5 Steps to Freelance Writing

By Dominica

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Last Updated: July 2, 2021

Is writing something you have always enjoyed? Do you want to start using your writing talents for money, but don’t know where to start? 

Well, look no further. Freelance writing might just be what you’ve been searching for. Being a freelance writer is the art of writing individually for a wide array of clients. You are not tied down to one corporation – stuck writing the same material repeatedly. 

Freelance writing provides you with a flexible schedule, wide range of writing topics, various employment opportunities, and you get to be your own boss! Whether you decide to write as a side hustle or pursue it as a full-time career, freelance writing provides you with the chance to make money while doing what you love.

The idea of freelance writing can be intimidating at first due to the endless possibilities it offers. Nevertheless, it has become an increasingly popular field over the past decade. Read on for some basic steps you can take to become a freelance writer.

 

  1.       Find your Niche 

No matter how much you love writing, it can become a task when you are forced to write about something you have no interest in. That’s the benefit of freelance writing – you get to choose to write about what YOU want to write about. So, the first step is finding a topic(s) to focus on. You don’t have to be an expert in the field you decide to write about. Simply bring passion and motivation to the table and you’re good to go.

 

  1.       Create a Professional Social Media Platform 

In the social media-crazed world we live in today, it is necessary for you to have an online presence if you want to be successful. The most common digital platform utilized by freelance writers is a blog. Your own blog provides you with your own space to share your ideas and communicate with others in related fields. 

Likewise, creating your own website can be beneficial. It can exhibit your credentials and experience, be a space for blog posts, and serve as your portfolio for prospective customers. There are numerous resources online that can aid you in establishing your online presence.

 

  1.       Produce a Jaw-Dropping Portfolio 

Developing a digital presence will only get you so far in the writing world. In order to further your career as a freelance writer, you will need to create and show off a portfolio that contains great work. Begin establishing a reader base by exposing your friends and family to your pieces. You can use this work and feedback as a starting point to attract paying clients.

 

  1.       Job Board Hunt

Different companies want different types of writings. Not all of them are going to want articles you’ve pitched and/or reported. Furthermore, not all positions are going to be high profile or high paying. Search different job boards to find communities of writers sharing ideas and content. Job boards have made finding a freelance writing job easier than ever before.

 

  1.       Collect Client Response

Your business and success as a freelance writer depend greatly on client satisfaction. Happy clients are more likely to hire you for additional work, as well as sing your praises to those around them. Therefore, it is a smart business move to collect your clients’ testimony once you have finished your work for them. Publish the favorable reviews on all of your social media platforms so future clients can see just how talented you are! 

Getting yourself grounded is always the most difficult thing about any new undertaking; however, now that you have gained some insight as to what it takes to be a freelance writer, all that is left to do is to do it!

 

Take The First Step 

Just start with the first step. Push aside those feelings of hesitation and anxiety and embrace yourself for this new adventure. Remember that freelance writing is what you make of it. You get out of it what you put in – it’s as simple as that.

If you want to invest minimal time just to earn some extra spending money, freelance writing is for you. If you want to quit your boring job and work from a computer while travelling the world, freelance writing is for you. It’s a position that offers you a chance to do what you love and are gifted in. 

When I started freelancing, it was for survival, as I’d been laid off back in the recession in 2009. A friend told me about freelancing, so I thought I’d give it a try. I still remember my very first paid gig was an article where I made $10.  Yes, that’s it: $10.  But that $10 gave me the courage to keep writing, learning, and getting better at my craft. 

I can attest that hard work, discipline, and faith help, as I’m still writing 12 years later. So, if you’re interested in freelance writing, begin learning about it and heed the tips given here.

 

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