Have you ever considered writing content for a web designer? Not for high powered, fast paced web agencies, mind you, but the web designers who work alone, or with a small network of the same. These freelancers may wish to expand their services, offering content and editing, but often aren’t equipped for the task. This is where you come in. Offer them your freelance writing services!

In the last year, most of my writing income has come from working with an independent web and graphic designer. I’ve written site copy, done content edits, and proofread his sites. As part of his client maintenance package offerings, I’ve also written brand standards and other company content, and I create ongoing social media posts for one client. It’s been an interesting, informative, and profitable venture.

Freelance web designers, particularly those who are sole proprietors, may want to offer more complete services for their clients, but don’t want to hire on-site staff or an agency. You can offer them personalized and competitively priced services, helping round out their business offerings. Even if designers happen to be good writers, their focus is on site building. They create. You write. The partnership can be mutually beneficial!

Where are the designers?

Web designers are everywhere. Connect with them through local and national business organizations, community groups, social media, and through friends and colleagues. Here are a few places to start:

• LinkedIn
• Upwork
• Alignable
• Thumbtack

How do I approach designers?

First, make a list of services you offer. The possibilities are many. Consider the following:

• Site copy – entire site, new pages, splash pages, additional content
• Lists & such – infographics and other captions, sidebars, taglines, headings
• Editing – sharpen any site with small or extensive tweaks to bios, copy, etc.
• Proofreading – before site launches, be that second set of eyes to polish the content
• Other related site content – case studies, white pages, brand standards, creative briefs
• SEO – keyword research and marketing strategies
• Ongoing designer or client content – social media and blog posts, company and employee handbooks, press releases, advertising materials

If these services aren’t your thing yet, no worries. Read informative articles like these on keywords and brand standards to gain the skills you need.

Next, compose a letter of introduction to the designer. Share your information,  services and skills, samples of your work, and the great possibilities of working together, whether for the occasional side gig or large projects. Don’t forget to highlight the benefits and income earning potential for them, too. I recommend not sharing rates upon initial contact. If possible, wait until you both discuss details and potential work. Finally, contact designers by your preferred method – email, snail mail, social media or professional networks, or cold calls.

What else should I do?

Once you make contact, follow up if you don’t hear back right away. Although immediate work is great, you may plant a seed that leads to a working relationship later. Make a habit of connecting with web and graphic designers on professional networks and share your services as usual. You know how it works. Even if these designers don’t want your services, they may know others who will.

Be your usual professional, responsive, and prompt self and interact with designers in the same manner as with your clients. Think long term; this could be a profitable relationship for you both for years to come.

Expand your horizons

This overlooked market offers great opportunities and income potential for freelance writers. If you’re looking for interesting work, I encourage you to reach out to fellow creatives in the design field. You’ll not only earn money but you’ll also gain experience and valuable insight through the process.

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• “On your website, how can I easily find all the complaints about companies?” – 05 2020
• “Can I copy keywords and phrases from other websites?” – 09 2018

Karen Lange is a freelance content creator who’s worked with a web designer for 10+ years. Connect with her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-lange-86148917/

7.625 STRATEGIES IN EVERY BEST-SELLER - Revised and Expanded Edition

At this moment, thousands of would-be authors are slaving away on their keyboards, dreaming of literary success. But their efforts won’t count for much. Of all those manuscripts, trade book editors will sign up only a slim fraction.

And of those titles--ones that that editors paid thousands of dollars to contract, print and publicize--an unhealthy percentage never sell enough copies to earn back their advances. Two years later, most will be out of print!

Acquisition Editor Tam Mossman shares seven essentials every book needs to stay in print, and sell!

Read more here: