The COVID-19 pandemic caused many businesses to shut down. The unemployment in the US in May 2020 has increased by more than 14 million. Some were able to keep their businesses alive. Because of the pandemic, working remotely is the best solution to keep the economy alive, and people are protected from getting the virus. 

If you lost your job during the pandemic, don’t lose hope.

You can search for work-from-home jobs on the internet.

Those who love to write can be freelance writers. It is one of the most lucrative jobs online. If you want to have a writing career, this is the best time to earn a decent amount of money. 

7 Must-Follow Freelance Writing Tips For Beginners

If you want to become a freelance writer, or maybe, increase potential earnings then be sure to understand how freelancers work.

Below are freelance writing tips for beginners that you can follow:

#1. Write Articles Based on Your Skill

Many freelancers think that they can work on any topic assigned to them and earn a considerable amount of money. But they remain in the exact place where they started. If there is a specific topic that you are good at and master, you will provide good results and earn a hefty payout. So, it is better to stick to the topic you are good at. 

You may think that focusing on one niche means limiting yourself.

But you will realize someday that it is worth it.

 Related Post: 21 Best Freelance Job Sites For Beginners

#2. Create an Impressive Portfolio

Your clients might be asking for your portfolio or sample of works before they hire you. It is normal. Your school works can be part of your portfolio.

Since you are just starting and there is nothing to show them yet. If you have some projects you have completed already, you can add them to your portfolio. It will help the clients assess your skills and determine whether to hire you or not. 

#3. Know the Fundamentals in SEO

This is a must for every freelance writer. SEO or Search Engine Optimization is essential to help your page or post rank high in Google.

Web contents should be well-optimized, and if you don’t know how to write an optimized article, you better start searching now to learn the basics of SEO. If you master SEO, you will not have a hard time finding new clients as they will be the ones looking for you. 

It is not easy to learn SEO since the algorithm keeps on changing. You should know the latest trend so you will not be left behind. 

#4. Master Your Time Management Skills

Each client has specific time requirements. Some clients may give you a long time to complete the piece with 10,000 words. Typically, you can finish a 2000-word article in three days. So, if you work without procrastination, you can complete a 10,000-word project within a week. 

It would be best if you learn to budget your time daily. Set your time for work. Since you will be working at home, there might be some distractions, so make sure to inform your households that you will be working at a specific time of the day. If you are working on multiple clients, you can use a task timer to help manage your time.

Related Post: 10 Time Management Tips For Bloggers

#5. Keep Everything Organized

It does not matter how well you write. If you do not have organizational skills, you will not succeed. The more confused you become, the more likely you will miss deadlines, which is unprofessional. 

Lack of organization can also result in stressful work, so make sure you don’t get too overwhelmed. Planning your daily, weekly, and monthly schedule can help you complete your writing tasks on time. If you accept multiple works, make sure to schedule them according to your deadlines. 

Google Calendar is a helpful tool that provides you an extra helping hand. You can easily edit and schedule your activities, post reminders for deadlines, and an option to sync other Google apps. There are lots of applications online that can help you on organizing your tasks.

These tools can help you become a successful freelance writer.

 

#6. Look for Clients Where Freelancers Would Less Likely to Look

If you do not have a blog site, you probably will look for clients. With thousands of writers searching for clients, finding one is not easy. Regardless of your experience as a writer, you can market your skills to different companies that require daily blogs on their websites. It could be a company your friend works on or someone in your neighborhood. 

Signing up on a reliable freelancing site will also help you find some freelance clients but keep in mind, you will be battling it out with thousands of writers out there.

#7. Make Your Own Blog

Having your own blog site can help you practice your skills in writing. You can also include it in your portfolio. It is one way to demonstrate your skills and master the art of writing. Since you will not have enough samples to send your clients, your blog site is enough to market yourself. 

Simply follow this step by step guide to start a blog yourself. Blogging is easy and you can even make money from your blog on the side.

You can write any topic you want on your own blog, but if you’re going to focus on a specific niche, it is a good idea to display your knowledge about the subject as much as you can. It would help you promote your content by posting it on your social media accounts. You will find blogging consistently can help you get more clients. 

 

Final Thoughts On Freelance Writing Tips

It is not easy to become a freelance writer, but it can help you earn a decent amount of money. Do not be afraid to ask for help from experts, search online for tips, and read a lot.

These things can help you become a good freelance writer. If you can afford, you can enroll in copywriting online courses to improve your skills.

Just make sure you choose the right course for your goals. 

You may experience rejections, use them to motivate you, and strive hard to become one of the best in your field. Keep in mind the above tips, and you will surely reach your goal fast.

 

Author’s BIO: Lori Wade is a journalist from Louisville. She is a content writer who has experience in small editions, Lori is now engaged in news and conceptual articles on the topic of business. If you are interested in an entrepreneur or lifestyle, you can find her on Twitter & LinkedIn. She has good experience and knowledge in the field.