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How To Start A Freelance Writing Career

By
stephanne
May 11, 2023
5 min read
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Those with a talent for the English language and the ability to write independently will find a wealth of options. Writing for diverse companies and clients is possible for freelancers, which may lead to exciting side hustles or even full-time jobs that are both diversified and flexible.

It's not uncommon for prospective authors to specialize in particular writing, taking on projects in one or more genres. That leaves you with various options, such as creating website content for local companies, blogging about your interests, interacting with social media, or penning articles for publications, both online and in print.

Since one of the primary benefits of freelancing is the ability to work independently and choose one's own schedule, many people engage in this line of work either on the side or full-time. If you're interested in making a change in your life but aren't sure where to start, here is the place to be. 

Choosing a topic to concentrate on is a good idea for most individuals just starting in the writing world. Fortunately, you don't need to be an expert in your field or have specific credentials to write about it. If you're interested in a subject and write well, it's enough to get you noticed and hired. Here's how to get you started:

Decide on a specific area of expertise.

The first step is to decide what you want to write about. Choosing a topic you are passionate about will allow you to write effectively without spending hours researching — and your enthusiasm will flow through in your work.

Choose from one of these prominent niches or a favorite hobby or interest that you have:

  • Travel
  • Fitness and diet
  • Health and wellbeing
  • Family, relationships, and parenting
  • Yoga and meditation
  • Cooking and nutrition
  • Finance and budgeting
  • Leadership and careers
  • Crafting, knitting, or other creative hobbies

Create a blog or website

You must have an internet presence if you want to work as a freelance writer. Writing a blog is an easy method to do this; it provides a place for you to create, share, and get comments on your writing. WordPress and Wix provide free blogs, and you may also publish to sites like Medium or elsewhere for a nominal fee. If you'd rather, you may create your own website and use it as a place to write and showcase your work to potential clients.

Write great sample work.

You'll need to prepare a portfolio of your previous work before moving on to the next step. Many authors publish online on their own blogs or as guest writers for other blogs and online publications. This is where you get to discover and try different writing tools that you will need in your freelance writing career such as Grammarly, WordHero, SurferSEO, and more.

At this point, you should show your work to relatives and friends for criticism and build a readership. You may use your sample work as a résumé to demonstrate your abilities when you begin submitting proposals for paid employment.

Go wherever and pitch yourself.

Start to establish a following in the topic you've selected. It would be best if you started putting yourself out there and requesting more jobs. Online and print publications and other channels may provide one-time paid assignments, guest appearances, or recurring writing gigs. Sometimes, you won't be paid at all, or you'll get paid very little. The good news is that it's an excellent opportunity for many new freelance writers to expand their portfolios and find a larger audience.

By making a proposal, offer your services to the businesses and websites you like. The following are a few techniques to acquire your name in the public spotlight:

  • Create an excellent 'sales pitch' so you can explain what you do in an elevator at a moment's notice. You never know who you'll come across who needs a writer.
  • Offer to write for their site or write sponsored pieces for your own blog about their items if they're interested in working with you.
  • Connect with other freelance writers by joining networking organizations online and in person. In these networks, it's typical for employment opportunities to be shared.
  • Make direct contact with both online and print publications editors to pitch your ideas for particular pieces.
  • Check out freelancing marketplaces like Fiverr, Upwork, and Freelancer.com for writing possibilities; they may not be the highest-paying, but they exist. Choose careers that interest you, and if necessary, utilize them as stepping stones to more significant ones.
  • You can learn a lot about blogging by checking out other people's blogs and leaving comments. When you join a writing group, you'll be able to meet other authors and work on projects.
  • Employers may notice your published work if you keep your LinkedIn and other social media accounts current.

Check writing job boards.

Specialist job sites are a great place to start if you seek more high-profile and compensated writing employment. In some instances, writers' groups may exchange ideas and resources regarding relevant websites, publications, and blogs that you might find interesting.

Obtain client endorsements by gathering testimonies

Testimonials from prior customers may be beneficial as you establish your brand. Ask for a few words of praise after completing a task, either by email or via LinkedIn's testimonial feature. Post glowing testimonials from satisfied clients on your website so potential clients can understand what you're all about.

Conclusion

Freelance blogging is a path that you may embark on at any time. Commit to the trip if this is something that you desire for yourself. Know that every contract you accept as a freelance writer is a chance to learn something new about the field.

If you're a novice freelance writer, the most significant thing you can do is keep learning new things. Learn from people before you, whether in writing, business, or pitching.

If you want to upsk your digital marketing writing, you may do it by listening to podcasts on SEO or reading books on social media. Signing up for webinars, courses, and mentorship will be great choices. Of course, doing it now is the best step to getting started in freelance writing.

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