Marketing can be difficult for writers – heck, it can be difficult for any small business owner. It doesn’t have to be if you play to your strengths and if you market consistently.

1. Write to persuade. You’re a writer, so write. Write your content for your blog or website. Write articles on your areas of expertise and post them online or publish them in a print publication. Write brochures and fliers for yourself. Create a targeted direct mail campaign. The beauty of writing-heavy marketing is leverage: while you’re marketing yourself, you’re also building a stronger portfolio.
2. Choose additional marketing venues. Writing should be the backbone of your marketing but look at additional areas to expand your reach. Public speaking scares a lot of people but if you can do it you’re a natural for networking and other business groups who look for speakers. If you’re good at networking that is another reason to get out to those meetings. And be sure to keep up relationships with former clients and with people who are interested. Consider starting a permission-based newsletter to keep up with clients and prospects. You see? Leverage is your friend.
3. Make a marketing plan. You don’t need to create a 20-page single-spaced marketing plan but you should have a written plan. Consider how to fill the various parts of your business from the initial prospect pipeline to presentations and sales to ongoing client care. Use software like Act or Outlook Business Manager to help you visualize what prospects are where in the pipeline, and what marketing activities are attached. You can also use spreadsheets, mind mapping software, project management software, or any number of programs. Whatever works for you is good.
4. Be consistent. Whatever you do, be consistent doing it. An article once a month with an occasional blog posting – and maybe one networking event ever – is not going to get you good business. Keep building consistently on your marketing activities and you will find your business taking off.