When I first started out as a freelance SEO copywriter, everyone seemed to bang on about networking events. “You need to get yourself out there,” they’d say. “It’s so important if you want to grow your business.”
So off I trotted. And to be honest? I hated every minute of it. Here’s the whole sorry tale…
The Early Days: Things I Didn’t Know as a Rookie Freelance Web Copywriter
Back in those early days, I genuinely thought networking events were the place to be if I wanted to be successful as an up and coming freelance SEO copywriter.
You’d see people on LinkedIn saying how brilliant it was for building connections and getting work. So, like a good little newbie, I gave it a go. Even posted about it afterwards, trying to look like I was loving life. Spoiler alert: I wasn’t. It just seemed to be the done thing.
Here’s the thing – I’m a “what you see is what you get” kind of person.
If I ask you out for a coffee, you’ll know whether it’s a genuine catch-up or a business chat. But at these networking dos, it felt like everyone was pretending to be your best mate – when really, it was all about furthering their own interests.
When I think about it, that’s fair enough. I guess when it comes down to it, that’s the point of networking, but to me it just came across as fake.
Maybe it’s my autistic traits, maybe I’m overthinking it, who knows? Anyway, it just really gave me the “ick”.
Hardcore Introvert in a Room Full of Strangers
I had to seriously psych myself up for every single one of these events. I worried about them for days before and cringed for days afterwards. Actually, who am I kidding? I still cringe about it now, truth be told!
Walking into those rooms, trying to look like I was totally comfortable chatting away to people I’d never met before. Cue the awkward small talk, followed by people trying to sneakily steer the convo round to their business.
And don’t get me started on the bit where you had to eat in front of everyone while still trying to hold a forced conversation. Nightmare.
Then came the worst bit – standing up and giving your “elevator pitch.” I absolutely crumble at public speaking. The sweat patches were real, my friends! On more than one occasion I couldn’t get a word out and ended up standing there crying.
People were lovely about it, but it felt more like pity than genuine respect. Definitely not the vibe you’re going for when you’re trying to make a name for yourself.
Want to know the worst bit? I can’t believe I’m actually admitting to this. But I think people need to know how desperately tragic the situation had become. So, here’s the cherry on top of the whole hot mess…
At one point, I convinced myself that if I couldn’t talk, maybe I could sing about being a freelance web copywriter. Yep – I actually wrote songs about my business and why it was important to keep your blog up to date, and sang them in front of a room full of people. Whilst sweating like a pig. (And no, I can’t sing.)
Honestly, what was I thinking?!
I mean, I’m sure it made my pitch memorable, but probably not for the right reasons.
Looking back, I can see I was trying so hard to do what I thought was “essential” for success as a budding freelance SEO copywriter. As it turns out, it really wasn’t.
You Don’t Need Networking to Build a Freelance SEO Copywriter Business
I haven’t been near a networking event in years – and I wouldn’t go back if you paid me. Well, not until it was enough to retire on, anyway!
It’s not that there’s anything wrong with networking. I’m sure it works for lots of people. And if you enjoy them, that’s great – crack on and the best of luck to you! But if you don’t, please don’t think it’s something you have to force yourself to do.
Back then, I put far too much pressure on myself and it really affected my mental health.
Nowadays, most of my work comes through my website and LinkedIn. I don’t often meet clients face to face – and that suits me down to the ground.
I’m totally happy to meet clients in small groups or one-to-one, if that’s what they’d like. But put me in a room full of people and ask me to be someone I’m really, really not? I’ll pass, ta.
I’ve also branched out since those early days, and now offer all sorts of stuff in addition to the SEO copy I started out with. Blogs, social media copy, leaflet design, email marketing, CV writing, proofreading… like a true Wiganer, I’ve got my fingers in lots of pies.
Tips for Those Starting Out as a Freelance SEO Copywriter
If you’re starting out as a freelance web copywriter, here’s my two penn’orth: be yourself.
If networking isn’t your thing, that’s fine. There are plenty of other ways to build a business. I was told so many times that I just needed to fake it to make it, but that’s simply just not true.
And whatever you do – for the love of Pete – don’t write a song about your business and sing it in public. Trust me.
If you’d like to work with a freelance SEO copywriter who’ll always tell it like it is (no networking required), give me a shout.
Just drop me a message or give me a call on 07821 873 861 and we’ll have a chat about what you need.
And I promise not to sing at you.
Written by : jo
