How to Generate a Steady Income as a Writer for Corporate Clients

How to Generate a Steady Income as a Writer for Corporate Clients Ever wish there was some way you could earn an income you can depend on from your writing? Enter the corporate client and the retainer agreement. Corporations often have a huge need for regular writers, especially those with a strong online presence. They need fresh content for their website, blog and newsletters. Rebecca Matter, President of American Writers Artists Inc (AWAI) advises writers to use retainers, and so does copywriter Angela Booth and content marketer Trent Dyrsmid. A retainer is a sum of money a company agrees to pay a writer a certain sum of money for an agreed upon amount of work. It is a win-win situation for both parties. Companies are guaranteed quality writing from a dependable source and writers can rest easy knowing they have steady money coming in every month. Ready markets for retainers Retainers are most suitable where there is a need for regular writing. Blogs need to be updated frequently. and many companies send out weekly newsletters to their clients. Businesses that want to rank well in Google need create fresh content. When writing for these companies, you must thoroughly research the industry and capture the voice of the business. How to find clients Start Another way to find clients is to search job boards like http://jobs.problogger.net/ and bloggingpro.com/jobs/ . You can also optimize your Linkedin profile, as companies also use the network to find freelance writers. Get prospects to say yes to a retainer When pitching a retainer deal, remember that clients expect a price break. Be sure to point out that How to price your services for success Prices should reflect not only the time you spend on the client but also the time you save not looking for other clients and getting to know their needs. You also need to consider what the rate would be if each task youll be performing were contracted separately and what savings to offer the client. Most importantly, decide on the minimum fee that would make the deal worthwhile for you and keep this in mind when negotiating. Protect yourself Avoid misunderstandings The amount and date of payment The amount and type of writing Invoicing procedures How each party can terminate the agreement For new clients, you should also request 50 percent upfront for the first month and include a date when the agreement will be reviewed. It is possible to earn consistent money writing for corporations. Focus on businesses with high volume writing needs, and hook them with a retainer agreement.