Start a Freelance Writing Career
With the many layoffs across various industries, people are looking for ways to supplement their income and many are looking to freelance writing. Freelance writing is a viable career option, offering the flexibility to work on projects across different industries or focus on a specific niche. One of the things I love about freelance writing is it allows you to work from anywhere in the world. Though starting a career as a freelance writer isn’t easy, following these steps will help you get off on the right foot.
How to Start Freelance Writing
Unfortunately, you can’t just walk into a freelance writing career. It takes planning, hard work, and, as The Curvy Fashionista says, “Know your WHY.” Why do you want to start a freelancing career? What motivates you? Once you figure out your why, follow these steps to get started.
1. Select a Niche: What do you want to write about? Which topics interest you? I chose video games and tech because that’s where my passion lies. Also, the tech industry is always looking for writers to break down technical jargon for the average reader.
2. Know Your Strengths and Weaknesses: Start by assessing your writing abilities. Understand your strengths and weaknesses and where you could improve. Whether you excel in blogging, technical writing, or creative storytelling, knowing your strengths will help you market yourself effectively.
3. Build a Portfolio: Create a collection of writing samples that showcase your talent. Start a blog and/or guest write for websites that accept guest bloggers.
4. Learn the Art of the Pitch: Writing the perfect pitch is incredibly important. Admittedly, I struggled with writing pitches for years. Pitches and cover letters are the bane of my existence, but I still managed to find techniques that worked for me and highlighted my skills and personality.
5. Network: Connect with other writers and professionals in your niche. Use LinkedIn, social media platforms, and writing communities to build relationships and that could yield new opportunities.
Credit: Windows
The Benefits and Challenges of Freelance Life
Benefits:
Flexibility: Enjoy the freedom to choose when and where you work, allowing for a better work-life balance.
Diverse Projects: Take on diverse projects across niches and industries, making your work more stimulating and rewarding.
Control Over Income: Your earnings depend on the amount of work you take on, which can give you a sense of control over your income.
Challenges:
Inconsistent Income: Unless you have regular, consistent clients, your workflow and income will be unpredictable, which may lead to financial instability.
Self-Discipline is Required: You have to be self-motivated and disciplined to manage your own schedule.
Lack of Benefits and Security: Unlike traditional employment, freelancers are responsible for their own health insurance and retirement plans.
Best Websites for Freelance Writing Jobs
ProBlogger: ProBlogger is a well-known platform for bloggers and writers, offering a job board regularly updated with new writing opportunities. It's a great place to find blogging-related work as well as other writing jobs.
FlexJobs: FlexJobs is famous for its remote and flexible job listings, including many freelance writing opportunities. The site offers a curated list of legitimate jobs, ensuring that you avoid scams.
MediaBistro: This platform caters to media professionals, offering job listings for writers, editors, and content creators. MediaBistro also provides career advice and training courses to help you enhance your skills.
Contena: Contena is a membership site that compiles freelance writing job postings from across the web. It also offers tools and training for writers looking to build a successful freelance career.
Credit: The Jopwell Collection
Additional Noteworthy Websites
Upwork: A freelance marketplace where you can find short-term and long-term projects.
Fiverr: Sell writing services at set prices.
LinkedIn Jobs: A professional networking site that also lists freelance writing opportunities.
Indeed: A job search engine that aggregates listings from various sources, including freelance writing jobs.
I’ve personally had success with both MediaBistro, Upwork, and LinkedIn. Pro tip: learn how to write a profile for freelance writing to boost your visibility on websites like Upwork and LinkedIn.
Freelance writing can be a rewarding career for people who are passionate about writing and either looking for independence or supplemental income. While freelancing comes with challenges, few things beat the reward of being your own boss and having the ability to work anywhere in the world. Take advantage of the many resources available. Read blogs by successful freelance writers. Always keep learning the best practices of freelance writing.
