Do you want to become a freelance writer? Are you thinking to dive into the magnetic field of freelance writing, then I would say ‘Welcome friend’, you have landed on the right path!
Hold on. There is a lot more to offer you.
Freelancing isn’t a new term to anyone. In fact, people from a number of countries have pursued it as a professional career and a full-time job. From young students to working woman and retired adults, everyone tied a knot with freelance working.
Why not you give it a try?
Are you prepared for a life of your own, without an instructor? Tighten up yourself!
People assume that freelancing is a troublesome job. Do you think the same?
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7 Simple Steps To Become a Freelance Writer
Whether you become a part-time freelancer or full-time, these significant steps or a quick guide will help you to take your first step and pursue a freelancing career.
Here is a step by step guide to start a freelance career from scratch.
Let’s get started.
1. Think about Topics that Interest you
Start thinking about your area of expertise. Some writers have a knack for economics, while others have passion related to entertainment, news, health, celebrities or even politics. Be focused and identify the topics of your interests.
If you are brilliant in a certain category, you can become an expert in that niche. You can improve with time and experience. So, leave this to the next level.
At the beginning level, just collect easy-to-go topics. Remember, you should enjoy writing as it’s your passion and you’ve chosen it wisely.
Popular high paying freelancing niches are;
- Finance
- Cryptocurrency
- Travel
- Digital Marketing
- Health articles
- Book Writing
- Video Scripts
- Email Sequences
Now, moving on to other steps.
2. Setting up an Online Presence
You must have decided to become an independent contractor by now and to achieve the desired goal, you need to be more professional. In view to become a freelance writer, you will need to create a brand identity.
That’s true.
Most importantly, you need to have your own website or a blog. An online presence will help to showcase your work and services. It is basically a portfolio where clients can see your samples.
Sophie Lizard, Kristi Hines, and Carol Tice are few top freelancers who have earned a reputable respect in the community and obviously, a great profile.
Branding yourself is essential to survive in an online marketplace. Make sure, your website features the important services, samples, experience and contact details.
Trust me, it’s important. If you run a personal blog where you share everyday happenings or a fiction story, it will be helpful too.
By the way, WordPress and Blogspot offer free blog options for everyone. It’s easy to create one blog and start putting your ideas there.
Build a portfolio that actually reflects your passion for writing and your services to the clients. The category includes article writing, blog writing, academic writing, business writing, creative writing etc.
3. Freelancing websites to find work
I understand you must be eager to know about the popular freelancing websites where you can land a gig. There are a number of freelancing communities and websites online that offer jobs to dedicated freelancers.
As you are a newbie, I would suggest you to stick with these helpful websites. To just start with, it’s the best way to have a comprehensive understanding of the website and how it works.
This list includes 27 freelance websites for beginners to find jobs.
I started with Elance and Odesk. Both of the websites were truly helpful for a new learner. To your surprise, Elance and Odesk have collaborated together and Upwork is formed. It’s one of the popular freelance websites where a vast number of clients post projects on the everyday basis.
4) Create a successful Portfolio on Websites
As you have understood the need of the freelancing website, it’s highly significant to create a compelling portfolio. It has to be fully updated with your accurate information.
The freelancer has to provide a professional picture, bank account details, mode of payment, address, phone number and other details.
The website will verify every single detail of your profile.
Remember to add as much useful content about your experience, education, writing samples, professional video, a research paper, a document, an article, a guest post etc
Most importantly, don’t forget to add the link to your blog. The clients want to see the patterns of your writing.
Related –> How to use Upwork for freelance jobs : The beginners guide
5. Craft a great Pitch
Yes! The freelancers have to learn a successful proposal to the clients. Only those candidates are hired for a contract who have a strong pitch. Your proposal should have some ideas, experience, and the commitment. It’s just like a cover letter where the writer has to impress the client.
Once you’ve built a profile on the freelance website, it’s time to start pitching. Bid on simple job offers and propose a reasonable rate.
A number of experts write about ideas related to perfect pitch. Be a Freelance Blogger is a great help for every freelancer. Sophie Lizard is the owner of this blog.
I also follow Make A Living Writing. It’s one of the useful websites where you can find articles by mentors. To your knowledge, Carol Tice owns this blog.
6. Be a guest and Write for non-profit
Guest posting is just a useful way to become freelance writer and a successful writer. To grab the opportunity, feel free to write for others at no cost.
You must have a fear of competition.
In a world of talented freelance writers, why would a client hire you?
That’s true. Obviously, a client prefers an experienced writer who can write kick-ass content that is truly paid off. But, there are a number of clients who want to get their work done with an average rate.
Do you know? You are that candidate who is interested in writing quality material at affordable rates. There is an opportunity for everyone.
To overcome the fear, guest blogging is the best platform. When your name is credited to someone’s blog, it enhances your portfolio. Isn’t it great?
Did you know that an average content writer earns $15-$80 per hour on Upwork? This statistic has some great findings.
7. Read More and Be Patient
After successfully following every step mentioned above, it’s time to improve your reading habit. I guarantee you that it ACTUALLY helps you to grow and expand.
Follow a number of blogs and websites to learn about writing, freelancing and other essential techniques.
Now, sit back and wait with patience. Freelancing is one among those jobs where you have to tighten your temper and seek consistency.
You are lucky enough if you get a client within a time span of 2 months. Everything needs time, though.
I would suggest you to improve your writing and reading practice. Only search for jobs that fit your skills. Seek experience first and then, money.
Hope this detailed blog post helped you.
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Your portfolio and online presence is really important. Social media is the best way to connect with people. Guest posting is also a good start. All your points are very useful. When you are working as a freelancer make it legal. Always sign documents online with every client.