So you wanna be a freelance writer, huh?
Well, congratulations but, I’m sure you are asking yourself where exactly to start? You got the writing basics down but, what now? There are news-sites and blogs everywhere but, how do you get your new career of the ground?
When I was looking years ago, I came across those Instagram Ads promising thousands a month and jumped head-first in. After all, it’s writing; I went to college for that. It can’t be that hard right?
Yes and no.
Writing, whether it be a Content or Copy, is a job in high demand that isn’t extremely difficult to do. Ironically enough, a lot of the difficulty doesn't even lie in the writing part. The job itself encompasses a lot of things in the realm of Advertising, Content, and Marketing. All three are some of the highest-paying skills to have and can be rewarding for anyone patient enough to master any of them.
One of the reasons it isn’t pursued as often, unfortunately, is because people don't know where or how to start.
Luckily, I’m here to help. I'll let you in on the secrets that I learned and mistakes that I made becoming a Freelance Writer.
These rules will mostly apply to writing content for consumer products but can be easily tweaked for almost any writing positions. I’m not going to promise you thousands in a matter of months; but, I will provide you with the basic information to get on the right path.
So, if you’re still interested, let’s get started with steps to becoming a freelance writer.
1. Practice
First step, PRACTICE!
This one is easily looked over but, it’s the most important. You may be able to write an email or a text but, writing something much lengthier, as well as keeping it entertaining, is a little different. What happens when you see a giant block of text on your phone? Anxiety kicks in or you typically put it off.
Practice with small pieces through social media post. The limit on word count can help get over the fear of sharing bigger pieces. Starting with friends and family -people who usually think of your feelings before commenting- can help with those insecurities in the beginning too. If that’s still a bit scary, try making a pen-name. I started writing over a decade ago under a pen-name before moving to using my real name. It not only helped my craft, it gave me a small audience and a voice.
Pro tip: Consistency is key here. When writing, it will make or break your career. Get into the habit of practicing on a consistent basis to discipline yourself for paid jobs.
2. 'Free' Is The Word
After practicing at your own pace, try to lengthen those short social media post. Aim to write post between 500 words than, bump it up to 1000 words. Most paying gigs will ask for post around these sizes; so, it’s good to get in the habit of writing in those perimeters. From there, contribute to any free platforms you can find to get feedback.
Start creating a name for yourself with reviews on Leafly and Weedmaps. You can even move to writing sites that fit your industry. Whether it be fiction, food, travel or whatever find a platform to contribute to. Wattpad and Writing.com are other good places to meet other writers and submit your work.
Keep practicing by getting as much free exposure as you can. The industry will try to make you do a lot of work for free. This stage is a good time to use 'free work' to benefit you. Take this time to understand where your writing limits are, financially and mentally. Make plans and quotes for future clients from the feedback you receive. You may not use them immediately but, it's great to have when you do.
The combination of planning prices and building a portfolio will set you up for success. If done well, you can build your fanbase at this level, leading to an easier path to residual income later down the line.
Pro tip: If you can, start a free blog. Depending on what industry you want to write in, this can be extremely easy or difficult. Use free sites like Wix or Wordpress if you can’t find a platform you like.
3. Sharing/SEO
What’s the point of making all this awesome content if you don’t share it!
Sharing your work is obviously important to your writing career but, sharing in the correct way is just as important! Whether you write freelance or not, understanding where your fanbase can find your work and who your fanbase is should be a priority. SEO plays great role here!
In the beginning stages, figuring out who your fans are will help build that base exponentially!
Find Facebook groups for bloggers to share our work with to help narrow your audience down. These groups can also be great to bounce ideas off of or to give you second opinions on your writing. The advice can be skin deep sometimes but, you can get some stellar constructive criticism there too.
Don’t shy away from them!
Create a Facebook page for your writing and link it to Instagram as a business account. This way, you can track your engagement and how often people are visiting your profile or clicking links. Start playing around with hashtags on Instagram. Track which ones are getting you the most likes and which ones your ideal audience follows. Make sure to follow hashtags to get inspiration for pictures too! Follow the most popular ones that relate to what you write and spend time engaging with users that follow the same.
This is an easy way to grow your followers without actually writing. Great for time in between posts!
Pro tip: Make digital list of hashtags that perform well and build relationships with others in the same industry as you
4. Guest Post
So...you’ve got a following and you’ve got a couple of pieces of your own up. Ya know what time it is now? It’s time to start reaching out!
Compile some of your best work, either with links or PDF files, and create your first professional portfolio. If you’re not sure how to do that, try a free account with JournoPortfolio for a quick and simple one.
Start with local sites and local magazines to pitch your work. Find out who the Editors and Content Managers are and start emailing. Many large niche blogs will have a contribution link somewhere on their site, look for those. Otherwise, email those staff members about contributing content. Believe it or not, most jump at the chance for good content.
It can be scary sending emails to these 'faceless figures' but, rest assured, those people on the other end are just as scared sometimes.
As someone who sat on the other side of a laptop, reading those pitch emails, don’t overthink it!
Aim for 3-6 guest post from more reputable sites. Some of these smaller gigs don't pay but, they are typically willing to compensate you in product or services. Beef up your portfolio with names that can get you recognition. The better your portfolio, the easier the paid jobs come along!
Pro tip: ALWAYS follow-up with those who let you contribute! Give shoutouts on social media to show appreciation. You might be surprised that they email you back for more work in return.
5. Network
Now this last step is a hard pill to swallow; but, if you are looking to take your career further, it’s crucial to make a habit of this.
Networking and social mixers are plenty, even in the digital space. To get paid -and paid consistently- you have to reach out to people...A LOT.
Well...at least at first.
Show off that beefy portfolio of yours and talk up your growing audience and email list. Reach out to bigger and better publications for more opportunities.
Be consistent!
You may not get a response the first time but, don't let that discourage you.
Start scouring for more Content Managers and Editors to speak with. Even if they don’t have a job for you, they may know someone who does. In many industries, especially small ones, everyone talks. In this industry, your reputation is part of your resume. Making sure everyone is aware of what you bring to the table is your goal.
Pro tip: Start thinking of branding and/or logos at this point. You may need to business cards if you don’t already have any.
You’ve got all the basics now! You’re equipped with the foundation to get your career off the ground.
Every industry will have a few differences but the formula typically remains the same. After you’ve begun all of these steps, start reinvesting into your writing career. Freelancing is all about creating multiple streams of income but...that's for another time. Get started on that writing career of yours...and tell me all about it.
Let me know if this was helpful for you or if there are any other tips you'd like to share with aspiring freelance writers!
Stay Tokin'