I was once asked (I don’t like to use the word interview because I’m basically a newbie in freelance writing) by a fellow freelance writer who needed some inputs about freebies in freelance writing. She needed some thoughts about this for the Web Worker Daily, and I gladly answered.
She asked me as to what I give out for free, why I give out freebies…etc.
But should you really give out free sample articles to your clients before taking up a project?
Well basically, I give out free sample articles to my clients. I give them out “to establish a good ‘first impression’ with my potential clients and leads, and allows them to see what kind of work I can do for them.” Those were my exact words. It’s some kind of a hook to let your clients know that you are serious in writing, and you are capable of providing those kinds of articles. However, if clients insist that those are paid samples, then good! 
Thank you ;p ;p
When I was reading ‘
The Role of “Free” in Freelancing,‘ that mini-interview with me, I realized that they are actually true.
Working on free samples for your clients can establish a good working relationship – think of them as gauges of your skills. It’s a good way to sell yourself and to give out your unique selling points.
If you are just starting out, freebies are a good way to learn the freelance writing industry. Writing for free gives you an opportunity to be criticized (in a good way) and thereby improve yourself and your writing skills. It’s a good training ground, as well. You get to write, you get to learn, you get to grow…that’s all there is to it.
Of course, there are some people who would ask you to write samples for them, and then forget about you just like that. You feel scammed and your work ’stolen.’ Don’t feel down because of such people – as long as you know that you did your best, then it’s their loss.
However, in most cases, free samples help you boost your projects. Even if you get the occasional thief lurking around with those free samples, you’d get that big project sooner or later. Just don’t stop believing, keep on writing, and keep on enjoying what you do.
What about you? Do you think free sample articles affect your freelance writing career? I’d be happy to read comments from you.
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5 comments
Definitely. The potential gains from handing away one or two sample articles definitely outweighs the potential losses by the occasional thief.
And besides, the feeling of winning a hundred-article client with a few sample articles is just GREAT
Yeah. What are two pages of sample articles, anyway? Compared to the potential earnings that you might get? ;D
Hi Kristine
Thanks for linking to my blog. Sana binigay mo sa akin yung URL ng blog na ito para ito yung nalink ko from my Web Worker Daily post.
Anyway, giving freebies is okay if you're new to freelance writing and don't have a folio yet. But after 3 months or more, you shouldn't give away spec articles anymore. Sayang yung oras mo. It's better to build a portfolio blog or site to showcase your published work (check out mine at:http://www.celineroque.com/celine-roque/ ). Clients only have to look at it to decide whether to hire you or not. Also, having a solid folio allows you to charge more because there's social proof of your work, and you can build a good reputation with it. I haven't written free sample articles in five years!
The above comment was from me, Celine. Sorry, I thought I logged in with my WordPress ID.
Hi Celine!
I just made this blog a few days ago, so I didn't get to give you nung tinanong mo ako dati. Hehe.
Yeah, I agree. I was just starting out so I give out free samples – then it went to 'paid samples' na. I am building on my portfolio too, so that why I did this blog, and an Ezine account too.
Thanks for that input. Now I know that I'm investing on something good ;D
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