done so you can have more free time! >> Scale Your Freelance Writing Business Learn my exact system to make $1,000-$5,000+ per month as a freelance writer inside…
127: How to Get Paid as a Freelance Writer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:08
Multiple income streams and making up your own rates is one of the reasons why so many people get into freelance writing. But how do you get paid? How do you invoice clients? What are the best practices to getting paid p…
126: Finding the Perfect Client Mix for Consistent Income [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:03
What's great about freelance writing is you can have a ton of different income streams... unlike a 9-5. Most months I have between 4-6 (sometimes up to 9) clients at a time. But dedicating the time and energy isn't easy…
125: How to Nail Test Pieces so Clients Say YES [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:52
Most clients will want to "test" your services out before hiring your for a long term gig. Sometimes they won't but it depends... needless to say this is your audition to getting the gig. This short episode will help you…
124: Why You Need a Pricing Guide to Land Clients [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:47
Learn why you need a simple pricing guide to start landing clients. This simple (and cheap) tool will help you change clients perspective from... "Should I work with this writer" to "Which package should I hire them for?…
123: You Only Need ONE Client to Change Your Life [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:36
After a two-year hiatus of this podcast I'm back and want to help you start and scale your writing business in 2023. In this episode we'll cover: The new content schedule Discuss the ups/downs of freelancing How freelanc…
122: Why You Should NOT Write Every Day [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:09
"Write everyday" said every writer ever... except me. After writing millions of words online and earning more than $250,000 writing I want to discuss why this is bad writing advice and what to do instead. >> Scale Your F…
121: Will AI Destroy Freelance Writing Careers? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:16
Will AI destroy freelance writing as we know it? Short answer: NO. Longer answer explained in this podcast where we'll cover: Why Google hates AI How to use AI to make writing easier Why my clients told me to ignore some…
120: Freelancing Helped Me Launch a New Business (Where I've Been) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:46
After a two-year hiatus of this podcast I'm back and want to help you start and scale your writing business in 2023. In this episode we'll cover: The new content schedule Discuss the ups/downs of freelancing How freelanc…
119: How Delaney Quit Her Job With Freelance Writing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:22
Learn how one of my students used freelance writing to quit her 9-5 in less than 6 months (while working full-time). Delaney went from: Not having a niche --> a niche to writing about topics she loves. Being scared to pi…