Most freelance writers focus on crafting compelling copy, but the real value they offer often extends far beyond the words they write.
The most successful writers don’t just take assignments—they offer strategic insight that helps their clients achieve bigger business goals.
In this episode, we explore how you can elevate your role from order-taker to trusted advisor by recognizing and communicating the strategic patterns and opportunities you spot in client projects. You’ll learn how to position your expertise as a separate service, package it effectively, and ensure you’re getting paid for the value you bring—not just the content you create.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- The hidden strategic value you’re already providing… without realizing it
- Why most writers stay in their comfort zone and miss out on bigger opportunities
- A simple way to start shifting from order-taker to strategic consultant
- A conversation framework to position strategy as a separate, paid service
- How to handle client hesitations and objections professionally
Key Takeaways:
Your Insights Are Valuable—Speak Up!
As you work on content for clients, you naturally notice gaps, inconsistencies, and missed opportunities in their messaging. But if you don’t bring these to their attention, you’re leaving money (and impact) on the table.
Clients Often Lack Clarity—Help Them Get It
Many clients struggle with direction. They change their minds, tweak the scope, or pivot mid-project. Instead of going along for the ride, take charge by offering a structured strategy session to help them clarify their content goals before execution.
How to Introduce Strategy as a Paid Engagement
Next time you notice a strategic disconnect, try this approach:
“Based on what I’m seeing, I think we could create significantly better results with a proper content roadmap. Would you be open to a separate strategy session where I audit your existing content, interview stakeholders, and develop a plan?”
Don’t Give Away Strategy for Free—Package It
Your ability to think strategically isn’t an add-on—it’s a separate, valuable service. Consider packaging it as a content audit, messaging workshop, or roadmapping engagement. Positioning it this way not only elevates your perceived value but also creates a new revenue stream.
The Long-Term Benefits of Strategic Thinking
Clients who recognize your strategic input will see better results, rely on you more, and view you as a partner rather than a commodity. This leads to longer engagements, higher fees, and a stronger reputation in your industry.
My Challenge to You This Week:
Pay close attention to the strategic patterns in your work this week. Where do you see gaps, inconsistencies, or untapped opportunities in your client’s content? Practice articulating these insights in a way that leads to a paid strategy conversation.
The notes that follow are a very basic, unedited summary of the show. There’s a lot more detail in the audio version. You can listen to the show using the audio player below. Or you can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music or wherever you listen to podcasts.
High-Income Business Writing with Ed Gandia
#368: From Order-Taker to Strategic Partner — The Key to Elevating Your Freelance Writing Business
Key Topics and Bullets:
- Writing involves identifying messaging gaps and missed opportunities.
- Importance of communicating these insights.
- Writers often focus solely on deliverables, ignoring strategic input.
- Taking the lead when clients are indecisive.
- Addressing client clarity issues with a professional approach.
- Opens new revenue streams.
- Communicating the impact of changing project scope on deliverables.
- Offering strategy sessions, content audits, and other advisory services.
- Writing that’s part of a cohesive strategy yields better results.
- Writers guide clients through challenges.
- Encouragement to seek out strategic opportunities.
- Transitioning from execution to advisory work.
By the way… whenever you’re ready, here are 4 ways I can help you grow your freelance business:
1. Claim your free book:
Discover the secrets to a thriving writing career in Earn More in Less Time: The Proven Mindset, Strategies and Actions to Prosper as a Freelance Writer. — Download your FREE copy
2. Level up with the ultimate business-building toolkit
Ready to fast-track your freelance success? My comprehensive Business-Building Toolkit equips you with the essential skills to command higher fees, win premium clients, blend AI into your workflow, and build more predictable freelance income. Developed from years of coaching top freelancers, this toolkit is your roadmap to rapid results. — Learn More?
3. Work with me for 90 days
Need a trusted “sparring” partner to tackle your most pressing business challenges? I occasionally offer an intensive 90-day coaching program for freelancers at all income levels. We work together 1-on-1 to identify your most critical business obstacles, come up with innovative solutions and develop a customized, actionable plan. Email me at ed@b2blauncher.com with “90-Day Accelerator” in the subject line to learn more.
4. Banish 6-figure burnout
One of my core specialties is helping 6-figure freelancers earn more in less time with less stress. If you’re at that income level but you’re burning out and want to create a business that actually serves you, let’s connect. Email me at ed@b2blauncher.com and put “Boardroom” in the subject line and I’ll get back to you with more details.
