Overall, being a freelance writer can be a great way to pursue a career in writing while having the flexibility of working from home. The focus of a freelance writer’s work can depend on the type of industry they’re working in. However, there is a way to break into the freelance writing world, and that is by learning from those who have already done it. As a freelance worker you’re in charge of your own workload – which means you’re a project manager, writer, editor, marketing manager, accountant and HR representative all in one. As you start to build a reputation, it can really help to have testimonials from previous clients. Ask for a few words about working with you, either by email after you’ve completed a job, or using the testimonial function on LinkedIn.
Similar to blogging but more structured, content writing involves creating pieces for specific purposes, such as web content or product descriptions. Content writing requires versatility; you could be writing about travel destinations one day and fashion trends the next. It’s a diverse field where beginning freelance writers can explore different writing formats and styles.
Freelance writers are individuals who work independently, creating content for various clients on a project-by-project basis. They are not employed by any single company but rather offer their services to multiple clients, often through online platforms or by networking within their industry.
One of the biggest initial challenges people face is trying to picture what the process of becoming a freelance writer actually looks like. Some types of content they create are blog articles, web pages, video scripts, white papers, and more. Not to mention, there are multiple different kinds of freelance writing you can pursue, providing a wide range of specializations and project opportunities at any given time.
The job boards we discussed earlier will likely be where you have the most success initially. And don’t forget about the outside-the-box, under-the-radar strategies we discussed. As its name would suggest, the ProBlogger Job Board is a popular one among bloggers in search of freelance writing work and blogger jobs. Once you have some writing samples under your belt and you begin getting good referrals from clients, more opportunities will become available to you.
To find out if a guest blogging opportunity is a paying one, you need to check their website. Look for a page named “editorial guidelines”, “guest posting guidelines”, “write for us”, or something similar. If you’re in the former group, focus on building a good writing portfolio. Using the $0.10 to $0.15 per word range we just discussed, as a new freelance writer you can expect to earn between $50 and $75 for a 500-word article. So, when you first start writing, you’ll need to be proactive.
Skills Required
Freelancers are usually responsible for finding their own clients. Having a well-crafted resume or an impressive online portfolio could make it easier for people to hire you as a freelance writer. Starting a freelance writing career requires a lot of writing, editing, pitching, and more writing. Knowing how to become a freelance writer means learning to share your knowledge and skills online.
Freelance writers need to have strong writing skills, the ability to conduct research, and excellent time management. They must also be able to adapt their writing style to meet the needs of different clients and audiences.
Benefits of Hiring a Freelance Writer
There are several benefits to hiring a freelance writer, including:
- Cost-effectiveness
- Flexibility
- Access to specialized expertise
- Ability to scale up or down as needed
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about freelance writers:
- How do I find a freelance writer?
- What kind of projects can a freelance writer help with?
- How much does it cost to hire a freelance writer?
