10 Essential Steps To Becoming A Successful Freelance Writer

 

You’ll be a millionaire through freelance writing.

Freelance writing will make you rich, you can’t even imagine.

You’ll get a huge amount of dollars in payment for a single project. 

I know you’ve been told all this and how easy it is to make money as a freelance writer, but these are all myths. There are no shortcuts to suddenly becoming a successful freelance writer.  

However, the good news is it's not impossible, and you can make good money. All you need is to find the right approach, put in effort, work hard and be consistent. So, if you’ve set your mind to become a successful freelance writer, this blog is for you. 

What Does A Freelance Writer Do?  

A freelance writer writes for different clients instead of working for one company. They create various types of content, like articles, blog posts, copy, technical documents, social media updates, and even video scripts.

Their job is to write in a way that meets their client's needs and helps them achieve their goals. Some freelance writers only write on specific niches or fields in which they have expertise and knowledge. Whereas, some choose to write on multiple niches. 

Hence, freelance writers play an important role in providing valuable content to a wide range of audiences.

What Do You Need To Become A Freelance Writer? 

You don’t need a specific degree to become a freelance writer. However, there are some skills and qualities to help you succeed.

Firstly, strong writing skills are essential, as you need to create various types of content, like articles and blog posts. Moreover, you should also have good research abilities to gather accurate information for your writing. 

Most importantly, you need to be resilient. You’ll likely face setbacks and rejections but don’t get disheartened. Every rejection is an opportunity to learn. Assess what went wrong and improve for the next time.

Lastly, a willingness to learn and adaptability is key, as the writing industry can change rapidly. A mix of soft skills and a positive attitude will set you up for success as a freelance writer. 

Steps To Become A Freelance Writer:

Like any other skill, freelance writing is also time-consuming to get familiar with. You need to be patient and persistence to get a hang of it. Here are some steps to help you become a freelance writer;

1. Research Thoroughly About Freelance Writing:

When I got into freelance writing, I did a lot of research. I watched YouTube tutorials, read other writers' blogs and learned as much as I could. Some of the important things I found important before getting into writing are;

• Read articles, blog posts, copy, etc.
• Learn how to write great articles, blogs, and copy.
• Learn how to decide your rates.
• Learn how to optimize writing for search engines (SEO).

Therefore, research thoroughly around the subject. You’ll find plenty of information which will be helpful at the beginning of your writing journey.

2. Get Familiar With Writing Skills And Tools: 

You should know how to write well and use the right tools to be a good freelance writer. Here are some of the writing skills and tools which you need to work on:

Writing Skills:

• Punctuation
• Organization
• Clear writing
• Research skills
• Grammar and spelling
• Different writing styles

Writing Tools: 

• Word processors such as Microsoft Word and Google Docs.
• Grammar checkers like Grammarly and Hemingway.
• Plagiarism checkers like Copyscape and Duplichecker to ensure quality.

3. Create A Writing Portfolio:

Your portfolio is important for attracting clients and showcasing your skills. 

When I was starting as a freelance writer, I didn't work for any clients and no clients means no writing samples. Therefore, I made my own blog on Medium and published my write-ups to showcase my writing skills.

So, don’t worry if you don’t have paid or published samples. Search at least 8 to 10 good and trending topics and write on them. Then publish them on your Medium blog or any other website.   

4. Build Your Personal Brand As A Freelance Writer:  

Your personal brand helps you stand out in a competitive market and attracts the right clients. Therefore, create a consistent and engaging online presence across social media platforms like 

• Twitter
• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Facebook

Use these platforms to share your work, connect with other writers and potential clients, and engage in industry-related discussions. 

Also, regularly post content that highlights your knowledge and skills, such as articles, tips, or case studies. Most importantly, don’t add your selfies because it's not your social profile for friends and family. Let it sound and look professional. 

5. Join Online Communities:

Joining online communities can be a valuable way for freelance writers to connect with like-minded individuals, gain support, and expand their professional network.

You can join different communities on social media platforms, like

• Facebook groups, LinkedIn and Twitter
• Writing forums like Reddit and Quora

By being an active member of these communities, you can build your reputation, stay informed, and find support throughout your freelance writing career.

6. Find Freelance Writing Jobs:

There are several platforms available to get freelance writing jobs. Here are some of the platforms:

• Fiverr
• Upwork
• Freelancer.com

Start by signing up on these websites, create a profile, showcase your portfolio, and bid on writing projects. 

Most importantly, don’t bid on every project you see and don’t make money your priority in the beginning. Focus on producing quality work and make your content interesting and useful for your readers. 

7. Expand Your Network and Make Direct Connections:

Networking is another powerful tool. You know 85% of vacancies are filled through networking. 

Use platforms like LinkedIn to connect with other writers and potential clients. Join writing groups and communities where people share job leads. 

Moreover, reach out directly to businesses, websites, and publications that align with your writing niche and expertise. Send them a pitch explaining how your writing can benefit them and include a few samples of your work.

A well-crafted pitch and building relationships with clients through direct outreach can lead to new opportunities.

8. Work On Your Communication Skills:

Your freelancing career depends 100% on your talent and 200% on communication. It's all about how you win the trust of your clients in your abilities through your communication skills. 

Here are some actionable tips to help you enhance your communication skills:

• Ensure your writing is clear and concise, so your clients can easily understand your proposals, emails, and updates. 
• Listen actively to your clients' needs and expectations. It will help you deliver work that meets their requirements.
• Maintain a professional and courteous tone in all interactions and respond promptly to messages and inquiries to build trust.
• Develop effective negotiation skills to discuss rates and project details and handle feedback constructively to improve your work. 
• Work on presenting your ideas clearly and resolving conflicts calmly to maintain a positive relationship with clients.

9. Keep Improving Your Writing Skills:

It doesn’t matter how good you’re at writing, always work on your writing skills for success in the freelance writing industry. 

Here are several effective strategies to help you enhance your writing abilities over time:

• Read widely across various genres to understand different writing styles and techniques.
• Establish a daily writing routine.
• Experiment with various formats to develop your voice and versatility.
• Seek feedback from peers and clients to gain valuable insights for refinement.
• Enroll in online writing courses or workshops to learn new skills.
• Stay updated on industry trends by following blogs and participating in writing communities.

10. Don’t Give Up!

Freelance writing can be challenging, but it's important to stay persistent and not give up.

Certainly, building a successful career takes time and effort. There will be challenges, such as difficult projects, client rejections, or periods of low activity, but don’t let them discourage you.

Every writer faces obstacles, but those who persevere are the ones who achieve their goals. Patience and resilience are key to achieving success in freelance writing.

Is Freelance Writing The Right Choice For You?

Freelance writing can be a rewarding career choice, but it's important to consider both the pros and cons before making the leap. 

Pros Of Freelance Writing:

Here are some of my favourite perks of being a freelance writer:

• Freelance writing offers the freedom to set your own schedule and work from anywhere, which can be ideal if you need a flexible lifestyle.
• Freelance writing offers the opportunity to work on diverse projects and explore different topics.
• You have control over the type of work you take on and the clients you choose to work with.
• You’re your own boss, which means you can work at your own pace and style.
• Your income is not fixed and can grow as you gain more experience and clients.

Cons Of Freelance Writing: 

Here are some drawbacks of being a freelance writer:

• Your freelance income can go up and down, especially when starting out or during slow periods.
• You won’t get benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, or paid leave.
• There is no traditional work structure, so staying motivated and managing your time effectively can be challenging.
• You need to handle your own invoicing, taxes, contracts, and client management.
• Working alone can sometimes feel isolating, and you might miss the social interactions of a traditional workplace.
• Sometimes you’ll be working for longer hours. In fact, you may need to work more than a 9-5 job. 
• It may take time to get your first client or a job. Usually, it can take from 3 months to a year to build a client base and connections. However, if you remain patient and persistent, there will come a time when you’ll be achieving your career goals.

Becoming A Freelance Writer Can Feel Overwhelming

I can understand becoming a freelance writer may feel overwhelming initially because of many responsibilities and uncertainties. From developing your writing skills and building a portfolio to finding clients and managing your time. 

However, remember that these challenges are a part of the process. With the right mindset, strategies, and a commitment to continuous learning, you can overcome these obstacles and build a successful freelance writing career.

Happy Writing!

FAQs

How to become a freelance writer without any experience?

Starting as a freelance writer with no experience may seem challenging, but it is possible to break into the industry. Here are a few steps you can work on:

• Begin by practising your writing regularly.
• Write articles, blog posts, or short stories to build your skills
• Create a few sample pieces to show your potential clients.
• Join freelancing platforms like Upwork or Fiverr.
• Reach out to friends and family to see if they know anyone who needs writing help.
• Start with smaller projects to gain experience and gradually build your portfolio.

How To Become A Freelance Writer As A Student?

As a student, you can become a freelance writer by leveraging your academic skills and interests. Here’s how you can do it;

• Write for your school/college newspaper, magazines or blog to gain experience.
• Use your knowledge in specific subjects to create writing samples that showcase your expertise.
• Look for flexible freelance jobs online that fit your schedule.
• Offer your services to local businesses or nonprofits that might need help with their content.
• Network with other writers and join writing groups to find opportunities and get advice.

How Do You Become A Freelance Writer And Get Paid?

As a freelance writer, getting paid for your work is essential. Here's how you can ensure you get paid for your freelance writing:

• Build a portfolio with writing samples that showcase your skills.
• Create profiles on platforms where clients look for writers.
• When you find a job, submit a proposal that outlines your skills and how you can help the client.
• Once you get a job, agree on payment terms before starting the work.
• After completing the project, send an invoice to the client and follow up if needed.
• Use reliable payment methods to receive your earnings.
• Build a good reputation by delivering quality work on time. It will help you get more clients and better-paying opportunities.