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Freelance content writing is the pinnacle of achievement in this industry. While this statement is an individual’s perspective on the affair, every writer pursues the same thing. Content writing itself is a booming industry and it’s huge to get to a point where you’re earning based solely on your own credit. Instead of operating with an established name, the writer’s self-esteem takes on more value. To be fair, this business is preferred by many entrepreneurs these days as there are fewer people involved in the process and there is a cohesive mindset between the writer and the company or product being written for.
If a writer starts to opt for freelance content writing as a means of earning money, then generally they should have at least two years of industry experience. The freelance market is much more competitive than the business content writing market, and it will gobble up a budding writer. The prospect of competing with writers from around the world can be very daunting for a writer who doesn’t yet understand the techniques and tweaks to survive in the industry. However, once the relevant experience and knowledge of how to fulfill the client’s request and bids is acquired, a writer is ready to make money as a freelancer.
Nevertheless, this list is a guide for writers who are starting to wonder about this path as a livelihood and how they can earn a significant amount of money from it. It’s important to understand that all of these tips and guides are only relevant once you’ve worked your way through the industry and have a very strong and comprehensive understanding of content and how it’s targeting both customers and customers.
Set up a portfolio
After spending a lot of time writing content, it is fitting to say that a writer will have tons of work at their disposal. A portfolio is a culmination of all the writer’s best work, wrapped in a document so that it serves as a will. In the freelance business, clients often ask for a portfolio or proof of work, and being able to provide this builds trust with a client. In addition, it is much better to have a set of documents rather than a single document as an example of the work, as there is room for versatility, diversity in thought and relevant issues that would be addressed.
Related: The 9 Skills Needed to Succeed as a Freelance Writer
Start writing blog posts
Blog posts are huge in the content writing industry. There was a time when blogs were incredibly popular, and even today, blogs that highlight relevant issues and topics get a lot of attention. But that perspective of the company comes later. When planning a career in freelance writing, a writer should start with a blog post. This can be on any platform or on well-known blogging websites, such as Blogger, Tumblr, WordPress and more, and the writer should start publishing blogs every now and then. Even if the blog does not get enough views online, it is still a form of digital presence for the writer, and the blog posts will also be added to the sample work list for the client.
Fix on a specific niche
It is always advisable for a content writer in the corporate sector to discover new and novel ways to produce content. Writing for a single industry or only one type of product can limit the writer’s creativity and limit it to a single field of work. In the business field, the writer has to go through every content writing option to understand their strength. By collecting that information, they should also deduce which industry or genre they are most comfortable writing in. The essence of this thought is that comfort would come from knowledge, and this would ensure a better quality of content. After they’ve decided that, it’s important for the writer to design their portfolio and blog post around that genre so that it’s convenient for the client hiring on that basis. While the writer should be adept at all forms of content, his flair for one specific genre should be exceptional.
Related: 4 Ways Online Courses Can Boost Your Freelance Career
Create an account on Fiverr and other freelance websites
Fiverr is one of the most easily accessible platforms for freelance content writers to make money. After creating a portfolio and creating a niche to operate in, they need to market and promote their skills on the website. When creating the account, Fiverr would host the writer’s profile on its website, and then they will have a global presence and pool of clients.
Now it is important to create an appealing description, profile bio and portfolio so that the customers are attracted. Being attractive is one of the most essential elements in this industry, so make sure to grab the customer’s attention with the profile bio itself. They should create similar profiles on other freelance content writing websites and follow the same procedures.
Know what you’re worth
It is very important for a writer to have knowledge of the market rates in the industry. They should be aware of the per word, per page rate, and rates that vary depending on the industry. In such a scenario, while setting their price on websites, they should also consider their industry experience and think about the matter accordingly. It is also important not to offer services below the standard rate.
In addition to all this, there are a few more important qualities: meeting deadlines, a perfect knowledge of communication with customers and time management skills. Once you’ve mastered those things, it becomes convenient to work freelance.
All the above points are not immediately a solution to make money, because a freelance career takes time. The main point is not to lose hope and keep building and persevering until you are successful. This guide is a good start, but the end result is directly proportional to your patience and effort.
Related: The One Thing You Need To Do To Become A Successful Freelance Writer
