Writing as a freelance writer is not always easy. But it can bring more balance and freedom to your life. If you’re truly curious on how to become a freelance writer, then read on.
The earning potential of working as a freelance writer is truly what you are willing to put in. If you are ready to work tirelessly to build your writing career to its full potential, then you stand to earn more. The beauty of working as a freelance writer is the flexible hours and the ability to work from anywhere makes it more enticing.
Let’s consider the steps to take to become a freelance writer.
1. Decide What to Write About
First, decide on what to write about. Luckily, there is nothing like shortage of options. You can make money writing about a variety of subjects, so you need to choose something that interests you. Otherwise, it might be difficult for you to stick to the plan.
Ask yourself the following questions
• What brightens you up?
• What can you talk about, or even write about, for hours?
• Is there an area you are already an expert on?
Imagine what you see yourself writing about for years to come. However, it is very much okay to evolve your writing niche over time but you need to start from somewhere. Ideas you can explore include parenting, personal finance, scientific exploration, and travel.
2. Set a Schedule
Making a living with writing is a serious work. That’s why you need to decide on your schedule and stick to it, while you are still doing your regular job.
Though, it is not fun to wake up before going to work to practice on your writing, but the long-term benefits are worth the effort. Making the decision to set your schedule allows you to meet your goals. Obviously, the more time you commit to writing, the more you will be able to grow your business.
3. Create Your Writing Portfolio
Creating your portfolio might sound difficult especially If you are starting from scratch. But, it doesn’t have to be! You can start building your portfolio little by little. If you seem to have trouble getting published, then consider starting your own blog to showcase your writing abilities. This will not only give you the opportunity to build your portfolio but also hone your writing skills as well.
4. Practice
Practice, they say makes perfect. Though you don’t need to be perfect to succeed as a writer, but more practice will certainly help. Create time to write every day. You don’t have to write a full post daily but a pitch email or fun product review will help to improve your skills.
5. Start Looking For Freelance Writing Jobs
Once you have your portfolio, it is time to start looking for potential clients. Carry some intensive research to find the outlets that might accept your work. When you have seen a website that you want to write for, then reach out to them.
6. Find Jobs on the Best Freelance Writing Sites
Applying to freelance writing jobs online, in addition to cold pitches will help you get freelancing jobs. There’s a need to understand that these job sites are highly competitive. Because every writer seems to be out is competing for a handful of advertised jobs with adequate pay. So, understand that the competition is fierce, so be ready to put your best foot forward.
Some of the freelance writing sites include:
- Upwork: Upwork is a platform that allows you get paid to write relatively easily. It’s a marketplace for people in need of your skills that are much more willing to pay if you are able to submit solid work on time.
- Fiverr: Fiverr is a marketplace that allows you post your services starting at $5. Also, you are allowed to choose the terms of your gig and negotiate with interested parties on the platform.
7. Invest in Yourself
Freelance writing is a low budget business. With a computer or smartphone, an internet connection you are good to go. However, I so recommend you invest in courses and tools that will help you succeed.
Honestly, I can say that taking a course is the reason I’m able to make this career a full-time reality and to write this post. Without the step by step guidance I got from the course I took, probably I might still be struggling as a writer.
Find a course and take action by paying for it. Making this kind of investment will help put you on the fast track to success as a writer.
8. Just Keep Going
A time will come, you will want to give up. With school, work, or even family obligations, it can be you are not getting jobs. It requires a lot of time and effort to make money as a freelance writer. But you must understand that good things require hard work and dedication from you, so writing is won’t be different. When pressure mounts on you to give up, dig deep and just keep going.
