If you’re thinking about becoming a freelance writing, well done — you’ve started a thrilling path!
If you’re anything like me, the more you discover about freelance writing, the more motivated you’ll feel to go after it.
This enthusiasm will escalate quickly.
- You will enjoy the independence of being your own boss (although you will still need to satisfy clients, which is another matter)
- You will create your own timetable
- You will experience intellectual challenge and variety
- This is a thrilling route, and I certainly would avoid a 9 to 5 job if possible!
However, it may feel overwhelming.
- What steps do I take to begin?
- Where can I find clients?
- Will I make enough money to get by?
The good news is that I will attempt to address these questions as thoroughly as I can in this guide. I hope you find it useful!
How To Begin As A Freelance Writing
There are likely countless methods to respond to this inquiry.
I can only convey what I found effective.
When I began in 2016, I was employed as a fulltime school teacher.
I opted to explore writing during school breaks and on weekends since it was always something I enjoyed.
I am not a literary genius like Shakespeare or Hemingway…
But impeccable grammar or artistic expression is not a requirement for success in writing.
What truly matters is your ability to convey your ideas clearly.
Writing is simply about converting your thoughts into sentences that are easy to comprehend.
The greatest tip I got when I began was to write like you’re having a conversation.
While I compose this note, I imagine it as a chat between you and me.
I picture you being roughly 25 to 40 years old, trapped in a regular job from 9 to 5 that either exhausts you or seems too cutthroat.
You feel annoyed and are on the lookout for a new job that gives you space to be creative.
FAQS
Q:Am I on the right track?
A:I truly hope so, as everything I craft here is directed toward that imaginary person in my mind (which is you!).
This is essentially what freelance writing comes down to.
It is not complex.
It is a method of engaging in communication that is both natural and beneficial.
Q:Who can benefit from this skill?
A: Anyone with a product or service to promote online…
Which applies to nearly all businesses today.
By offering freelance writing services, you are addressing several challenges faced by companies…
- A lot of companies need to be online, and to be noticed on social media and in search results, they have to produce a lot of written material.
- If you learn how to write in a way that connects with people on an emotional level, you can help them get more customers and sales.
- Many companies do not need fulltime writers on staff, so they often choose to employ freelancers instead.
- Businesses require a wide range of written materials. This includes user guides, instructional manuals, tutorials, persuasive text for sales, marketing emails, scripts for videos, research papers, reports on specific cases, and announcements to the press. The variety is extensive.
Throughout my career, I have created almost every kind of written business content. However, all of my work revolves around one essential idea—building a connection between people.
Indeed, this applies even to user guides!
If a user guide is packed with technical terms, lengthy words, or complicated sentences, it can be quite frustrating for users and may deter them from that brand.
This is detrimental for businesses.
This is why I am not concerned about artificial intelligence taking over the role of human writers. Its output does not resonate with individuals.
I believe that human authors will succeed even in an era dominated by AI, which may seem surprising.
Allow me to clarify…
AIgenerated content often feels unnatural. It tends to be too verbose, and the language seems unnatural. Frequently, it misses the intended message, resulting in writing that lacks vitality.
It has a mechanical feel to it. There is a deficiency of warmth and humor. Creative flair is noticeably absent.
Because of this, it is likely that demand for quality content created by humans will increase in the future.
Smart business owners will seek out exceptional writing from humans to distinguish themselves from the typical, repetitive AI content available.
I foresee a similar situation developing within the fields of art and music as well.
AI tends to produce average results. It can be unexciting. Monotonous.
This means that skilled writers will have the ability to command high prices for their work.
Consequently, businesses will be eager to collaborate with you.
This leads us well into the next topic—how can you locate clients who are willing to compensate you for your writing expertise, especially in the beginning stages of your career?
Q:How To Locate Your Initial Freelance Writing Clients
A:When I began my freelance journey, many of my first clients came from the freelance site Upwork.
Even now, I continue to attract several clients through Upwork.
If you have researched a bit, you might have encountered some negative opinions regarding Upwork for freelance writers.
Some claim that it’s “filled with clients offering low wages and that the platform takes a substantial portion of your income. ”
There is some truth in this statement—many clients operate with limited financial resources, and Upwork does take a 10% fee from your earnings.
Conclusion
However, there are two significant benefits that many overlook…
- When you are just getting started, even low pay can be valuable as you gain experience. My initial months of freelance writing yielded about $6 or $7 an hour. I did not mind. I saw it as a form of training.
- Once you are hired by a number of clients, produce quality work, and receive favorable evaluations, you will begin unlocking your potential. .
