3 Fresh ways to find better-paying clients

Stand out from the competition with these savvy business tips

In partnership with

100 Genius Side Hustle Ideas

Don't wait. Sign up for The Hustle to unlock our side hustle database. Unlike generic "start a blog" advice, we've curated 100 actual business ideas with real earning potential, startup costs, and time requirements. Join 1.5M professionals getting smarter about business daily and launch your next money-making venture.

#ad

When freelancer ask how I’ve been able to make this career work for nearly twenty years it comes down to three things:

  1. Relationships

  2. Finding high-paying clients

  3. Marketing: Always pitching myself and my business services

Here’s how to attract clients who actually pay well and on time

Some of my top tips for acquiring better-paying clients…

1. Give Your LinkedIn Profile a 2025 Update

LinkedIn still works.


But only if your profile is doing the selling for you.

Start with a professional photo. (Ahem, no car selfies.)


Then write a headline that says what you do and who you help.


Skip “Freelance Writer.” Try something like: “Health & Wellness Writer Helping Brands Turn Visitors Into Customers.”

Check what other freelancers in your niche are doing. Borrow the keywords that make sense.

Update your “About” section to sound like you. Tell a short story that shows your voice and why you love what you do.

Add your email address and/or website.


Make it easy for clients to reach you.


Link to two to three of your best samples in the “Featured” section.

If you want help tightening your LinkedIn profile or positioning yourself for higher-paying gigs, I cover that in my freelance coaching sessions.

2. Rewrite Your “About Me” Page

Most freelancers treat this page on their website like a résumé.
That’s a mistake.

Clients want to connect with a person, not a list of job titles.

They want to get to know you so they can figure out if they’ll enjoy spending time with you.

Your “About” page should show your skills, wins, and experience, but also your personality.

Tell your story.


Show why you’re great to work with.


Be confident, not stiff.

When done right, your “About” page helps a client know who you are, what you’re about, and what it’s like to spend some time with you.

3. Practice Your ABGs: Always Be Giving

Instead of “Always Be Closing,” try “Always Be Giving.”

It’s simple: give value to your network without expecting something in return.

Share leads with other freelancers.


Send a quick note to a past client when you see an article that might help them or congratulate them on a recent media mention or award.


Offer a helpful tip on social media.

If I can’t take a project, I refer it to another freelancer.


If a rate is below my threshold, I pass it along to someone newer who could use the work.

Generosity builds relationships and a reputation.
The kind that brings in great clients when you least expect it.

High-paying freelance clients aren’t a myth.


They just hire freelancers who show up professionally, share generously, and make it easy to say yes.

Try the tips above this week and I feel confident you’ll start getting some great work soon.

I cover this type of freelance challenge in my online course, "How to Earn $100 (or More) Freelance Writing.

Check out the course syllabus, what other students had to say, and how to tweak your strategy to start earning more.

Diana

P.S. Missed last week’s newsletter or a recent post? Check them out here.

Have some friends who you think would love this newsletter?

Send it using this link and you’ll get a digital PDF as a thank you when they subscribe.

Seeking impartial news? Meet 1440.

Every day, 3.5 million readers turn to 1440 for their factual news. We sift through 100+ sources to bring you a complete summary of politics, global events, business, and culture, all in a brief 5-minute email. Enjoy an impartial news experience.

#ad

📚What I’m Reading / 🎧 Listening to /👩🏽‍💻 Publishing

Add These Reads to Your Inbox

Creator spotlight: Thoughtful interviews with professionals you probably already know and follow, written by Francis Zierer and team

Big Desk Energy: A newsletter from Beehiiv’s founder, Tyler Denk, which includes startup stories and relevant industry news

Freelance / Content / Media / Editor/ Writing Jobs I Found

This roundup includes freelance writing jobs, media jobs, FT jobs, creative jobs, and content writing jobs for creatives. Good luck!

Let’s Work Together!

  • Book a sponsored slot advertising in my newsletter in OCTOBER (Join brands like Shortform, Fiverr, HUBSPOT, Get Response, Freshbooks, Found, Authory, and more)

  • Learn more about booking a one-on-one freelance coaching session with me to address your unique freelance challenges. (Taking on OCTOBER sessions for a 40-minute call + editing a 600-word document of your choice. If you don’t see a time that works for your schedule, email me.)

  • Join hundreds who have taken my self-directed freelance online courses to level up your freelance skills and earning power. It’s a comprehensive format with video + script copy to help you jump-start your business or take it to new heights.

  • Visit my digital store for resources to help your freelance writing business.

  • Hire my freelance writing company, DKL Content Services Inc., (AKA “me”) I’m a NY State and NYC M/WBE certified business and can help with your content writing, strategy, copywriting, content strategy, and editing needs. If you have someone to refer me to, I’m happy to pay a referral fee.

Reply

or to participate.