In 2017, I was desperately looking for copywriting opportunities when I landed this “golden client.”
I was a complete beginner in freelance writing, so I was willing to take anything thrown my way.
Luckily(or unluckily), this client had what I considered beginner-friendly content. He needed content about different malls in different cities across the world.
But we had to do a writing test first and fast!
I didn’t mind; I was just a student who had lots of free time. And I had been writing for fun for such a long time. Why would I turn down a test that may land me a paying opportunity?
I rounded up a few friends and talked them into trying this out with me.
They accepted; we were all looking for ways to make money as students.
This “client” went ahead and allocated each one of us a test.
1000 words each, in different cities. Admittedly, we were so naive and gullible. Who would write 1000 words as a test?
And as expected…he did not hire any of us.
This is NOT the reason I stopped giving free samples to potential clients. I kept writing free samples here and there trying to land clients. I just don’t learn from my first mistakes; I keep making them so many times before I learn.
Yes, I kept doing free tests until years later when I made a “discovery”.
Read on to find out why I stopped and why you should never do it.
Related: How I landed my first freelance writing opportunity without buying any courses or training.
Why should you say “NO” to Clients asking for free samples
One or two years later, I found the content I had written, published online, word for word! I snooped around the website and found my friends’ content, as you would have guessed.
Yes, this site was performing pretty well, but it was clear how it was built – from people’s sweat.
I swore never to write anything for free again…and I did it do it for years.
Be careful; anyone can create a site using your free writing samples. They may even sell the content to magazines or wherever.
Besides, writing free content for a client is a big sign of unprofessionalism. If you get yourself in that situation, know that you are working with someone who:
- Does not value your time,
- Does not appreciate the effort you put into the craft,
- Will likely keep asking for freebies if you genuinely get the chance to work with them,
- Is rude; yes asking for free work is rude, not just in the writing world,
Furthermore, agreeing to give free samples to your potential client may reflect poorly on you as a writer. You can come out as someone who:
- Is not experienced or is just trying out things,
- Does not know their value,
- Is willing to give out freebies even without knowing whether it will pay out in the long run or not.
Read: How to write a killer blog post introduction with examples
Why do Potential Clients ask for Free Samples?
It is common for potential clients to ask writers to take an unpaid writing test. You may show them samples of your previously published work, but that doesn’t may not seem enough.
They may be trying to see if your writing suits their needs or brand.
Any client should look at your previous work and be satisfied or dissatisfied with them. There is no in-between that would have them ask you to write a free sample for them, which they may as well go ahead and use as they wish.
If they are not content with my writer’s portfolio, I would have to let them go because I am not spending time crafting content they may steal from me.
You too should be this paranoid, especially with many scammers in the freelance writing industry.
Also Read: 10 Must-have elements for a successful blog post
When Should You Write for Free
Don’t get me wrong; I said you should not dish out free samples to anyone you meet online.
However, there are instances where you can write for free, but it ends up benefiting you. Sometimes, writing for free can add some glitter to your writer’s portfolio.
However, the issue is differentiating between when you can do it and when not to.
If you decide to write for free, ask yourself these questions to gauge whether the situation is worth it or not:
- Will the work be published alongside your name and tagline?
- Will you learn a new skill while at it? Say something like getting feedback from a professional editor.
- How much of your time is it going to take?
- Are you at liberty to display the work in your portfolio or on your social media?
- Is it possible to secure a paid opportunity, or does the site or publication pay other writers?
- Do you have an opportunity to get backlinks for your website?
- What are you looking to achieve with writing for free, and is that specific opportunity going to help you achieve it?
- Is writing your hobby or career?
Read: 10 Beginner-friendly Upwork Alternatives for Beginner Writers
Compensation does not have to be in cash
When writing, the compensation does not always have to be money. Yes, I get it; we are writing for a living, but non-monetary compensation can take your career to the next level.
Here are some ways you can be compensated for your writing:
- Getting published on established sites: if you are a beginner looking to build your experience, getting published on a site can be an excellent addition to your writer’s portfolio. If you want a breakthrough in your writing, guest writing on an established publication or site can help you in your future client searches.
- Build your experience: If you are starting, you may want to get an opportunity to use your skills and expertise. Writing for an authoritative site can be a good experience as you will likely get feedback from an expert editor.
- Personal satisfaction: I used to be a big fan of writing for fun; not anymore, as time would rarely allow me to. If you love the satisfaction of writing articles, why not use that once in a while and get published on avenues that could take you to another level?
Note: Remember, exposure and satisfaction will not pay your bills(2). You may get experience here and there, but be careful not to get exploited. Know when to say no and when to say yes. If you do not create a firm boundary, you will get exploited.
Read: How to write and make money on Opera News
How to Say “No” to Clients Asking for Free Samples
In your freelance writing career, you will meet many people asking you to take “unpaid tests.”
Your answer can either be “no” or a “yes” if it is an opportunity that adds to your skills and portfolio.
You should learn to turn down these opportunities professionally. We know how frustrating it can be for someone to ask for freebies. Nevertheless, strive to be:
- Calm,
- Professional,
- Objective
- Articulate.
You can also offer to write the test at a lower price if you believe that it could lead to a better-paying opportunity. This is a win-win middle ground for everyone.
Final Thoughts
I am a huge believer in not offering any freebies, and so should you. You should write for free only if you are a beginner looking for samples to show your clients or when you are sure it will lead to real and paid opportunities.
If it is merely for the potential client to gauge your skills or prowess, you are better off saving your time and effort.
If writing is your career, spend time only on clients that will pay you or those that will be an asset to your portfolio and experience.
