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Expert Interview | Sharon Wu

1/ Tell me more about yourself and how you got started with your career.

Hi! I’m Sharon Wu, a SoCal-based freelance content writer. Since I was young, reading and journaling have been a big part of my life. My passion for words followed me through university.

After earning my BA in Communications from UC San Diego, I started freelance writing part-time for a digital marketing agency while modeling in LA. During this time, I also launched a lifestyle blog to share my love for fashion and beauty.

What started as a hobby turned into a significant part of my career — especially when notable brands like Marshalls, COVERGIRL, and American Express hired me to create content for their social media campaigns.

That industry unfortunately changed a lot around 2020-2021. Video content took center stage (not my forte). I really enjoyed freelance writing, so I pivoted to do it full-time. Now, I write articles and guides for B2B/B2C brands and high-profile founders.

When I’m not writing, I’m mentoring budding solopreneurs. I’ve been freelancing for over 10 years, and find great fulfillment in using my experience to help others make money doing what they love, just like I have — over and over.

You can learn more about me and what I do at www.sharewrites.com!

2/ What advice do you have for freelancers to land clients? What are some of the best ways they can build their business?

Looking back, I wish I had focused on building a personal brand on LinkedIn… before it became “a thing.”

It’s amazing how consistently sharing valuable content on the right platform can propel your business to new heights — rapidly. In just a year, my content marketing efforts on LinkedIn took me from writing for content mills at $20/hour to writing for major publications and founders at $1000+/blog.

The key is to establish a strong online presence where your dream clients are. Once you do, opportunities start to cascade — one leading to the next. And after accumulating a handful of solid client testimonials, landing top-quality clients becomes much easier.

In the early stages, it’s common to face challenges. Sending out pitch after pitch with no response is part of the process. But don’t get discouraged — persistence is what separates successful freelancers from the rest.

When it comes to portfolio-building, you don’t have to work for free. Your hard work deserves compensation — even if you’re a new writer, graphic designer, photographer… you name it. So instead, create ‘spec work’ and publish it somewhere online — your website, social media, or a free platform like Medium.

For example, let’s say you want to write content for medical spas:

→ Research trending topics in that field (e.g. Botox, CoolSculpting, facials, etc.)

→ Figure out what people are curious about (check Google’s “People Also Ask”)

→ Write blogs addressing curiosities, as if you were doing it for your ICP

→ Publish and present these samples when you reach out to prospects

This approach has been incredibly effective for me — give it a shot!

Let’s be friends on LinkedIn.

Sharpen Your Skills | Get Organized

I do this, too. And it's a LIFE SAVER! Yes, Alexander!

You can also save your examples with a tool like SwipeWell.

Try SwipeWell for FREE!

Content Marketing | Track Your Results

I love this from Jessica Walrack (who we featured in last week's newsletter).

Your clients will rarely provide insight into how your posts are performing — but this doesn't mean you can't or shouldn't track it.

It's a good way to track the value of your pieces. If a post you've written is bringing in cash flow — use it to ask for more $$$ and more projects.

Read (or at least skim) these:

Storytelling: Are you good at it? By Kaleigh Moore
Do you need an external talent cloud?
6 ways to become a better conference speaker By Ann Handley

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