There is a lot to be said for providing valuable content, skills or expertise online for free. Offering useful information demonstrates that you know what you are talking about, it helps to show people you can be trusted, and it gives you an opportunity to get your name ‘out there’.
It’s one of the reasons I make a freelance writing podcast – it helps to establish in potential clients’ minds that I’m knowledgeable and skilled in my field. Similarly, the writing I have volunteered for non-profit websites shows editors and clients my writing style and the topics I specialise in writing about. It has also increased my profile, all of which contributes to me getting work on a daily and weekly basis.
Giving things away is not the same as working for free – something that should, in most cases, be avoided at all costs. You don’t want to put yourself in a position where you are being exploited or taken advantage of. Instead, giving things away puts the power in your hands: you choose the information, or the value, that you will provide and you offer it openly.
In this TEDx video, Simon Wheatley talks about how he got web design work from the likes of Stephen Fry and the Rolling Stones based on his reputation as someone who was “good at WordPress”. That reputation came from having developed plug-ins and contributed to the overall open source nature of the WordPress project. It’s a great talk to listen to and could provide some great ideas for freelancers who are considering adding more content to their sites or service offerings.
In the interests of full disclosure, Simon is my brother-in-law as well as being a top WordPress dude.
Thanks for all your hard work this year – the blog gets loads of positive response!
NMLondon, UK
Perfect work. A giant “like”!
Estonia
Delighted with the end product. Thank you.
BPBradford
Amazing quality with fast delivery time. Thanks!
Richard
Properly edited, spotted every minor mistake. Will definitely buy again. Thanks!
NTYR
I’m applying for a medical residency program and had my CV reviewed. Turned out great! Picked up on the mistakes I had overlooked. I would use again 🙂
JSUSA
Philippa is an excellent writer who consistently adds high quality content to the blog that regularly attracts tweets, recommendations and debate in the comments. She is always up to date on social media developments and is extremely good at making connections with readers and drawing them towards the site. In addition to this, her commitment to equality issues and insights into the application of those principles make her a very valuable member of the blogging collective. I would recommend her … Read more
Holly CombeCopy Editor
Hi Philippa,
I’ve just had a read-through. Really, really good work!
I think you’ve pretty much nailed it.
AKLondon
This is my 2nd experience with her in less than 6 months. Highly recommended. She delivers work on time and with quality
Ahsan
When I went to Woodstock, the last thing I cared about was taking care of business. [Philippa] apparently represents the new incarnation of the now-quaint Woodstock subculture: meticulous, professional, driven to reach for perfection. Many thanks.