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How To Create A 1-Page Marketing Plan for Writers
Award-winning writer Kathy Widenhouse has helped hundreds of nonprofits and writers produce successful content , with 750K+ views for her writing tutorials. She is the author of 9 books. See more of Kathy’s content here.
Posted 12.23.25
A simple 1-page marketing plan can do more for your freelance writing business than any course or template. It’s been my secret to steady work, better clients, and less stress. And it can be for you, too.
You may have been told you need a full-blown strategy document to market your content writing skills. With so many platforms, formulas, and gurus telling you what you must do, it’s no wonder marketing feels confusing and time-consuming. After all, the Big Boys have entire marketing staffs that churn out complex multi-channel tactics, segmentation, competitive analysis, ROI models, brand architecture, strategic alliances …
The truth is this: Freelance writers don’t struggle with selling their services because marketing is impossible. We struggle because we’ve been led to believe it has to be complicated.
It needn’t be. In reality, to make money writing, all you need is:
- A niche
- A message
- A place to show up
- A weekly routine
Once you realize that a marketing plan for your writing biz can be simple, it becomes doable. (Like this one.)
Create your own simple 1-page marketing plan
1. Choose your niche
Pick one clear area where you want to become the go-to writer. This needn’t be your only writing niche, but it should be an area in which you have a particular interest, experience, ability, or passion. A niche helps the right prospects recognize that you’re a perfect fit.
For example, perhaps you are a …
- Blog writer for preschool parents
- Email copywriter for swimwear brands
- Case study writer for SaaS companies
- Grant writer for environmental nonprofits
Tip: It’s tempting to choose a niche that’s considered a moneymaker, like tech, health, or fashion. But the truth is that every business needs content and can be lucrative. They can hire any writer with skills, but one thing they can’t pay for is your passion.
That’s what I did. I focus on faith-based nonprofits. Sure, they have limited budgets — but they have a line item for marketing and writers because they know they must produce content.
Choose a niche that resonates with what you care about. Make it as specific as possible.
2. Craft your core message
Your core message tells prospects exactly what you can do for them. It filters your audience. When prospects understand your value in one sentence, they can quickly say, “Yes, that’s what I need,” or, “I know someone who needs that.”
Write a single sentence that explains…
- Who you help
- What you create
- The result you deliver
Try this formula:
“I help [audience] with [type of writing] so they can [benefit/result].”
Example:
“I help environmental nonprofits create well-researched grant applications so they can secure funding.”
3. Pick one place to show up
Choose one primary platform where your ideal clients spend time. This becomes your “home base” for marketing. Consider …
- LinkedIn, Instagram, or another social media platform
- Your website
- Your email newsletter
- A freelance marketplace profile
- An industry-specific forum or Slack group
Tip: Don’t try to be everywhere. Show up consistently in one place first. When publishing regularly in your home base becomes second nature, then add another platform — but only one at a time.
4. Create a weekly marketing routine
A simple, repeatable rhythm is more powerful than occasional big pushes. Consistency builds trust (plus, algorithms love it). Readers notice when you show up regularly. Even if they don’t consciously think, “Wow, she posts every Tuesday,” they simply start to expect you to appear in their inbox.
Create a marketing routine by choosing 3–5 small actions you can do every week.
Example of a weekly marketing routine:
- Post once on LinkedIn (or your chosen platform)
- Comment on 5 posts from potential clients or industry leaders
- Send 2 warm messages (past clients, new connections, friendly check-ins)
- Pitch 1 new prospect or respond to 1 opportunity
- Update your portfolio or pin a recent piece of work (every other week)
Time required: 30–60 minutes, once or twice a week.
Tip: Once your weekly marketing routine fits in easily with your schedule, add additional tasks. Or if your niche and audience change, then adjust your routine accordingly.
Download a fillable, reusable copy of this 1-page marketing plan here.
How to put your 1-page marketing plan to work
Marketing works like watering a plant — a little each week keeps it growing. But neglect? The plant withers. Absent weekly marketing, so will your client funnel, your following, and your assignments.
The beauty of a simple 1-page marketing plan is that you can put it together in an hour or less — and start putting it into practice right away.
Your plan needn’t be complicated. It simply needs to work for your schedule. Implement it for a month or two. Then add to or subtract from it as you monitor numbers of new followers or gather inquiries and assignments — and as you grow more confident in your writing skills and your reach.
You can be the best writer in your niche and still struggle to get work. Skill doesn’t bring clients. A marketing plan does. Get going with yours.
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