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5 Tips for Writing a Better Bid

August 22, 2016 by Karin Beery Leave a Comment

contract-1464917_1920_pixabayMy sister-in-law recently started her own freelance business. It’s been a learning experience for her. As with all new businesses, she’s made a few mistakes. I’ve had the chance to chat with her and help her identify a few of the problem areas. She’s worked out many of the kinks, and I walked away with a blog post idea:

How to Write an Effective Bid

One of the big issues my SIL worked through was meeting client expectations. She did the right thing by writing up a formal bid for each job, but there were a few areas that needed tweaking. Here are some ways to clarify your bid to make sure you and your client’s expectations are both being met.

  1. Make sure your services offered are detailed. Don’t just say you’ll build a website or edit a book. Explain exactly what you’ll be doing. Instead of saying you’ll perform an edit, say you’ll do a line edit, which will look at correcting continuity problems, wordsmithing, improving the natural flow of the piece, grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
  2. Don’t commit to a rate. Usually you send a bid in response to a request for more information – how much will it cost to have you proofread my book? My proofreading rate is $0.02/word, but I’ve often received manuscripts that need more help than a proofread. I don’t commit to a final price until I’ve had a chance to review the book and see what the client needs. You can do the same thing in any freelance industry – give an initial quote, but make it’s clear that you won’t have an actual price until you’ve talked with your client to discuss exactly what’s needed/wanted.
  3. Don’t commit to a finish date. Suppose you’re building a website. You can do it in three weeks, but only after you’ve received all of the content, photos, and logos you need to complete the task. If you tell your client you can do it in three weeks, they may expect you to finish it three weeks after talking with you! Once you’ve both agreed that you can do the work, then you can specify an exact finish date. Until then, use your bid to give an estimated time frame and leave the completion date open.
  4. Specify the terms. Make sure you’re specific regarding what you need from your client. If you agree to do a three-hour photo shoot, does the three hours include time to get ready or does your client need to show up ready to be photographed? Formatting, licensing, permissions, timing – all of these things need to be discussed in the bid so no one is surprised later.
  5. Insist on an agreement. Make sure you have everything before you start a project. Even if your client is your best friend, you never know what will happen that will leave you unable to finish a project or render your friend incapable of paying. Put the details in writing so you know how to handle a worst-case scenario.

Hopefully you’ve noticed a reoccurring theme throughout all of these tips: be specific! Don’t expect that other people will know what you mean, and don’t rely on them to ask questions – they don’t know what they don’t know. Make sure everything is clear in your bid so there won’t be any surprises once the work begins.

Need more help with your business documents? Check out our resources, or contact me now to see how I can help!

Filed Under: copywriting Tagged With: business writing, freelance, freelance work

10 Reasons Your Business/Organization Should Send a Press Release

July 11, 2016 by Karin Beery Leave a Comment

business-1031754_1920_pixabayThe Rule of Seven: a prospect needs to see or hear your marketing message at least seven times before they take action and buy from you.

An affordable, easy way to get your name in front of people is to send a press release to your local media outlets. There’s no guarantee that you’ll get a call, but you can apply the Rule of Seven here too: the more frequently these outlets see your organization’s name and information, the more likely they are to remember – and talk about – your company.

But why do you send a press release?

Most people wait until they have a scheduled event – if that’s what you’re waiting for, you’re doing yourself a disservice! Here are some examples of when you should send a press release:

  1. Changes in services. Did you add a new service? Have you changed a regular service that you’ve offered for years? Then let people know – send a press release explaining the changes and why you made them.
  2. Changes in location/hours. If you moved into a new building or changed your hours, tell your prospective clients. Let them know where and when they can find you, and tell them how the new hours and location will benefit them.
  3. New and improved products. Have you updated a popular product? Maybe you’ve created a new product that your customers have asked for. Make sure they know it’s available and where they can buy it!
  4. Changes in staff. Did you hire someone new? Let people know. Even if you’ve had to downsize and let people go, there will be different employees performing different tasks. Look at it positively, and tell people how the changes will help you better serve your customers.
  5. A facelift. Did you remodel your office? Spread the word. Revamp your website? Talk about it! Tell people why you did it. Sometimes they need a reminder that you’re still in business, and bragging about your new paint color lets them know that you’re not only in business, you’re still investing in yourself.
  6. Your events. Let people know about your anniversary party, holiday open house, and grand re-opening – they can’t come if they don’t know it’s happening.
  7. Other events you’re attending. Were you invited to attend a conference for the top performers in your industry? Or maybe you’re speaking at local workshop or seminar. Tell the public why you were invited and how it will positively impact your relationships with them.
  8. Continuing education. Continuing education is something to brag about! It lets people know you’re on the cutting edge of your industry, so make an announcement when you receive a certificate, degree, or recognition that will help you better serve your clients.
  9. Anytime there’s an award involved – whether you received it or you gave it to someone else – send a press release! Many people are looking for the best service and products. Let them know how you and your organization are providing it and were recognized for it.
  10. Industry news. The world constantly evolves, but not everyone tracks the changes happening outside their sphere of life. If your industry has recently experienced changes, let the public know. Make sure to include information on how your business/organization is aware of those changes and applying them to your work.

If you’re in business, you’ve experienced one of these things – take advantage of your expertise and tell people about it!

If you’re not sure how to write a press release, let me show you how. My Press Release Tool Kit not only shows you how to write and distribute an effective press release, it gives you the tools you need to do it quickly and easily time and time again – and it’s on sale now (use coupon code PRKitD50 when ordering)!

Click here if you’re ready to tell the world about your business or organization!

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: business writing, marketing, press releases

Write An Effective Press Release (and Giveaway!)

July 13, 2015 by Karin Beery 14 Comments

Closeup portrait of cute young business woman smiling
www.graphicstockimages.com

You’re doing what? Why? Huh?

All too often I ask myself those questions when reading a press release. As a contributing writer for several local newspapers, I receive dozen of press releases each month, and far too many of them end up in the trash.

It’s not enough to send out your information – you need to present it in a clear, concise manner.

Before you start writing your press release, here’s what a press release is not:

A press release is not a fact-filled news article. In fact, press releases should not be written as any type of news article or feature. (www.womeninbusiness.com)

It’s also not a showcase for your graphic designer. If I can’t find the information buried in the design, it goes in the trash.

—

What is it then?

A press release is a written communication reporting specific, but brief information about an event, circumstance, or other happening typically tied to a business or organization.

Think of it as a business letter: 1-2 pages neatly written and formatted for someone to read quickly. I’ve had the most success with press releases that present three key pieces of information:

  1. Event information
  2. Organization information
  3. Contact information

Here’s what to include in each of these sections:

Event Information

Who? What? Where? When? Why? How? Answer these, but keep it simple.

Are you raising money for the Smith family’s medical bills because the dad was in a car accident and the mom lost her job and their triplets are three months away from graduating from private school? Stick to the basics: To raise necessary funds for the Smith family’s medical expenses. If the newspaper or TV station wants to know more, they’ll call you.

Organization Information

If your local chapter of the American Christian Fiction Writer’s group is hosting the event, this is where you put a short paragraph saying what the group is and what they do (this is a great place to include a mission statement).

Sticking with the Smith family example, this is where you would explain who the family members are and why you want to help them.

Contact Information

There’s nothing worse than getting a press release with a link to a Facebook page or website, but no information regarding who to contact. If you want people to attend, promote, or sponsor your event, you need to make it easy for them to reach you. Include a phone number and email address so people have options.

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Press releases can be valuable marketing tools, but only when written well. Don’t waste your time composing something that no one will read – include the right info in an easy-to-read format and people will respond.

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In honor of the dozens of ways you can start your freelance writing and editing career – and in honor of this beautiful new website! – I have another giveaway this week! Written by Dr. Dennis E. Hensley, Ph.D., I’m giving away three mini lessons (part of his The 21st Century Writing Series) that should help you with your writing and editing.

1. Small, Easy Ways to Break into Print
2. Ghostingwriting, Co-Authoring, and Collaborations
3. How to Write and Sell Interviews and Personality Profiles

Leave your name and email address in the comment section for your chance to win these resources!

Filed Under: copywriting, writing Tagged With: business writing, press releases

10 Times You Should Be Sending a Press Release

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ABOUT ME

Editor. Teacher. Novelist.
A passionate lover of fiction, Karin doesn't just write novels, she helps others write their best stories! A certified substantive editor with the Christian Editor Connection, her goal is to help authors to put her out of business by equipping them with the tools they need to become better writers.

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