Deb Ng wrote an awesome post about getting writing jobs today that brought up a point that I’ve been pondering for a while. Her post, entitled Yes, you will be Googled,  brings up a lot of good points that I don’t think most work at home moms keep in mind.

While I’m a member of a popular work at home mom forum, I rarely post. While I could join in the daily rants about clients, speculate about why an editor sent a post back for a rewrite, or wonder out loud whether or not I’ve been hired for a specific job, I choose not to.

Instead, I sit back, read the other posts, and glean the bits of information I need. By keeping my mouth shut, I learn who’s applying for what job (and who I’m competing with). I learn who’s working for how much (or how little). I learn more  information than you’d imagine just by paying attention.

I often spend time wondering, however, just what in the world other posters are thinking. Do they not understand that their rants and raves are being recorded for posterity? Do they not get that the petty snipes they’re making at each other can be viewed by potential clients?

I’ve been attacked by members of this same forum for daring to express my opinion on how writers should market themselves. When I’ve suggested places to network, I’ve been called a bottom feeder. When I’ve suggested affiliate marketing as a great way to write for yourself and earn an income, I’ve been called a scammer.

As a work at home mom, it’s important to keep in mind that every syllable you type online can be found by potential clients. Sure, you can put a lovely cover letter together and send out a classy resume with it. But if the client googles you and finds you knocking other writers, acting like a prima donna, badmouthing your current clients, and swearing that it’s beneath you to work for less than <insert amount> – on a public forum – do you really think that’s going to bode well?

Doubtful.

Building a freelance business is primarily about branding. Online, you brand yourself with your words – words that are associated with the screen names you use and that can be found easily by potential clients.