One Simple Email Tactic That Could Double Your Freelance Writing Income
Too many freelance writers chase new clients while ignoring the more reliable source of work—past clients. Here’s how to reach out (without sounding desperate) and keep the work coming.
Most freelancers hustle for new clients while ignoring the easiest source of work—the ones who’ve already paid them.
Keeping in touch with past clients is essential. Maybe they’re unhappy with their agency or have an unexpected budget to use up. Maybe they’ve moved to a new company with a brand new set of content needs. Maybe they’re not thinking about hiring you right now, but if you stay on their radar, you’ll be the first person they call when they do.
A quick email can change everything.
How to Reach Out Without Sounding Desperate
Reconnecting with a past client isn’t begging for work—it’s being smart about your business. The key is to make your outreach feel natural, not like a cold sales pitch.
📧 Try this:
Subject: Need help with content this quarter?
Hi [Client's Name],
Hope you're doing well! I loved working on [past project] with you and wanted to check in—do you need any help with content this quarter? I’d love to support [Company] with [specific type of content]. Let me know what’s on your plate!
This works because:
✅ It’s short and direct—no fluff.
✅ It reminds them of your value.
✅ It keeps the door open without being pushy.
But what if you want a more natural way to check in—one that doesn’t feel transactional?
🔒 Full Subscribers: Keep reading for the best reasons to reconnect with past clients (without it feeling like a pitch).
Keep reading with a 7-day free trial
Subscribe to The Writers' Den to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.