by Ann Olson, Y! health contributor

Networking just isn’t essential for improving your writing–it can get you actual writing gigs. Like in the “real” world, most online writing jobs aren’t advertised,  and sometimes networking is the only way to get it.

Establishing relationships with other writers can help you find writing gigs advertised “behind-the-scenes”, eliminating the work of finding a job on your own.

It also helps you establish real connections with writers, allowing you to converse with like-minded people, share your thoughts and frustrations, and receive advice  about issues related to writing or working independently.

Potential Networking Ideas for Writers

If you want to actively network with other writers, your best strategy is to keep it online. Sure, you won’t have human-to-human contact, but you can reach thousands  of potential writers by sticking with online-only contact. When it comes to freelancing, faster is usually better.

Network online by using these websites:

Writing websites: Some websites, such as Associated Content or Constant Content, have forums where you can converse with other writers. Network with like-minded  writers here. Join a conversation, add real value to your replies, and engage others by asking questions. But be tactful when expressing your opinions–being too blunt  or making accusatory statements can give writers the wrong impression about you.

Twitter: It’s harder to engage in personal conversations with other writers on Twitter, but it can be done. Browse your writing friends’ follower lists for writers and  add them if they interest you. If this doesn’t yield favorable results, type in a keyword (such as writing or blogging) into the search bar to find recent tweets from  other writers. Remember, add the ones that only interest you.

To establish a connection immediately, use the retweet button on tweets that could be valuable to your followers–chances are, the original writer of that tweet will  thank you and take more interest in your future tweets. Alternatively, you can reply to them by typing @theirusername and adding your response.

Facebook: The key here is to find the areas where writers congregate, such as user-created groups or fan pages. Fan pages for popular writing or blogging websites,  groups for writing niches, or writing job board groups are almost always flooded with active writers. Add them. If they post an interesting status update or link,  don’t press the like button–comment and share how you feel about it.

Remember, add real conversation to establish real connections with other writers. Commenting for the sake of commenting will earn you a bad reputation fast, so make  your responses genuine–and remember, keep any promotion (websites, articles, products) to a minimum.

* This article was originally published on writingjobresource.com and is used with permission.

Ann Olson is a freelance health writer, featured Y! health contributor and healthy eating advocate.  Some of her work can be found on LIVESTRONG, Blend.com and Yahoo! Sports.