The Ultimate Guide To Getting Into Business As A Freelance Writer

Generating a business should give you joy in the work you are doing. Despite AI’s takeover in the writing industry, many clients still value human writers. Expert wordsmiths could make a living from their passion.

Entrepreneurship requires patience and utilizing multiple resources. Don’t forget to take a break between your client hunting and putting together your portfolio. You can try casino games on NetBet when you need time away from your writing. See how your luck pans out playing slots. See where strategy takes you during a blackjack round. It’s thrilling to watch a roulette wheel to see which number it lands on. Play responsibly and have fun.

You may be discovering writing gigs for the first time. Maybe you’re ready to transition into a full-time freelance writing career. Use this ultimate guide as your resource for career advancement.

Build the Right Mindset

Going into business for yourself takes determination and moxie. Not everything may go as planned. A client you propose may pick another writer for their project.

Remember that consistency is key. Clients appreciate writers who follow instructions and deliver timely work.

Every project is different from one another. One client may need a 600-word blog about cryptocurrency or sports betting. Another client may give you more flexibility in creating article topics based on certain parameters. Be prepared to learn and adapt your skills to get the piece done.

Identify Your Niche

You can be a jack of all trades and write about multiple topics. However, clients like to see that you have at least 1 or 2 set niches. Your niche tells a unique story about what sets you apart from other freelance writers.

Do you prefer to write a specific format? Maybe you prefer to write blogs or do creative writing.

Do you have skills in specific industries? Drawing insights from past jobs in retail, finance, manufacturing, or other industries could be valuable to your freelance writing background.

Profitable niches include digital marketing, lifestyle, tech, gaming, and many others. As you write for different clients, you may find new niches.

Create A Portfolio

A portfolio includes past work you’ve done for other clients. Treat it as your sales tool. Upcoming clients will want to review the work you’ve done before to review your writing style.

A segment of your portfolio could also be a personal blog showcasing your niche. Freelance writers who have children may create a parenting blog to showcase what they’ve learned as a mother or father. A retired teacher can write an education blog to show their knowledge on Montessori and other educational approaches. And so forth!

You can get more byline pieces by asking to write guest posts on blogs fitting your niche or on LinkedIn pages. Throughout my career, I started as a ghostwriter and then eventually gained more writing opportunities where I received bylines.

Set Your Rates

Writing projects are usually paid on a per-word or hourly basis. Hourly rates can be negotiable with clients. For those who want to pay by word, here are some suggestions on how to set your rates:

• Beginner writers can charge 5 cents to 10 cents per word.
• Intermediate writers can charge 15 cents to 25 cents a word.
• Experienced writers can usually charge 30 cents or more per word.

Remember that you are running a business. Undervaluing yourself will make you lose potential profit.

Find Your First Clients

Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer are platforms for freelancers across multiple industries to connect with clients who need projects done. ProBlogger and Contena are job boards where you can find writing gigs. Using Indeed or Monster can connect you to longer-term part-time or full-time writing opportunities.