Copy Chatter for Freelance Writers with Ashley Gainer

Should you ever discount your rates? What do you say to someone who says you're charging too much? This episode shares some of my thoughts... and it gets a little feisty.

One of the most important questions you can answer for yourself is whether or not a niche is profitable. Now, I personally think it's possible to make some money doing just about anything. HOWEVER, there are some niches that just have way more opportunity than others. These are my best tips for knowing when you've found 'em (and some clues for finding them in the first place!).

I'm getting tons of questions right now about how to move into a new niche, whether it's a new one or one that you just want to add to the docket. In this episode, I'm sharing my "bridge" technique -- with real life examples -- to show you how to move into a new niche.

I've been talking a lot lately about why you should NOT pick a freelance writing niche, but that advice isn't forever for all people. So when DO you know you've found a good niche? And how do you move into it? That's what we're talking about in today's episode!

Probably the #1 question I get (or objection!) when I tell people they don't HAVE to pick a niche is this: "But how do I even market myself as a generalist?" This episode answers that question. As always, feel free to reach out with any questions, and the best way to do that is to join my free Facebook group! Find us at ashleygainer.com/facebook

I recently sent an email to my list about how it's ok NOT to choose a niche, and it sparked a lot of interesting discussion. This month, I'm bringing the conversation to the podcast. In today's episode, I'm sharing why I changed my mind on the whole "writers must have a niche" thing and offer comfort and encouragement to those of you who are struggling to get started because you don't have a niche...

My mentor and dear friend Julie introduced me to the concept of the paper whiteboard. I took her idea and combined it with my trusty composition book strategy, added a dash of the bullet journal, and now I've got all my notes and brainstorms in ONE place. It's amazing. Now you can do it, too! Want more? Visit copychatter.com.

I've tried a bunch of goal-setting and time-management systems... and also no system. Calendaring is the thing that works for me, so today I'm sharing my mad method with you! Like what you're hearing? Come hang out with me on Facebook! Look up the Ink Well Guild... or just go to copychatter.com and follow the link. See you there!

Probably my least favorite question is some variation of "how do I keep going when I don't feel like it?" Here's my take on that whole "motivation" issue and what to do instead of relying on that flighty feeling. Want more? Copychatter.com has links to all my good stuff, including the Facebook group!

One of the things I get asked about the most is how to get stuff done when there are kids everywhere. I've got 3 small kids of my own, and I'm working from home... so I have a ton of experience and a LOT of opinions about this. Hear my best advice on today's episode. Want more? Check out copychatter.com and/or join us at the Ink Well Guild on Facebook.

I get a lot of questions about what my work looks like these days. In this episode, I'll share some of the major shifts my career has taken over the past 8 months or so and give you a peek at what's coming. Eek! You can get links to a bunch of this stuff over at copychatter.com, or pop into the Facebook group and ask away. 

It's the million-dollar question, isn't it? Where do you find freelance writing clients who pay well? In this week's episode, I give you some pointers. Come join us in the Facebook group! Search for the Ink Well Guild -- that's where I'm hanging out these days. And if you liked this episode, would you mind leaving a review? That's such a big help for people like me. Many thanks in advance!

I get questions about blogging all the time, which tells me there's some confusion between blogging--running your own blog-- and freelance blogging--which is what we're doing. Learn the ins and outs, the key differences, and whether freelancing or blogging is right for you! for more info on any of the jibber jabber, visit copychatter.com. Don't forget to subscribe! 

This is the second in a 2-part discussion of what lies "out there" beyond blog posts, for freelance writers. Last week we talked about other types of writing; this week I want to pull back the curtain and show you all kinds of services that pair well with writing. Have fun with this!  If you're looking for help finding freelance writing clients, check out my new course! It's called Client-Bound an...

I like to teach my new freelance writers to start with blog posts, but there's a whole lot of other writing work you can do besides blog posts! I offer suggestions and resources, try to give an idea of the sub-types of gigs there are, and generally show you the great big world of freelance writing. (And next week, I'll talk about the other types of non-writing work you can do alongside freelance w...

I feel a little bossy with the last two podcast titles, but I hope you'll hear me out! I see SO MANY freelance writers going around telling clients how new and green and beginner-ish they are. Stop doing that!! In this episode, I show you why that's such a problem and then we go over some alternative ways to present yourself. Please, please, please listen and get this right. Future you -- the one...

If you're a new freelance writer, the last thing you need to be worried about is SEO for your website. It's the long, slow game. It might bring you work in 6 months, but it will not bring you work tomorrow. When you're just getting started, you need to focus on things that will bring you work tomorrow. Hear what I recommend you do -- and not do -- when it comes to SEO for your writer website.  If...

There are tons of marketing strategies for freelance writers. All of them fall under one of two categories. Do you know the difference? And do you have a favorite? If you're ready to take your client-finding game up a notch, I highly recommend you join Client-Bound. You can learn more about it at copychatter.com/clients  And as always, you can reach me any time at ashley@ashleygainer.com . 

How many times have you NOT applied for something because you didn't think you qualified for it? Well... stop doing that!! Listen to learn more, and while you're at it, how about a review? Find us on Facebook by looking for The Ink Well Guild (and yeah, you gotta answer the questions to get in). And get your free guide to pitching and establishing yourself as a freelance writer over at copychatter...

I used to worry that I was training up an army of freelance writers to flood the market and drown in competition. Then I did some math....  If your pitches are getting you no work, or if you haven't even started pitching yet, download my FREE pitching guide and template at copychatter.com. 

Exposure doesn't put food on the table. Don't work for free. Plain and simple.  One of the most frustrating and heartbreaking stories I hear is of the earnest writer who's trying to figure out how to get ahead, only to fall for scam after scam. Don't let that be you!  Visit www.copychatter.com to get your free copy of the Freelance Writing Starter Pack!  Want me to cover something specific on the...

While there are many ways to get started as a freelance writer, often those different paths tend to follow the same steps. If you want to become a freelance writer today, these are the 5 steps I recommend you take.  Get your downloadable copy at  https://www.copychatter.com/starterpack .

What does a Disney princess have to do with freelance writing? Hang with me as I pluck one of my favorite emails from the archives and share it with you. I don't know about you, but I'm ready for some Mickey waffles and a krispie treat right about now.  As always, you can reach me any time at ashley@ashleygainer.com . Let me know you're listening! 

I have writers with income goals anywhere from $500 to $10,000 per month. My own income goals have shifted wildly over the years. Where are you on the spectrum? (There's no wrong answer.) As always, email me anytime at ashley@ashleygainer.com , or find the group on Facebook here .

The main benefit of being a freelance writer, in my mind, is also the benefit you want to be able to exercise as infrequently as possible. Setting up the right systems will make your life a whooooole lot easier when you need it, though. As always, feel free to email me with any questions! ashley@ashleygainer.com