Internet Writing Business Quick-Start Tips

So you want to open up your own writing business? If you’re like many who share the same dream, you need some sure-fire tips to make the process smoother. And that’s what I’m going to give you.

Internet Writing Business Tip One: Domain Time

Before you do anything—after reading this article of course—go buy a domain name. Most registrars charge around $10 annually, so it’s dirt-cheap.

I highly, no sternly, recommend registering your name. In this game, you want to brand yourself and not a company.

Try to get a .com name. As long as it’s your name, settling for a .net domain is fine. Just get it.

Some registrars, such as Godaddy.com, offer email solutions too—in case your host won’t set up email for the new domain. You’ll look far more professional with you@yourdomain.com than givemepennies@free-email-place.com.

Internet Writing Business Tip Two: The Web Site

If you’re going to be an Internet writer, you must have a Web site. And no, you don’t need some fancy $10,000 site. In fact, a low-cost template or simple design you create will be just fine.

The goal is to get a web presence. Hours spent fussing over design details can be saved for later.

Find a good host that’s inexpensive and get going. I’d recommend starting your search with HostGator.com.

Your Web site should point out who you are and what you do. It should have a portfolio, which we’ll talk about in a minute. Some writers like to list rates on their Web sites and others don’t. I typically won’t, because rates are based on the project at hand. One idea would be to show some examples with prices. Either way, you need to do what you think is best.

Internet Writing Business Tip Three: Show Me the Work

Any potential client you find will want to see your work. Writing is an art and we all do it a little differently.

Ah, how do you get clients if you have no work to show and how do you show work if you can’t get clients? Relax. It’s easy.

What you need to do is create some work based off of a fictitious project. Let’s say you’re an advertising copywriter who’s just starting out. One example of this step would be to create an ad around a favorite product or service of yours.

By doing this, you’ll have work to show. And it’s great practice too.

Always point out that this work is to show your talent only. Over time this work will be replaced with projects from real clients.

Another example would be to write some articles based in the fields you hope to get business from—financial, travel, etc.

Let’s Take Inventory

After completing these three steps you’ll have a Web site with a great portfolio up and running. You’ve got a contact email that looks professional and it’s time to move forward.

What’s next? Ah, patience young grasshopper. Over the coming days, weeks and months, I’ll release some more quick tips for Internet writers.

I’ve also tentatively scheduled an Internet writing course to be released by late 2008.