If you are looking for an additional source of income that allows you to explore your love for writing, then starting a career as a freelance writer is the best way to go. Apart from being a lucrative opportunity, this option is also great if you are looking for flexibility.
Breaking into the field of freelance writing won’t come easy. While it does give you the convenience to make money out of your craft, working as a freelancer pits you against others who are hungry for their next writing stint. To thrive in today’s market, you should put your best foot forward and use the right approaches. Here are a few tips to help you on this journey.
1. Choose a niche
Freelance writing is a broad field that comprises multiple disciplines. It’s just a matter of picking a niche that aligns with your skills and preferred writing genre. Are you fond of crafting fiction and non-fiction stories that cater to general readers? You can work as an online creative writer specializing in biographies or children’s literature. If you are passionate about helping brands, consider setting up a ghostwriting agency that specializes in content marketing. Do you have a background in a certain industry? You can become a technical writer working on manuals, case studies, and research papers.
2. Find opportunities for improving your skills
Even if you are skilled in a certain style of writing, you still need to hone your knowledge and skills. You can learn to improve your writing style, research method, and other relevant skills that will improve the marketability of your practice.Consider signing up for advanced writing courses and obtaining online certifications that you can post on your LinkedIn page. That way, potential clients will know that you are serious about what you do.
3) Gather samples of your work
Showing your certifications is not enough to let potential clients know you are the best person to handle their writing needs. They want to see the quality of your work through a well-organized portfolio. Not only should it include original work, but your portfolio should also contain articles and materials you have prepared for past clients. Consider creating a professional blog that has a section containing links to your previous work. You can organize these by category (by industry or topic) so it will be easier for clients to browse through.
4. Build an online presence
For clients to find you, you must have a presence across all online platforms, including job listing sites like Indeed. You should also develop a complete LinkedIn profile and a professional Facebook page. Most times, you will need to reach out directly to potential clients and introduce yourself as a writer looking to help them with any short-term or long-term project. It takes time, but being persistent will help you find your big break as a freelance writer.
Are you looking to build a career as a wordsmith? It pays to come up with a good roadmap that will take you toward your goals. Keeping these tips in mind should help you get started.