Advertising for Freelance Writers?

On more than one occasion, it's been suggested to me (by someone not in the freelance writing field) that I could advertise for clients. Since I'm a lawyer by training and past experience, it's even been suggested that I take out an inexpensive ad in the local bar association newsletter.

I shy away from these suggestions for one simple reason: I don't think advertising works for freelance writers.

Here's my thinking on the matter. Advertising usually costs a good chunk of change. And for advertising to work, you have to run your ads on a regular and continuing basis. That adds up to a huge chunk of change. Even if the advertising is cheap (like the bar association newsletter), it will add up over time.

But do people hire writers based on advertising? I don't think so. That's because most clients aren't looking for a freelance writer. They may not even know they need one or how they could benefit by hiring one. I think most of the time freelance writers get business by reaching out to others in some way (whether its through cold calling, query letters or face-to-face marketing) and selling those people on the idea of using them.

This is why I refuse to spend money on advertising. But I'd love to hear other opinions on this subject. Has anyone had success selling freelance writing services through advertising?