Whether you are an experienced freelance writer or a brand new writer without any experience, online writing projects that pay well are still abundant in 2021.
If you have all the elements laid out in the blueprint for success, such as excellent writing skills, and knowing how to market yourself, then you have what it takes to become a freelance writer. You already know how to market yourself.
But if you’re like most freelance writers who are brand-new in this business, you probably don’t know how to land that perfect job that will bring in the big bucks.
Let’s be honest. If you want to make serious money in this field, you have to know the secrets of successful freelance writing. You need those steps that can take you from a virtual unknown to a freelance writer raking in big bucks in no time.
So, what is exactly a freelance writer? How do you learn how to become a writer? Here are some of the things you need to know when you want to make the big bucks.
What is a freelance writer?
A freelance writer practices writing for money but is not affiliated or employed with any company or organization. They are self-employed and will write depending on the request of their clients. They could either be working in the comfort of their home or office space. They are not tied down to one client but can opt to work with multiple of them. Some freelance writers have one client that supplies them with stable article requests and ongoing work.
Being a freelance writer means you’ll be asked to write diverse and technical topics. A lot of writers find this as joy as they’ll be writing and learning at the same time. However, there is also a good portion of freelance writers that specializes in one area.
How to become a freelance writer?
If you have natural writing skills, you can turn that into a lucrative career in freelance writing. But freelancing is not only about knowing how to write. It’s also a business.
Know how to write
Stating the obvious, the first step to becoming a freelance writer is knowing how to write.
You have to be familiar with the entire concept of writing. You have to know what type of writing you specialize in.
Do you have a natural flair for creating persuasive copy? If you do, you can pursue a career in copywriting.
Many writers have not developed their ability over time. One way to do this is to hone your skills. Take writing classes, read books on writing and watch online tutorials.
Know the basics of the Internet
Second, you need to have a general understanding of how the Internet works. You don’t need to be an expert but knowing how to create graphic content is a plus to your skillset. You don’t need to even try and learn complicated photo editing software since there are a lot of online platforms that offer drag-and-drop graphic designing.
Aside from graphic design, familiarity with the online arena is a must. You will have clients that you’ll only get to talk to online, so it’s best to know what to do and what not to do if a situation like this arises. Know your payment platform, establish a business-only email address, and learn how to market yourself online.
Discipline
Do not think that you are beyond a paycheck when you decide to become a freelance writer. Do not think that you can work for a few clients a month and then stop working.
Think of yourself as a career-builder and treat it as one. Set aside time each day that you will work on projects for clients. If you have family obligations or if you are taking care of your young child, consider taking a job at home to fulfill those obligations while you continue to work as a freelance writer.
One of the perks of being a freelancer is being able to work anytime, anywhere. But this is also a weakness. You can easily forget deadlines and dues when you work inconsistent hours. The best thing to do is establish business hours. Work at a specific time of the day and attend to your clients within a specific hour of the day.
How much do freelance writers get paid?
One of the joys of being a freelance writer is the ability to set your own rates and having the power to adjust your salary that fits your lifestyle. Of course, set your rates depending on your experience and knowledge.
You can’t expect clients to hire you if you’re are charging high but still haven’t build your portfolio and experience. If you are new to the freelance writing industry, it is almost expected to write some articles for free. As you build your portfolio and hone your skills, then you can also build up your rates.
According to the Editorial Freelancers Association, the typical freelance writing rate is between $40 to $100 per hour. This is between 20 cents to 95 cents per word.
The in-demand writing jobs, such as copywriting and technical writing, can be charged at the higher end of the freelancing rates.
Freelance writing is not an easy job by any means. However, with proper discipline, you can easily make a living as a freelance writer. Freelance writing is a great way to build a loyal client base through which you can enjoy a steady stream of income from writing. With the right skills and the right attitude, you can be one of the most successful freelance writers on the Internet.
To become a successful freelance writer, the first thing that you will need to do is to take the step toward self-professionalism. Do not write for the sake of writing. You have to give your best when you are asked to deliver exceptional results.
