Are you a freelance writer? Or do you want to be?
Whether you’re brand new or a seasoned freelance writer, you should know that there is ample opportunity to make money while freelance writing. Once you land your first gig, it becomes that much easier to land more and more freelance jobs.
So, no matter where you are in your freelance career, here are 7 tips every freelance writer needs to know.
1) Networking is key
Commonly, freelance writers are introverts and work remotely. Because of this, it’s all the more difficult for freelance writers to network.
But networking is key to growing your professional life and your client base. You would be amazed at what information fellow freelancers are willing to share about their experiences, and how that might help you. Plus, you never know when one network connection you have could lead to another client.
Networking has been key in growing my freelance career. Not only have I found supportive friends who also work as freelance writers, but I have had amazing clients refer me to other incredible companies.
You don’t have to be a pro in order to network successfully. In fact, you’d be amazed at how far you can get with interacting with your favorite clients and freelancers on social media.
2) Feedback is valuable, not hurtful
Undoubtedly, at some point in your freelance writing career, you will receive feedback from a client. While we would all love to receive positive feedback, the truth is, no one is perfect. We all make mistakes and have areas where we can improve.
Instead of dwelling on negative feedback, truly take it as a learning opportunity. If you receive negative feedback, try to read through the lines. What is your client asking for? What do they need to see?
You don’t need to apologize for delivering work that didn’t match a client’s expectations. But you do need to understand why your client isn’t happy.
Thank your clients for feedback, and ask clarifying questions if you are confused as to what they are unhappy with. Take note of what you need to change. If you made mistakes, try not to make the same mistake again.
3) Set boundaries
As a freelance writer, it may be tempting to work around the clock. Regardless if you’re freelancing as a side hustle or as a full-time gig, it’s vital to set boundaries.
Without boundaries, you will find yourself quickly burnt out. In order to stay in freelancing for the long-term, you need to set adequate boundaries.
One way to do this is to set a freelancing schedule. Set aside time each week to finish your work for each client. Do your best to stick to schedule. Further, work with your clients to help them understand your boundaries.
One of the best ways to showcase your skills as a writer is through a blog. If you want to be successful freelance writer but don’t have a blog, it’s time to start one. Here’s a guide that will help you get started today!
4) Be you
While every freelance writing client has their own tone and content they are looking for, it’s important to remember that most freelance clients still want you to be you. Remember, they hired you for a reason!
You’ll quickly lose yourself if you’re trying to imitate someone else’s writing style or conform too drastically to a client’s expectations. Understand that you and your style have value – in fact, it’s probably what landed you the gig in the first place.
5) Don’t be afraid to pitch often
When you first start freelance writing, clients won’t just happen to find you. It takes initiative to find those first key clients.
Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Apply for jobs you don’t think you’re qualified for, build your network, and reach out to your dream clients on social media. You’ve got nothing to lose!
6) Do more in less time
If you are paid per freelance writing post, then it’s key to make the best use of your time.
Since you aren’t earning an hourly rate, time really becomes a major factor.
For example, say you earn $50 per 1,000 word freelance writing post. You could either write that single post in an hour, and make $50 per hour, or you could finish it in two hour and only earn $25 per hour.
While that’s not a bad rate by any means, I would still rather earn more money in less time – wouldn’t you?
Keep track of how much time you are spending on each client and on peach project and adjust your rates accordingly.
7) You have to market yourself
Lastly, the most successful freelancers never forget that they are always marketing themselves. From how they share information on social media, to their network, to accepting gigs that might expand their publicity, you can’t over market yourself as a freelance writer.
This can be a tricky idea to wrap your head around. Most freelance writers start their career because they want to write. But to take your freelancing from a hobby to a business, you have to understand the marketing component as well.
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Have you ever considered becoming a freelance writer? If so, what tips do you have? What are the hardest lessons you have learned? Drop a comment below.
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Good ideas. I’ve done freelance writing in the past, but I want to begin ramping it up to do more. I like the idea of setting time boundaries, but I was just thinking this morning I need to do more; just the opposite than what you are saying.
I guess everyone needs to find and define their own schedule.
Mine just needs to be more.
thanks for sharing it!!!