Do you know your way when it comes to words? Then you may wonder how to use it to get an extra income or transform your abilities into your primary job. Amidst the rise of remote work and all tech facilities, the freelance writing industry has been gaining notoriety. As a professional, you can engage with an extensive range of projects and close deals with different employers while enjoying a flexible schedule.
In this article, we will share some handy tips for getting started. Whether you are looking for extra income or a career change, here you will learn what it takes to start freelance writing.
Get to know the freelance writing industry
Whenever you kick off something new, what is the first step? It’s getting to know more about it. So it’s dire to learn everything you can about the freelance writing industry. Perhaps your visit here is a signal that your research has started already. It’s a good beginning. Plus, you can check websites from established freelance writers — articles, bio, social media, and other content — to learn about the writing process, tips, rates, and opportunities.
Learn how to write for the web
Extend the research to read all you can about how to write distinguished articles while optimizing them for search engines. There are some conventions to follow. It depends on the type of content and the platform where it will be published. Online writing is a hot market since it includes lots of writing: blog posts, social media, scripts for YouTube channels, product descriptions for e-commerce, newsletter, etc.
Enhance your skills and rely on handy tools
To start working, you need only a notebook or a desktop computer, a good wi-fi connection, a writing program, and sometimes photo-editing software. However, if you want to increase your chances of succeeding, it’s worth learning a few skills and tools. In addition to sharp your writing abilities, consider:
- Time and task management: it helps you develop a writing routine, plus keep track of all your projects, clients, deadlines, and payments. It can be Excel, Asana, or any other tool that best matches your needs;
- Blogging skills: one of the best ways to improve include comes through observation. Read articles from other blogs and pay attention to their format;
- Content marketing: understand how strategic marketing planning works, connecting the content to your client’s customers and leading them to consume. Check case studies, whitepapers, webinars, and all;
- Editing software: some freelancers deliver more than text, also including images. So just in case, learning how to edit photos can be helpful and add an extra service to your list. There are some free programs, such as Canva;
- Business skills: as you are the only one responsible for your business, you also need to keep track of sending invoices, receiving payments, job applications, and writing pitches.
Set up a writing portfolio, website, or blog
It’s not mandatory. However, a portfolio, as well as a website and blog (both could work as a writing portfolio), is a chance to showcase your skills. It’s also an opportunity to practice and improve while growing your online presence and increasing your visibility. You can also write guest posts for other blogs, but don’t forget to keep your space updated.
Find freelance writing jobs and build your clientele
After a quick web browsing through Google or communities of writers, you will find many job boards to start building your clientele. Social media, especially LinkedIn, offer opportunities to prospect and work on your pitch to get clients. Inclusive, you can reach international companies. If you are proficient in English, try writing for other countries. Last, contact your network (friends, colleagues, family members, and any other connections) to double your chances.
You can negotiate your payment with each customer. Most of them offer a contract and ask for an invoice. Usually, you will receive monthly based on your production. If it’s a punctual project, the company settles a deadline while the payment comes when it’s finished. So prepare a bank account and get ready to send invoices. For international clients, you can rely on a multi-currency account with Husky.
Starting freelance writing can be challenging as any new path you choose for your career or life. Besides, no matter how good you are, there is always room for improvement. So seek for constant self-development is also part of the job. However, you don’t need to worry about payments when you have Husky by your side and clients from other countries. They can pay using their local currency while you receive the money with your currency.
