Are you an aspiring writer? Here are some essential tips to start your freelancing career on the right foot.
Have you dreamed of writing for a living? Your passion isn't the only thing you need to start a career as a freelance writer.
Starting any business from scratch can sound like a daunting task, especially if you've realized that writing is more than just a hobby. Of course, there are different ways to begin, but we recommend these tips for those new to freelancing. Consistent hard work and determination are needed, but ultimately the end game is worth it.
Ergonomic workspaces are essential for a functional workstation. Most of the writing process is at a computer screen, after all. Getting down to the business of things is exciting, but you need to think about the layout of your work desk when managing your personal space.
Consider the type of office chair you want to purchase. Would you prefer a fancy leather chair with footrests, a plush gaming chair, or a more traditional study chair? With your designated chair, think about the design of your desk and whether you'd like it adjustable to your height. It's best to go in-store to find the features that feel best for your body.
You also want all of your desk essentials within reach, such as notebooks, penholders, calculators, binders for documents, a printer, and anything else you feel you need. The computer screen should also tilt in a way that aligns with your posture. Overall, it would be best if you thought about what works best for your level of productivity.
Do you enjoy visiting a coffee shop while you write? Hardware such as the Surface Pro 7 12.3" is a great alternative for someone always on the go. With a built-in kickstand, it's ultra-light, ultra-fast, and can go from a laptop to a creative studio within seconds. Take notes with the Surface Pen and easily browse the web.
A writer doesn't always need the most expensive technology, but it needs to be ideal for multitasking. Files need to be easily accessible, and a sound editing program is a must. Software such as Grammarly is essential, as it cuts your projects in half. Write and edit at the same time.
Now that you've chosen the perfect piece of tech, you're going to need a place to sell yourself. A website is an excellent tool for letting people know who you are, what you do, and how you benefit them. Feel free to branch out to sites like Wix or Weebly if you're not too savvy with basic coding, but choose what you think is most accessible. If you're worried about the overall design process, don't be afraid to seek out a website designer.
Build a landing page, an about page, a contact page, and a portfolio page. The portfolio page is vital for showcasing your best work, so plan how you want this page to be formatted. If you have reviews from previous customers, you can also create a testimonial page.
You'll also need to purchase a domain name and professional email, as this will cement the credibility of your website and yourself as an expert. You can use your real name or a pen name, but the choice is yours.
Not only do you want to sell your services, but you want to state why you are the best professional in your chosen field. For example, are you a copywriter who writes unique eCommerce content, or do you specialize in the beauty industry? Make your intentions clear, and you'll be on the right path to drawing in your desired clients.
This step can seem intimidating at first, but it's essential to build your list of loyal customers. Upwork is an excellent place for writers just starting, as there are hundreds of jobs rolling out daily.
Create an engaging profile by stating what you do differently in terms of your services, detail your background your experiences, and highlight what makes you a professional in the niche that you've chosen. You want to sell yourself as the brand too, not just your expertise. What can you offer?
When applying for jobs, you'll see a cover letter section where you can enter text. Ensure to pay attention when scanning the job listing, as this will assist in shortlisting your application. Always make sure you're refreshing your job feed daily and applying as often as possible.
With business, networking is the key to success. Social media will give you the chance to reach out and make strong connections. Take high-quality photos of yourself and update your current ones. Post frequently on your Twitter, attract new clients on LinkedIn, and increase your Instagram engagement. Join relevant Facebook groups and use similar social spaces to your advantage. People need to know what you do.
To take your online identity to the next level, you need to create content. For example, share relevant articles within your field, talk about your success stories, promote yourself by offering introductory offers, or even create memes that can bring you publicity. Make a goal to do this daily or draw up a weekly schedule. Then, your hard work will be worth the social media grind.
It can be tempting to use programs like Stripe that simplify the invoicing process, but we think it can be more helpful to create your own system. Use a platform like Canva to find a suitable template and create a professional invoice from scratch.
Add your name and business details, logo, recipient's information, and payment details, and save the template for future use. As long as you can keep track of your payments, this way of invoicing will allow customers to pay you directly, which keeps both parties happy. And you can save any small fees associated with credit card transactions.
When starting, you should constantly be hustling to learn new things in your field, even if you feel like you've mastered them. You may have just started to launch your career as a writer, but that doesn't mean your journey ends there.
Use Udemy, LinkedIn, and other platforms that provide cost-effective courses. Keep learning every day, as this will boost your chances of finding new clients in niche areas and pump you with confidence for your future writing endeavors.
Overall, if you can follow these steps, plan accordingly and establish your online presence. Then, you'll be on your way to finding customers and ranking yourself higher as a writing freelancer.
Starting a freelance writing business? Don’t forget to include these essential items on your website.
Saffron has been freelancing for over five years, specializing in the copywriting and creative writing industry. She is based in Melbourne, Australia.
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