If you have a passion for writing and want the flexibility to work on your own schedule, becoming a freelance writer may be the perfect career choice for you. Here are some tips on how to get started in the world of freelance writing:
One of the best freelance writing websites if you are looking got journalism specific jobs. You’ll find job posts, which describe the company, type of job, geographic location, and time commitment of the freelance article writing job. You can filter down to the niche you are in and it has a good variety of jobs. You do not have to pay anything to find jobs on this platform. If you are having trouble knowing how to apply to freelance writing websites and how to come across as more experienced, so you can get paid higher. Ghostwriting is when books, tweets, blogs, or any other written material is credited to someone different from who did the actual writing.
The more you work with clients, the more you understand the type of writing they want. As a self-employed writer, you’ll also need to submit tax returns. You can get an accountant to help with this if that’s not your strong suit.
It takes time, skill, and writing experience to make a comfortable living from it. As a new freelance writer, you can expect to earn between $100-$150 for a blog post. If each spent you 5 hours to write from start to finish, and you took on 4 blog posts per week, that’d be around $1,600 and $2,400 per month. Earlier, we touched on the fact that freelance writing is lucrative, and you can make a lot of money by taking freelance writing jobs online.
1. Build Your Portfolio
One of the first steps to becoming a successful freelance writer is to build a strong portfolio of your work. This can include samples of articles, blog posts, copywriting pieces, or any other writing projects you have completed. Having a diverse portfolio will showcase your writing skills to potential clients.
2. Find Your Niche
So, if you want to land a freelance writing opportunity, here are the steps to get started (and the steps I used too!). My first attempt at getting paid to write was on iWriter, a place many people refer to as a content mill. These sites need quick and short posts, and they pay very little. For example, businesses that need hundreds of small posts or need articles that have specific keywords in them will pay a flat rate – usually $20 (or less) for a 500-word post. I call myself a professional writer since I’ve been a freelance writer since 2014 and am knowledgeable in my digital marketing niche. Certain companies might pay $50 for a 500-word blog post, while others will pay $400 for the same exact work.
Identifying your niche as a freelance writer is crucial to attracting clients. Whether you specialize in health and wellness, technology, travel, or another topic, **finding your niche** will help you stand out in a competitive market.
3. Network with Other Writers
Networking with other writers can help you gain valuable insights and opportunities in the freelance writing industry. Join online writing groups, attend writing conferences, and connect with writers on social media platforms to expand your network.
The more you stay on their radar, the more likely they’ll remember to refer you when they hear about a writing need. You can market yourself as a Dallas Freelance Writer, for instance. If you’re in a mid- to larger-sized city, this can also work, if you like working with local clients. This guide takes it step by step, with sections for each topic. It’s got a breezy, Q&A format, to make it easy to read through and quickly move forward with your freelancing goals. If you liked this post, don’t forget to share it with your fellow writers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What skills do I need to become a freelance writer?
- Strong writing skills: Grammar, spelling, and punctuation are essential.
- Research skills: The ability to research and gather information on various topics.
- Time management: Being able to meet deadlines and manage multiple projects.
How do I find freelance writing opportunities?
- Job boards: Websites like Upwork, Freelancer, and ProBlogger post freelance writing gigs.
- Cold pitching: Reach out to businesses and publications directly with your writing services.
- Content mills: Platforms like Textbroker and iWriter offer opportunities for freelance writers to find work.
By following these tips and strategies, you can start your journey to becoming a successful freelance writer in no time. Remember to stay motivated, continue to improve your writing skills, and never stop networking with other professionals in the industry. Good luck!
