Writing for web-based clients is tough.
There’s search engine optimized keywords to integrate, tight deadlines to meet and custom style guides to follow.
And that’s just the tip of the iceberg, er, keyboard.
Writers, do you know what online clients want now? They expect you to promote your writing on your Facebook, Twitter and Google+ accounts.
After you press “Submit” and bid adieu to your baby, you’re persuaded to help nourish and grow it across the web.
Some clients will even pay you to promote, or market, the writing you did for them.
That’s social media marketing.
It really makes sense. Remember that old adage, if a tree falls in a forest and nobody’s around the hear it fall, does it make a sound? Well, you can write and write, but if nobody knows the URL, does it matter?
If you want to secure long term work with a client, or land that new writing gig, pay attention to your marketing efforts.
Hiring managers are taking note. Over the past few months I’ve been asked to add the following information to writing applications and online profiles:
- Klout score
- Social media account URLS and screen names
- Engagement and reach stats from Facebook Pages
- Number of Tweets, Shares and +1s for specific articles
I’ve also been asked to create new social media accounts to align with marketing campaigns and if I’d be willing to pay to boost my posts on my Facebook Page so they get viewed by more people.
The world of online writing is changing.
It’s no longer good enough to be a savvy content creator. You also need to learn about social media marketing. As I research new marketing techniques daily, I can tell you it goes far beyond posting regularly on your feeds.
Over the past week I’ve been paying extra close attention to the Insights feature on my Facebook Page. I’m working to boost my engagement and reach percentages to keep a current writing client happy. After all, if my numbers don’t increase, I’m sure I’ll be cut from the team. And why shouldn’t I? Companies want writers who bring readers to their websites and blogs, period.
Is social media marketing a new concept to you? Or, have you been using it for years to promote your work and keep clients happy? Tell me your take on this writer necessity in the comments below.
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