If you are reading this blog post, I assume you probably have good writing skills and want to take writing as a new career option but don’t know where to start.
Well, you are at the right place, here is the step-by-step guide on how to become a freelance writer and get paid right for what you write.
A freelance writing career has much to offer, it gives flexibility, work-life balance, freedom to express your thoughts, unending income, and much more.
A freelancer writer technically acts like a contractor offering services to writing agencies or several other different clients.
However it isn’t easy the way it looks, becoming a freelance writer requires a lot of dedication, patience, and hard work.
Keep reading, to know the actionable steps for How to become a freelance writer.
1. Types of Freelance Writing
If you’re about to start a freelance writing career and are overwhelmed by the number of areas (types) to consider. Here’s the guide for some common types to get started-
1.1. Web Content Writer
Web content freelancers create content like social media content (expressed in a few words), blogs ( informative and writing on a wide range of topics), short content (writing alerts), or writing articles (full-length articles).
1.2. Technical Writer
You explain the complex technical terms, explanations, and procedures in the average reader’s language. Technical writer researches and delivers the information on delivery medium (both online or offline).
1.3. Newspaper or Magazine Writing
You write articles for newspapers or magazines. Articles are written for a particular niche, it includes types like-
Consumer/popular magazines
These are written for the general masses, you can find them at any supermarket or newspaper agency.
Industry/trade magazines
These are written for the profession, trade, or industry. Such magazines are topic driven and take subscriptions.
Custom publications
Magazines are created for marketing businesses.
1.4. Freelance Copy/Content writing
In the era of startups, businesses have taken a huge surge resulting in great demand for a freelance copywriters.
The content writer creates the copy to engage and entertain the target audience for selling a service or product.
Copywriting or business writing is directly related to sales. Copywriters persuade the audience to buy a product or service.
1.5. Ghostwriting
Ghost freelance writers professionally write on behalf of other individual clients or companies. It may include writing blog posts, online articles, memoirs, or speeches. In other words, your work’s credit is given to someone else and you are paid for this.
2. How to Become a Freelance Writer
Freelance writing is not a short- cut to earn money, you need to invest lots of time and hard work, especially in the beginning.
Think of improving the quality of the blog with each article rather than just thinking of making money.
The key to this is to start writing, you will be better with each article. Let’s see how to start freelance writing.
2.1. How to Choose Freelance Writing Niche
Niche is specializing in the topic of writing content. Read a lot and figure out which topic excites you. Read abundant examples of the chosen topic.
You can of course evolve your niche over time. Thankfully there are plenty of topics out there.
Remember a good writer is comfortable writing outside his niche area.
Here are tips for choosing the niche-
- Choose a topic that excites you.
- Think about your future aspirations as a freelance writer.
- Ask yourself the question, of what you could write for the long term.
- Choose a topic related to the subject you learned in your education (added advantage).
- Health and wellness, travel, technical writing, real estate, e-commerce, parenting, and personal finance are some niches to mention.
2.2. Create your Schedule for Writing
Find the time which suits you best for writing. If you are a full-time freelance writer, then identify the most productive time of the day. If you are doing it part-time then early morning, late hours, or weekends may suit you to keep the ball rolling.
Although it’s not easy to sit before a screen after a long day, it will have long-term benefits. The more time you devote to freelance writing faster you will grow.
2.3. Take Some Freelance Writing Course
You can enroll in a freelance writing course if you feel directionless at the beginning.
The freelancing writing course will guide you in the area like –
- Finding the niche
- Creating an online portfolio website
- How to get the first client
- How to manage the workload
- Financial and legal knowledge
- How to scale your freelancing business
3. Skills Needed to Become a Successful Freelance Writer
Gone are the days when writing prowess was enough to become a successful writer, now you need to imbibe additional skills for the changing world.
3.1. SEO Writing
To make your content accessible to audiences all over the world, your content should be highly ranked on web pages particularly google.
SEO-rich content is ranked high and drives traffic toward your website. Learn SEO writing for a successful freelance writing career.
3.2. Digital Marketing
There are many freelance writing jobs requiring digital marketing skills because Digital Marketing has substituted traditional marketing mediums.
You should be well-versed in digital marketing skills and also master them. The key skills are- social media marketing, pay-per-click, google analytics, Adwords, and display advertising.
3.3. Graphic Design
Learning graphic designing skills is pivotal for freelance writers. Some freelancing project opportunities require graphic design skills, you may be ruled out otherwise.
Proficiency in graphic designing tools like photoshop, illustrator, and coral draw will make you stand ahead in the competition.
3.4. Communication Skills
Since most freelancing writing necessitates working with faceless clients, your communication skills reveal much about your personality.
Communication skills help to build rapport with the potential client, this makes you stand out from other writers and hence bag the deal.
4. Learn Content Management Software
Content management software gives space to create content. This tool allows managing your online content on your website. This software is easy to operate and has various features like SEO-friendly, search-friendly URL, meta description, and high keyword density, thus ranking the content on top search of google.
Let’s consider some top Content management software-
4.1. Hubspot
HubSpot scores well when it comes to building personalized and smart content. It has a special feature of A/B testing. Database management and email list work best on this platform.
4.2. Squarespace
It has a wide range of aesthetic templates and offers customization options. You can apply multiple, themes, colors, and design elements with ease.
4.3. Wix
It has got tons of customized templates. It gives free access to unlimited pages. If you want to build an online presence and are running out of funds, Wix is a great choice.
Its paid version has some additional features like attractive forms, internal storage, and VIP support.
4.4.WordPress
It is the most popular content management site. Its customization feature is remarkable. It has plug-ins and add-on features that help with Search engine optimization (SEO), speed, image resizing, and much more.
Although the WordPress tools are free, you have to pay for hosting and templates.
5. Build a Freelance Writing Portfolio
Writing a portfolio feels so daunting, especially for the beginner. Building a portfolio is a crucial component to secure the work.
The portfolio must include collections of curated samples that show your strengths. Remember a robust portfolio can make or break deals with potential clients.
Read the tips for Building Portfolio-
5.1. It’s Okay to Work for Free
A freelance writer is no stranger to working for free. While working for non-monetary opportunities, ask yourself questions like what value it is adding. Whether is it enhancing your portfolio? are you tapping new networks to help your freelancing business?
If you are not getting the opportunity to publish then consider starting a blog, it will help you build a portfolio and improve your writing skills.
Have good writing samples to show and then approach the bloggers to publish them. They will for sure publish if the quality of the blog is superior.
Once you have good pieces of articles, experience, and portfolio to share, begin to charge for your work. It is not advisable to continue offering writing services free for long period.
5.2. Practice Freelance Writing
Practicing writing consistently refines your writing and helps you gain experience in writing on different projects.
Learning writing tools will improve the quality and speed of your writing work.
5.3. Tools for Freelance Writers
Grammarly-
Grammarly is a powerful tool to check spell check and grammar. It identifies the long and chunky sentences and suggests improvements. Its paid version has features like a plagiarism checker, citation suggestions, and vocabulary improvement.
WordPress for Writing Platform
WordPress is a blogging platform. It has now become the content managing software. Many businesses use WordPress for their website or blogs. You require to build familiarity with it to avoid losing jobs that otherwise would be a perfect fit.
5.4. Create a Portfolio Website
Create an online portfolio if you don’t have the funds to manage the website. Here are some websites that will allow you to upload your online portfolio.
1. Contently
It is a tool for content production that gives you access to the entire suite. It provides a platform and strategy to manage your content, but it is highly charged.
2. Pressfolios
It helps to back up and update your published articles easily.
3. Carrd.co
Caard.co has the perfect collection of templates, thus helping in making your content aesthetic. Easy to use and charged less.
4. Journoportfolio
It is recommended for budding journalists for keeping their work in one place.
5. Clippings
Creating your portfolio on clippings .com is easy and fast. You can create a customized portfolio by choosing provided themes and pictures. However, the paid version is limited to 10 articles only.
6. Start Pitching to Become a Freelance Writer
Pitching is sending emails to persons often whom you don’t know. Pitching includes-
- Replying to job postings of freelancers.
- Sending emails to whom you already have worked with.
- Email the clients you already worked with.
- Building a network on LinkedIn.
- Email past clients for the new networks.
Pitching is communicating-
- Why do you want to work together?
- What is your expertise?
- What value you will add?
7. Tips for Marketing Freelance Writing Business
Content Marketing is the most important and most disliked part of your freelance writing business. If you don’t focus on this part then earning money will be difficult.
New freelance writers should prioritize generating samples and uploading them on online platforms to know the brands that you exist. Devote the majority of your time to this step until you get the first client.
Once you have your portfolio or samples ready, get into the shoes of a salesman. Hopefully, people will reach out to you by referral or word of mouth.
7.1. What Does Marketing Include
It includes the to-do task for marketing- Here’s the list of the marketing mix-
- Send follow-up emails
- Send LOI (letter of introduction )
- Update your linked in profile
- Connect with the fellow freelancers
- Tapping into new networks
You may require dozens of pitches and LOIs (letters of introduction ). People often confuse Pitches and LOIs. Here’s the difference-
Pitch
A Pitch is sending a proposal for a specific job or a proposal to write an article in the magazine as a guest post.
LOI
LOI is Letting to know that you are available and interested to work together. It is sent to a potential client, job board, or editor.
It contains 3-5 sentences introducing who you are and what kind of articles you write.
If you are not heard back you can send follow-up emails and repeat in a couple of weeks.
7.2. How to Find Clients to Pitch
Research for ideal clients which match your profile. Follow certain entrepreneurs, CEO, and bloggers with whom you wish to collaborate.
Note down the list of all the clients, and keep the list growing by searching similar profiles on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
8. Freelancing Platforms
Freelancing platforms bring together clients and a great pool of talent from all over the world. This online platform collaborates with employers and freelancers to work together.
Some businesses on Freelancing platforms provide you with a steady stream of work. Read further to learn more about freelancing platforms.
8.1. Contena
It is one of the top freelance writing websites. Although you need to pay, it provides good quality work. It saves your time which is otherwise wasted in searching for jobs.
It has an option called “writing job finder” which complies best freelance writing gigs from and around the internet.
8.2.Freelancing.com
Freelancing is a great platform to keep the ball rolling, it’s the largest place for freelancers.
Here, You create the profile. It’s free and easy to post a job. Just fill in the job title and description, and competitive bids appear within no time.
8.3. Fiverr
It is the most popular freelancing website. Fiverr is unique because clients or businesses approach you contrary to other freelancing websites.
You start by signing up and becoming a seller in the marketplace. Then you create a gig listing to sell your offering. You can set a price for your gig listing.
Uploading work samples will increase your hiring chances.
8.4. Freelance Writing Gigs
This place is dedicated to freelance writers. Freelance Writing Gigs provide great job opportunities to bloggers and copywriters.
There’s no need to create an account, you just need to click on the freelancing job board, then select your category, location, part-time or full time and submit your application.
8.5. Upwork
Here the client or business sets job posts and other requirements for the projects. The project may be between short-term, long term gigs.
You need to create a profile mentioning your expertise and experience. Determine how many hours you want to work.
The client may approach you. He may want to move forward with the application. Although you will have to hustle in the beginning as the hiring vs job applications ratio is very low.
8.6. Contently
It is another freelancer writer hiring site. Contently introduces freelancers to bigger brands like coco-cola, and Microsoft.
It involves a lot of screening to invite freelancers for job opportunities. You can get a chance to work with big brands and get good pay.
This website is suitable for experienced candidates having solid resumes.
9. Apply for Jobs on Job Boards
The job board is a great place to find job openings. There is plenty of freelancing writing opportunities posted so, let’s discuss some popular ones-
9.1. Blogging Pro
Blogging Pro provides daily updates on blog writing jobs and freelancing writing gigs.
9.2.ProBlogger
Problogger provides daily updates of jobs for part-time, and full-time freelancers across different locations, categories, and styles of writing.
9.3. Freelance Writing Gigs
It’s a great platform for bloggers and copywriters. Freelance Writing Gigs provides significant resources as well as writing competitions for writers. No cost for applying, you can apply for multiple opportunities at a time.
10. How to Find Freelance Writing Jobs?
10.1. Content Marketing Agencies
Content marketing agencies will strategize and outsource your content. Writing for content marketing agencies will give you exposure to different kinds of work. It will help to create networks and eventually bag a deal with a potential client.
It is a good idea to start with the local level agencies, doing this will help to build contacts.
Google for Content marketing agencies and send LOI, there are plenty of freelance agencies looking to hire writers.
10.2. Social Media is a Good Source for Freelance Work
It is a great idea to reach out to your networks may be family members, friends, or other freelancers on Social media. Let them know what kind of work you do and whether they require a freelance writer.
Twitter is the best platform for freelancers for connecting with other freelancers and editors for building networks.
Look out for the posts, that are offering work for freelance writers, you can directly contact them.
10.3. LinkedIn
LinkedIn is the go-to platform when it comes to finding work. Here you can get potential clients, let’s see how-
- Find the target company in your niche
- Check out for jobs on their blog or website
- Click people and you will get the list of people working there
- List out the people having marketing title
- Connect with them and send a written email introducing yourself and your work, this will help to build connections.
10.4. E-newsletter
Tired of searching for jobs on social media, LinkedIn, or job boards, E-newsletter helps to find publications to pitch. It updates new freelancing jobs weekly.
E-newsletter handpicks job opportunities from popular websites like ProBlogger, LinkedIn, and Indeed. Have a look at some well-known e-newsletters.
- Sonia Weiser’s Opportunities of the Week
- Write At Home
- Kat Boogaard’s newsletter
- Where to Pitch
- Funds for Writers
- The Freelance Beat
- The Writer’s Job Newsletter
- Freedom with Writing
- My Buy Me a Coffee Newsletter
- Journo Resources
11. Save Yourself from Scam or Late Payments
11.1. Background Check of the Client
Make sure the client is legitimate. Search for the client on the internet, go through the social media accounts, and check the LinkedIn profile.
11.2. Sign a Contract
Contract prevents the chances of ambiguity and misunderstanding. Singing the contract binds the clients to abide by the terms of the agreement. This guarantees your timely payment..
12. The downside of a Freelance Writing Career
12.1. Getting a start is tough
You may go through lots of rejection at the initial stage. Getting out there and pitching to the first client is the hardest.
12.2. Inconsistent income
There are plenty of job opportunities for a freelance writer but some days you may experience dry spells due to the nature of work being project or contract basis.
12.3. Meeting deadlines
Some projects come with a hard deadline, it may require putting extra hours in front of the screen resulting in problems like eye irritation, fatigue, and bodily strain.
Key Takeaways
Here’s the summary for ‘how to become a freelance writer-
Select the type of freelance writer you aspire to become. Read lots of stuff on the internet. If you don’t know how to start freelance writing then joining a freelance writing course is a good option.
Choose the writing niche topic which excites you. Learn skills like SEO, Digital Marketing, Graphic design, and Communication skills to become a successful freelance writer.
Learn content management software that provides space to create your content. Hubspot, WordPress, Wix, and square space, are the popular choices.
Create a portfolio and upload it on the websites like contently, Pressfoilis, Carrd.co, Journoportfolio, Clippings.
After building a portfolio start pitching the freelance writing clients. For finding clients, you can rely on freelancing platforms like Contena, Freelancing.com, Fiverr, Freelance Writing Gigs, and Upwork.
You can find job openings on job boards like Blogging Pro, ProBlogger, and Freelance Writing Gigs.
Join content writing agencies to get a start and expose yourself to multiple projects.
LinkedIn and Social media (particularly Twitter) are a goldmine for freelance writing opportunities.
E-newsletter gives weekly job updates and saves you from wasting time on the job search.
Lastly, for becoming a freelance writer, you require lots of hard work, perseverance, patience, and passion.
Cracking the first deal is really a tough task, but once you get a good start you will flourish.
Now, that you have read the post, you will exactly know how to become a freelance writer.
Last Updated on by Sathi