Freelance writing can be an invigorating and rewarding career, especially for anyone who always dreamed of being their own boss and not having the usual 9-to-5 job. But there’s a lot more to it than just writing! And not everyone is willing to put in the effort to make their passion for writing into a career.
In this article, we look at whether freelance writing is a good career, what income you can make from it, and some tips on how to start. If you want to find out if freelance writing is the best career choice for you, keep on reading!
Is Freelance Writing Legit?
Freelance writing is a legitimate career. Like any profession, there are people out there who do it poorly or unethically, as well as clients who might try to take advantage of you. But if you take it seriously, it’s possible to make a full-time income and long career out of freelance writing.
It takes time and commitment to build up a freelance writing career. It’s demanding and the pay can be low when you’re first starting out. But if you’re willing to put in the work, you’ll be able to grow your business and your income over time. Given freelance writers often work exclusively online, it’s important to make sure you’re safe with your bank details and only work with clients you trust. Using platforms like PayPal or freelance writing marketplaces can reduce the risks.
Are Freelance Writers in Demand?
Freelance writers are in demand. Every industry has a demand for freelance writers, as individuals, businesses and big corporations are constantly producing new content. They need writers to help them out, and it’s often freelance writers that get the job.
So, freelance writing is a legitimate career. But does that mean you should do it? Let’s take a look.
Is Freelance Writing a Good Career for Everyone?
Freelance writing is a good career, but it’s not for everyone. Freelance writing can be very appealing because of the freedom it offers. It gives people the ability to earn an income while working anywhere in the world, whenever they want. But this doesn’t mean that it suits everyone.
While some people thrive in their freelance writing careers, others can’t catch a break and have a hard time even finding their first client. At a minimum, you need to be able to write well, even if at an “entry” level. There’s no point in starting out as a freelance writer if you’re not on top of your spelling and grammar or if you can’t put a meaningful sentence together. But even if you’re great at it, freelance writing requires more than just natural talent.
As a freelancer, you’re responsible for running your own business. So, you need business skills in addition to your writing skills. This includes the ability to market yourself, pitch to new clients, and negotiate rates.
Is It Realistic to Be a Freelance Writer?
It is realistic to be a freelance writer, if you have the right skills. Ultimately, if you have a passion for writing and you’re willing to grow and learn, you’ll be able to acquire new skills and improve your existing ones. This will help you succeed as a freelance writer.
Do Freelance Writers Make Good Money?
How much money freelance writers earn varies from person to person and depends on several factors. In the beginning, as you’re building your experience and portfolio, you might accept gigs that don’t pay much. However, the more work you do, and the more value you can provide, the more clients will be willing to pay for your expertise.
For example, a freelance writer in the early stages of their career might charge £0.03 to £0.05 per word. They can usually write a 1000-word article in about an hour so, and that makes £30 to £50 per hour. If they can commit to five articles every day, that makes a total of £150 to £250 per day. Of course, these numbers don’t mean you’re earning six figures a year. But with time, effort, and refinement you can build up your client base and rates to increase your income.
Plus, you also need to find enough work to write those 5 articles each day at those rates. This gets easier when you build strong relationships with clients. But in the beginning, it can be tough to get consistent work. That’s why it’s important to be patient!
Now that you know what it involves, here are some important tips for starting a successful freelance writing career.
6 Tips to Start a Successful Freelancing Career
1. Choose Your Niche
It’s good to focus on one or two specific areas of expertise right away. By doing so, you’ll gain a reputation for your knowledge of the topic and be able to charge higher rates. Plus, when looking for writers, clients are usually keen to hire someone with a portfolio that demonstrates experience in a particular field relevant to the client’s needs.
2. Create a Portfolio
You need to create a portfolio, right from the beginning of your freelance writing career. Your portfolio is the first thing a potential client sees, and it should reflect your best work.
If you write for a blog, that can double as your portfolio. In fact, blogging is a great way to keep your creativity flowing, build a portfolio, improve your writing skills, and develop a niche — all at the same time!
3. Pitch to Clients
You need to be able to pitch well if you want to grab a client’s attention. Part of freelance writing involves knowing how to sell yourself and your work persuasively. The buyer needs to know why they should hire you over everyone else and why you’re best suited for the job.
4. Check Writing Job Boards
Writing job boards, such as ProBlogger or BloggingPro, are constantly updated with new opportunities for freelance writers. Make it a habit to regularly check them throughout the week to see if there are any new gigs that you can pitch for.
5. Learn SEO Skills
An understanding of basic SEO is crucial for any online writing. Clients want writers that understand what SEO is, how it works, and that can provide SEO-friendly work. There are many free online resources that you can explore to learn more about SEO.
6. Develop Your Writing
It’s important to never stop trying to improve your writing. Make sure to work on your grammar, spelling, and punctuation. The best writers also read widely. In particular, you should read the work of successful freelance writers from your niche to understand their style and techniques.
Freelance Writing Can Be a Rewarding Career
Freelance writing can be a great career choice for some, but it’s not suitable for everyone. If you have a passion for writing, some basic organisational skills, and are willing to grow and improve, then you might just have what it takes to make it!
Freelance writing can be a demanding job at first because it requires a lot of effort and work. But with time, and as you become more versed in your niches, you can charge more, attract more clients, and achieve the results you’re striving for.
If you’re interested in starting a freelance writing career, you can find more useful information in this freelance writing beginner’s guide.