Becoming a freelance writer is really tempting but overwhelming and troublesome at the same time.
The problem is that there is no universal recipe to stick to. You are the one to decide your way and make the first steps. At the same time, you just have to think carefully and get ready to take responsibility for your choices. This is the best way to figure out your direction and move forward.
We have prepared a list of simple and comprehensive recommendations for beginners in the world of freelance writing, so read on to have a clear picture of your new job.
Think about niches and ideas you want to write about
The first thing you should realize is what exactly you would like to write about to know where to apply. Try opening a freelancing website and you will see what a great number of various posts are located there.
The options are different in terms of topics and levels of difficulty and a person with a lack of previous experience will get confused for sure.
Therefore, choosing a particular niche and filtering the job offers accordingly will help you focus.
Think about your daily practices and the way you spend money
Do you devote most of your free time to any particular activity? Or maybe there is a non-essential part of your life that requires a lot of financial investments? In a word, think about the areas that are already a part of your life.
This way, you will have an idea about the niches you already know. This makes your level above average, which is a little bit higher than just being a beginner.
When you are familiar with some niches, you already have knowledge and opinions about the basics.
On the one hand, you can always start writing for college students if you have higher education in a certain academic sphere. On the other hand, you may have hobbies like sports or cinema and have something to tell. If you do, you can always share your thoughts and skills for money!
Come up with at least three niches to start from and filter the offered jobs accordingly.
Get a WordPress account and make a post
One of the best things you can do is to create a personal blog where you can publish posts on the topic you are fond of.
WordPress is a platform that provides free blogging space for everyone and this is a perfect practice for beginners. We know that most writers are perfectionists, but try not to get caught in this trap.
Your first copies don’t need to be ideal or sound professional. This comes with practice, so don’t worry if you are not 100% satisfied with the content you produce. You need to start. And remember, nobody is a natural-born genius.
Find and bookmark the job listings that suit you
Job boards usually have a listing service. See what is available for you among their offers and sign up.
This will keep you informed about the fresh offers and give you a full picture of the market demands. To search even more actively, bookmark some freelance websites and check them from time to time.
Search for the blogs that pay for posting and bookmark them
Just take a look at the platforms that pay money for guest posting and you will be amazed by the number of offers. Also, you will see whether a niche you want to work in is profitable enough.
By the way, if your posts are published, they can make a good contribution to your writing portfolio, therefore, don’t ignore such options.
Write an email to the local company and ask if they need freelance writers
This step can be combined with any previous one. A quick Google search will provide you with a list of companies that are located in your area.
If you live in a middle of nowhere, you can try other locations and the number of options will be broader.
Visit their websites and find an email in the Contacts section to send a message asking if they are in need of outsource writers now or in the future.
Don’t forget to add your portfolio with links to the examples of your texts. Having an individual website is not necessary – you can upload them to your Google storage.
Also, a research of some local businesses will let you see how many various opportunities are available. Repeat your search every day and you will find at least a couple of clients during the first weeks.
You can figure out which options are the best for you and even find the offers related to your favorite topics.
Use social networks to find customers
If you have a large friend list in your Facebook, it is about time to make use of it. There is a number of potential customers among them or someone they know. Social networks are great in terms of connections.
It is okay if your uncle’s friend will be the first customer to work with. There is no need to make a super-fancy post, just write that you are looking for someone who needs your services and see what happens.
Create a simple website
This is not a must, but having your own website will make you look more professional in the eyes of your potential clients.
There are platforms that provide free samples, so anyone could make a small and simple site with a couple of clicks. However, it is even better if you have an opportunity to personalize it somehow.
For example, you can hire a Fiverr designer to make a logo for you. Logos are amazing tools to turn your career ideas to reality and a nice motivation to move on.
Browse Fiverr for a cheap designer and order an original logo from him. The logo can be added to your site, blog and email signature to give you feel more confident and professional.
To make your freelance writing career, you should start with dividing this task to small pieces and managing them one by one. This way you will see that things are significantly more achievable than you thought.
At the same time, the practices listed above will help you build the basis for your future job.
Everything is up to you! Choose the most suitable options, combine them smartly, and good luck.