Freelance writing is the whip-smart, ultra-flexible career path where you get paid to play with words.
It’s the art (and adventure) of crafting compelling content for clients while working on your own terms, from your own space, and on your own time.
Picture this: you’re sitting in your favorite coffee shop, latte in one hand, typing away at your laptop with the other, and guess what? You’re getting paid for it!
Yeah, that’s freelance baby!
Here are some questions you should ask yourself before diving in:
- Do you have a way with words?
- Can you turn a boring topic into an interesting read?
- Are you a grammar guru?
If your answer is yes, then freelance writing may be the perfect fit for you.
But how do you actually become a freelance writer? Where do you start? Using my years of experience, I’ve outlined a step-by-step guide for you to follow.
As an experienced and passionate freelancer, I have learned the ins and outs of this industry and I’m excited to share my knowledge with you.
So buckle up! It’s going to be an exciting ride!
What is Freelance Writing?
Freelance writing is a flexible and self-employed career where individuals write for various clients on a project basis. It involves creating content such as articles, blog posts, copywriting, social media posts, and more.
The best part? You get to choose what you write about and when you work.
Basically, you get to be your own boss!
Types of Freelance Writing
Yes, that’s right. The options are endless! But you cannot master all in a few days or months. Start with one or two niches, and then get your hands on others as you go.
Different Types of Freelance Writing Arrangements
There are different types of arrangements for freelance writers. These include:
- Project-based: The client hires you for a specific project or task, and once it’s completed, the job is done.
- Pay-per-word: Here, you get paid for the number of words you write. However, the pay rate can
- Retainer: The client pays a fixed amount every month for a set of services. This could include creating regular blog posts or managing their social media platforms.
- Hourly: The client pays you based on the number of hours worked.
But how do you choose which arrangement works best for you? Well, it depends on your working style and preferences.
Personally, I prefer a mix of project-based and retainer arrangements as it gives me a steady income while also allowing me to take on new and exciting projects.
But don’t choose an arrangement just because it pays well. Consider the workload, deadlines, and your skill set before making a decision.
Quality over quantity, always.
Freelance Writing vs. Traditional Writing: What’s the Difference?
As a freelance writer, you have the freedom to work from anywhere and anytime. You are your own boss! No more stuffy office cubicles or strict working hours.
But with this flexibility comes responsibility.
You need to be self-motivated, organized, and disciplined to succeed as a freelance writer. Of course, there are deadlines to meet and clients to please, but overall, you have more control over your time and schedule.
On the other hand, traditional writing jobs offer a stable income and benefits like health insurance and paid time off.
However, you may have to adhere to strict guidelines and work under the supervision of an editor.
So, it all boils down to your preferences and working style. Are you a self-starter who enjoys freedom and variety? Or do you value stability and structure?
The choice is yours!
Pros and Cons of Freelance Writing
How to Become a Freelance Writer?
After getting all the necessary information, it’s time to take action and become a freelance writer!
Using my years of experience as a freelance writer, I have compiled a list of steps to help kickstart your freelance writing career.
Ready? Let’s get started!
Step 1: Identify Your Niche and Skills
In the beginning, you have to ask some questions to yourself and identify your niche.
- What type of writing style do you enjoy?
- What topics are you knowledgeable and passionate about?
- Do you have any specialized skills in areas like SEO, copywriting, or social media management?
Once you have answers to these questions, it will be easier to narrow down your focus and target specific industries or types of writing.
Remember! If you get wrong at this step, it can be challenging to find work and stand out in a crowded market.
Everyone has some unique strengths and weaknesses, so identify and use them to your advantage.
Bring your best work to the forefront and nail your niche!
I know you have great potential!
Step 2: Create Samples That Showcase Your Talent
It’s time to put your writing skills to work!
As a freelance writer, clients will want to see samples of your work before hiring you.
But as a beginner, you may not have any published pieces or client projects yet. So what do you do?
Create your own writing samples!
Pick topics related to your chosen niche and create well-crafted pieces that showcase your writing style, knowledge, and skills.
It will be your first draft, so don’t get too hung up on perfection. Just make sure the samples are error-free and captivating enough to grab the attention of potential clients.
Quality will always speak louder than quantity. So focus on creating a few high-quality samples rather than churning out dozens of average ones.
Step 3: Find Freelance Writing Jobs Online
Now you have an awesome sample to show off your writing skills, it’s time to find some freelance writing opportunities!
I recommend the following job boards to start your job hunt:
- Upwork
- Fiverr
- Freelancer
- PeoplePerHour
- Problogger
- BloggingPro
These platforms allow you to create a profile, showcase your writing samples, and bid for different projects. Remember to tailor your bids to each project and be patient as it may take some time before you land your first gig.
When I started my freelance writing journey, I landed my first gig on Upwork within a month!
It may take less or more time for you but don’t give up and keep applying.
Step 4: Setting Your Rates
As a beginner, you may be tempted to offer your services at lower rates to attract clients.
While this may work initially, it’s important to value your time and skills.
Create a rate card based on factors such as the complexity of the project, word count, research required, and deadlines.
My recommendation: For the first 10 projects, keep your rates on the lower end to gain experience and build a portfolio. After that, increase your rates gradually as you gain more skills and experience.
Remember, freelance writing is a business and you deserve to be paid fairly for your work. So, don’t be afraid to negotiate with clients and stand your ground on what you believe is a fair rate for your services.
Step 5: Building a Portfolio
Now you have many successful projects under your belt, it’s time to make things more professional by creating a portfolio.
A portfolio is a showcase of your best writing work and it’s important to have one to attract potential clients.
If you have no budget, you can create a free portfolio website using platforms like Medium, or Wix.
Pro Tip: You can also offer to write guest posts for popular blogs or websites to showcase your writing skills and gain exposure. This will also work as a portfolio piece that you can add to your website.
But If you have some budget, I highly recommend you make a WordPress website to showcase your portfolio and services.
Invest some money and hire a professional WordPress designer to make your website look polished and attractive. Include a variety of writing samples in your portfolio to showcase your versatility and range as a writer.
Also, include testimonials from satisfied clients to build trust with potential clients. Make sure to keep your portfolio updated with your latest work and achievements.
Step 6: Hunt Big Clients
As you continue to build your portfolio and gain more experience, it’s time to start hunting for bigger and better clients.
Start by targeting publications or companies that align with your niche and writing style. Research their submission process or job listings and submit your pitches accordingly.
How to pitch to clients that you want to work with?
- Personalize your pitch to each client and show them why you’re a good fit for their brand.
- Highlight your relevant experience and skills.
- Offer unique ideas for potential articles or projects that will benefit the client.
- End your pitch with a strong call to action and follow up after a few days if you don’t hear back.
Remember, it’s always better to have a few high-paying clients than multiple low-paying ones. This will not only increase your income but also improve the quality of the projects you work on.
Pitching to bigger clients may take time but remember your big target before your mind says “No, I can’t write for them”.
Big fishes are big for some reason, and you can be the one to provide them with top-notch content.
To remain more positive, just imagine what if you get a chance to work for a “High Authority” client.
Yeah, it gives goosebumps, when we are near to our goal.
So, my friend, don’t get discouraged by rejections or silence. Keep pitching and continue to improve your skills.
Step 7: Marketing Your Services
Don’t underestimate the power of marketing in your freelance writing career.
As a freelance writer, it’s important to market yourself and your services. This is how you’ll attract new clients and grow your business.
Here are some effective ways to market your services:
- Create a professional website that showcases your portfolio, testimonials, services, and contact information.
- Utilize social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram to promote your services and engage with potential clients.
- Network with other writers, editors, and industry professionals through online communities or in-person events.
- Offer special deals or promotions to attract new clients and retain current ones.
Believe me, it was my big mistake, at the beginning of my career, I did not market myself properly and missed out on many opportunities.
Don’t make the same mistake!
Step 7: Convert Your Profession Into a Business
Yeah, it’s time to make things big and official.
Once you start gaining clients, it’s important to treat your freelance writing as a business.
This will not only help you manage your finances but also make you more professional in the eyes of potential clients.
Here are some tips to turn your freelance writing into a business:
- Make your team of professionals. If you have a big workload, outsource some tasks to other freelancers or assistants.
- Set up a separate business bank account to keep track of your income and expenses.
- Develop a pricing strategy that reflects your skills, experience, and the value you provide to clients.
- Keep track of your invoices, expenses, and earnings: This will help you manage your finances and ensure timely payments from clients.
- Create a contract or agreement for all your projects to ensure clear expectations and payment terms.
- Consider registering your business and obtaining relevant licenses or certifications.
- Invest in professional development, such as attending workshops or courses related to writing, marketing, and entrepreneurship.
- Network with other freelancers and business owners to gain insights, support, and potential collaborations.
I know, I know, it may seem like a lot of work at first. But don’t get it wrong. Reaching this step will take you years. Take it one step at a time, and you’ll be on your way to running a successful freelance writing business!
Step 8: Keep Learning and Growing
As a freelance writer, there’s always room for growth and improvement.
Don’t be afraid to try new writing styles or topics, attend workshops and conferences, or seek feedback from clients.
Make sure to read blogs, and follow successful writers on social media to stay updated.
Don’t consider, you are now on the top of the mountain. Keep learning and growing to become a better writer and entrepreneur.
Stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends and changes, and adapt accordingly.
Pro Tips to Become a Freelance Writer with No Experience
Getting freelance writing work with no experience can be challenging, but not impossible.
Here are some pro tips to help you get started:
- Start small
- Utilize social media
- Join writing communities
- Offer free or discounted services
- Learn content marketing, storytelling, and copywriting to become a pro.
- Invest in yourself by Taking online courses, attending workshops, and reading books
- Stay organized
Have no experience in writing? Then check out my super helpful guide ” How To Become A Content Writer With Zero Experience? “
These are just a few tips that I personally found helpful during my journey as a freelance writer. Remember, everyone’s path is different, so find what works for you and keep pushing forward.
How Much Money Can You Make as a Freelance Writer?
One of the biggest questions for aspiring freelance writers is how much money they can make.
The answer depends on various factors such as your:
- Your Experience
- Niche or area of expertise
- Type of writing (i.e. copywriting, content writing, technical writing)
- Client base
- Rates and negotiation skills
However, according to a survey by the Editorial Freelancers Association, the median hourly rate for freelance writers is $60+ per hour.
But it will also vary depending on the type of writing you do. For example, content writing rates can range from $0.03 to $2 per word, while copywriting rates can be as high as $150 per hour.
Here is the link: Editorial Freelancers Writers Rates that you can also check out for more information.
Ultimately, the amount of money you make as a freelance writer will depend on how much effort and time you put into your business.
The more clients you have, the higher your rates can be.
It’s essential to continuously negotiate and increase your rates as you gain experience.
Things to Avoid as a Freelance Writer
While starting out as a freelance writer, it’s important to avoid certain pitfalls that can hinder your success. Here are some things to avoid:
Yes, you have to take care of all of these things if you want to be a successful freelance writer. It takes hard work, determination, and discipline to thrive in this industry.
So, don’t rush into it. Keep things, smooth, stress-free, and keep growing.
Do I Need a Degree to Freelance Write?
The answer is a Big No.
While having a degree can certainly be helpful, it’s not a requirement to become a successful freelance writer. Your writing skills and portfolio are what truly matter in this field.
However, if you do have a degree in a related field such as English or Journalism, it can give you an advantage when looking for clients. It also shows a level of dedication and knowledge in the field.
But don’t let the lack of a degree discourage you from pursuing freelance writing.
With hard work and determination, anyone can become a successful freelance writer without a degree.
Final Thoughts
Now you know all the ins and outs of freelance content writing. It’s time to put the knowledge into action and start your journey towards becoming a successful freelance writer.
Remember, it takes time and effort to build your brand and reputation in this industry, but with dedication and perseverance, you can achieve success.
I hope this guide has given you a better understanding of freelance writing and how to become a successful freelance writer.
So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and start writing!
The world is waiting for your words 😊
