By Lis Garrett

Keywords: Internet marketing, freelance writers, social networking site, blog

Technology for freelance writers has progressed since the days of typewriters and correction tape. Like others in the professional world, they now have the modern conveniences of laptops and high-speed Internet connections readily available. Likewise, freelance writers no longer need to rely on word-of-mouth advertising to get their businesses up and running. The Internet is the perfect place for a freelancer to market herself and to brand herself.

Start a blog. One of the most simple and cost-effective means of Internet marketing is the blog. Freelance writers can advertise their talents and services, usually for little or no cost, making themselves available instantly to those in need of a writer. A blog serves as an open portfolio that gives a prospective client immediate access to freelance writers and their writing samples.

Publish a monthly newsletter. Freelance writers should view every blog reader as a prospective and probable business partner and use their success as a blog author to market themselves further using a secondary source such as a newsletter. It can offer a brief synopsis of published works, writing tips, terms of services and more.

Join a social networking site. Other Internet marketing tools that freelance writers should utilize are free sites, such as LinkedIn and Facebook, which work to promote a symbiotic relationship between writers and clients. A social networking site enables freelance writers to connect not only with other writers to offer support, but also with professionals in their related industry who are looking for particular services.

Include an email signature. Freelance writers should think of email as a means for mass Internet marketing and always attach their Website address and contact information after their name. Freelance writers often find work in the unlikeliest of places, and they should take advantage of every opportunity to promote their business.

Be unconventional. Freelance writers should step out of the box and advertise their services on Web sites, such as Craig's List and eBay. The acquisition of even just one client is a positive step toward success.

Lis Garrett is a work-at-home writer living in Upstate New York with her husband and three children. In addition to her work as a contract writer for Writers Research Group, she writes site and product endorsements, maintains a blog for novice freelance writers, and edits a school newsletter.

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