Although there are plenty of freelance writing jobs to be found online, the competition is fierce. The high number of applicants and competing bids can mean losing out on work or working for lower pay. Better opportunities often exist where no one else is looking — your own back yard. But how can you find local clients who need your freelance writing services?

Get to Know Your Neighbors

Tell your neighbors about your line of work. Your neighbors might not need to hire a freelance writer, but they might know people who do. I’ve gotten a few gigs through neighbors referring me to their bosses.

Frequent Local Businesses

A wealth of freelance writing business can come from chatting with local entrepreneurs and business owners. Every place you go, from the doctor’s office to the farmers’ market, can be a place to connect with potential clients. I scored a gig writing for my local cell phone distributor this way.

Contact Your Local Chamber of Commerce

Your Chamber of Commerce exists to serve local businesses and can provide a list of contact information, including websites and email addresses. For a fee, you can become a member of your local Chamber of Commerce and have your freelance business listed, so new clients can come to you. I’m not a member of mine (it’s too expensive), but I’ve made a few business-buddies through the contact list, and those contacts have paved the way for projects.

Do you work for local clients? How did you go about scoring your local gigs?