Freelance Pitch Tips for 2024: Template Included

As a freelance writer, your ability to pitch effectively can make or break your career.

But, pitching to companies, whether it is through cold email pitches, responding to a job listing on a freelance platform, a phone call, or an in-person meeting, can be incredibly intimidating and time-consuming. This can be further discouraging when you get no replies.

This guide delves into the nuances of creating compelling pitches, offering tips, templates, and strategies to help you stand out to potential clients and make every pitch count.

Whether you’re new to freelance writing or looking to refine your approach as a seasoned freelancer, these freelance pitch tips will provide invaluable insights to help you secure work and grow your freelance business.

What is a Freelance Pitch, and Why Does it Matter?

A freelance pitch is your first introduction to potential clients. It’s a brief email or message where you present your skills and ideas, aiming to secure a freelance job.

A well-crafted freelance pitch can set you apart from the competition and showcase your professionalism and expertise.

The importance of a freelance pitch cannot be overstated. It’s your chance to make a great first impression and demonstrate why you’re the best fit for the job.

In a crowded market, a compelling pitch can be the difference between landing a project and being overlooked. Clients often receive numerous pitches daily, so standing out is crucial.

Your pitch should be engaging, informative, and tailored to the client’s specific needs. By mastering the art of pitching, you can significantly enhance your chances of securing freelance writing jobs and building lasting client relationships.

How to Create a Winning Freelance Pitch Template

Creating a freelance pitch template can save you time and ensure consistency in your pitches. A good template should be customizable to fit the specific needs of each client. Here’s how you can create a winning freelance pitch template:

Start with a Strong Subject Line

Your subject line is the first thing a client sees. Make sure it’s catchy and relevant. Use terms like “freelance writer” or “freelance pitch” to immediately signal your intent. A compelling subject line can significantly increase the chances of your email being opened.

For instance, “Expert Freelance Writer for Your Next Project” or “Freelance Pitch: Innovative Ideas for Your Brand” are both effective.

Personalize Your Greeting

Address the client by name to show you’ve done your homework. Avoid generic greetings like “Dear Sir/Madam.”

Personalization can make a big difference in how your pitch is received. It shows that you’ve taken the time to research and understand the client’s business.

For example, “Hi [Client’s Name]” is much more engaging than a generic greeting.

Introduce Yourself

Briefly explain who you are and what you do. Highlight your skills and experience relevant to the project. Keep it concise and focus on your strengths.

For instance, “I am a freelance writer with over five years of experience in content marketing and copywriting. I have worked with various clients to create engaging content that drives traffic and boosts brand awareness.”

Present Your Idea

Clearly and concisely explain what you’re pitching. Tailor your pitch to the client’s needs and show how your idea can benefit their brand.

For example, “I noticed that your blog could benefit from more engaging content on digital marketing strategies. I have a few ideas that can help you attract more readers and increase engagement.”

Include Links to Your Portfolio

Showcase your best work by including links to your writing portfolio or personal website. This provides evidence of your skills and experience. Ensure that your portfolio is up-to-date and features your most impressive work.

This was how I found most of my personal success.

For instance, “You can view my portfolio here: [link to portfolio].”

Close with a Call to Action

Encourage the client to get in touch with you for further discussion. Be polite but assertive. A strong call to action can increase the likelihood of a response.

For example, “I would love to discuss how we can work together. Please let me know if you’re interested in setting up a call to discuss further.”

Tips for Pitching as a Freelance Writer

Pitching as a freelance writer requires a mix of strategy, persistence, and creativity. Here are some tips to help you improve your pitches:

Research Your Prospective Client

Understand their brand, target audience, and content needs. This knowledge will help you tailor your pitch and demonstrate your value. Look at their website, social media profiles, and any recent news or updates about the company.

This research will provide you with insights that you can use to make your pitch more relevant and compelling.

Be Clear and Concise

Keep your pitch short and to the point. Clients receive many emails, so make sure yours stands out by being easy to read and compelling. Avoid unnecessary jargon and focus on the key points.

A clear and concise pitch is more likely to grab the client’s attention and convey your message effectively.

Show Your Expertise

Highlight your relevant experience and skills. Include specific examples of past work that demonstrate your ability to meet the client’s needs.

For example, “I recently worked on a content marketing campaign for a tech startup, which resulted in a 30% increase in website traffic and a 20% increase in lead generation.”

Use a Professional Tone

Maintain a professional yet friendly tone in your pitch. Avoid slang and overly casual language. Your tone should reflect your professionalism and respect for the client.

For instance, “I am confident that my skills and experience make me a strong candidate for this project” is more appropriate than “I think I’d be a great fit for this gig.”

Follow Up

If you don’t hear back within a week, send a polite follow-up email. Persistence can pay off, but be respectful of the client’s time. A simple follow-up can remind the client of your pitch and show that you are genuinely interested in the opportunity.

For example, “I wanted to follow up on my previous email to see if you had any questions or needed further information.”

Why Cold Pitching Can Be a Game-Changer

I like to find a lot of my work on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr. However, sometimes there are just no listings that fit your needs. So, how do you guarantee a consistent workflow?

Cold pitching involves reaching out to potential clients who haven’t advertised a job opening. It can be an effective way to find new clients and opportunities.

Expand Your Reach

Cold pitching allows you to approach a wide range of clients, increasing your chances of finding work. By proactively reaching out to potential clients, you can uncover opportunities that you might not have found otherwise.

It also helps you to expand your network and build relationships with potential clients.

Show Initiative

Clients appreciate freelancers who take the initiative to contact them. It demonstrates your proactive attitude and willingness to go the extra mile.

Cold pitching shows that you are not just waiting for opportunities to come to you but are actively seeking them out. This can make a positive impression on potential clients.

Build Relationships

Even if a client doesn’t have immediate work, your pitch can lead to future opportunities. Maintaining a positive relationship can result in long-term collaborations.

Follow up on your pitches and stay in touch with potential clients. Building a strong network can lead to referrals and repeat business.

How to Tailor Your Pitch to Different Clients

Tailoring your pitch is crucial for success. Here’s how you can customize your pitch for different clients:

Understand the Client’s Needs

Research the client’s industry, brand voice, and content requirements. Use this information to tailor your pitch.

For example, if you’re pitching to a tech company, focus on your experience with technical writing and your understanding of the industry.

Highlight Relevant Experience

Showcase your experience that directly relates to the client’s needs. If you’ve worked on similar projects, mention them.

For instance, “I have extensive experience writing about health and wellness, having worked with several health blogs and publications.”

Use the Client’s Language

Mirror the tone and style of the client’s existing content in your pitch. This shows that you understand their brand and can seamlessly integrate into their team.

For example, if the client’s content is casual and conversational, your pitch should reflect that style.

What to Include in Your Pitch to Grab a Client’s Attention

To capture a client’s attention, your pitch needs to be engaging and informative. Here are key elements to include:

A Strong Opening

Start with an interesting fact or a question related to the client’s industry. This hooks the reader and piques their interest.

For example, “Did you know that 60% of consumers prefer brands that create custom content? I can help you leverage this trend with engaging blog posts.”

Clear Value Proposition

Explain how your services can solve the client’s problems or help them achieve their goals. Be specific about the benefits you bring.

For instance, “By creating high-quality content for your blog, I can help you increase website traffic and improve your search engine rankings.”

Proof of Your Skills

Include links to your portfolio, previous work, or case studies. This evidence supports your claims and builds credibility.

For example, “You can view my previous work here: [link to portfolio].”

If you are applying on a job site where you have worked previously, you may have a portfolio portion under your profile. However, I like to include a link anyways, to encourage them to actually look at it and make sure I stand out.

It doesn’t have to be the most in depth portfolio in the world either. You just need to show that you are skilled in an effective and concise manner. Remember that the person hiring you will probably have to go through several.

For example, instead of including examples of all of my novels when applying for a ghostwriting position, I might include one or two really great scenes and a link or screenshot of my Amazon author page. They can see my writing style, they can see my experience and ratings. If they want more, they will ask.

A screenshot of Lace Brunsden's Amazon author page to showcase her portfolio of novels.

How to Follow Up on a Pitch Without Being Pushy

Following up on a pitch is important, but you need to strike the right balance between persistence and politeness.

Wait for a Reasonable Time

Give the client at least a week to respond before following up. This shows that you respect their time and are not being too pushy. Waiting a week gives the client enough time to review your pitch and consider your proposal.

Send a Polite Reminder

In your follow-up email, briefly remind the client of your initial pitch and express your continued interest in working with them.

For example, “I wanted to follow up on my previous email regarding the content writing project. I am very interested in working with you and would love to discuss further.”

Offer Additional Information

If applicable, provide more details or new ideas that might interest the client. This shows that you’re still thinking about how to help them.

For instance, “I have also thought of a few additional topics that could benefit your blog, such as [topic 1] and [topic 2].”

Using LinkedIn to Enhance Your Freelance Pitch

LinkedIn can be a powerful tool for freelance writers. Here’s how to use it to your advantage:

A screenshot of the LinkedIn website.

Optimize Your Profile

Make sure your LinkedIn profile is complete and professional. Highlight your freelance writing experience and include relevant keywords. A well-optimized profile can attract potential clients and showcase your skills and experience.

Connect with Potential Clients

Use LinkedIn to find and connect with potential clients. Personalize your connection requests and explain why you’d like to connect.

For example, “Hi [Client’s Name], I am a freelance writer with experience in [industry]. I would love to connect and discuss potential collaboration opportunities.”

Share Your Work

Regularly post updates about your work, share articles you’ve written, and engage with your network. This keeps you on the radar of potential clients.

Sharing your work and engaging with your network can demonstrate your expertise and attract new clients.

Common Mistakes Freelancers Make When Pitching

Avoiding common pitching mistakes can significantly improve your success rate. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

Being Too Generic

A generic pitch shows a lack of effort and won’t impress clients. Always tailor your pitch to the specific client.

For example, instead of saying, “I am a freelance writer,” say, “I specialize in writing engaging content for tech startups.”

Overloading with Information

Keep your pitch concise. Too much information can overwhelm the client and dilute your main message. Focus on the key points and keep your pitch clear and concise.

For instance, “I can help you create high-quality blog posts that drive traffic and engagement” is more effective than a long, detailed explanation.

Ignoring Follow-Ups

Don’t forget to follow up if you don’t hear back. A polite reminder can make all the difference. Following up shows that you are genuinely interested in the opportunity and are proactive about securing work.

My Personal Freelance Pitch Template

Subject Line: Expert Freelance Writer for Your Next Project

Email Body:

Hi [Client’s Name],

I hope this message finds you well. My name is [Your Name], and I am a freelance writer with over [X] years of experience in [your specialties, e.g., content marketing, copywriting, technical writing]. I have had the pleasure of working with various clients to create engaging content that drives traffic and boosts brand awareness.

I noticed that your [blog/website] could benefit from more engaging content on [specific topic related to client’s needs]. Here are a few ideas I believe could help you attract more readers and increase engagement:

[Idea 1]
[Idea 2]
[Idea 3]
I have a proven track record of creating high-quality content. Here are a few examples of my previous work:

[Link to Portfolio Piece 1]
[Link to Portfolio Piece 2]
[Link to Portfolio Piece 3]
I am confident that my skills and experience make me a strong candidate for this project. I would love to discuss how we can work together to achieve your content goals. Please let me know if you’re interested in setting up a call to discuss further.

Looking forward to your response.

Best regards,

[Your Name]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Link to Your Portfolio]
[Link to Your LinkedIn Profile]