How To Become A Freelance Writer (Step-by-step)

Even though AI Copywriting is everywhere, there is still a hunger for good freelance writers.

AI Copywriting will replace low-quality writers, but it’s very far from being able to replace good-quality writers, and it might never be able to replace them. So this is a very valid way for you to go with your freelance career.

Pros And Cons Of Becoming A Freelance Writer

Pros	Cons
The autonomy to select the jobs that inspire you The convenience of working remotely Write in a niche you’re motivated by You control how much you work, and when you work.	The autonomy to select the jobs that inspire you The convenience of working remotely Write in a niche you’re motivated by You control how much you work and when you work.

What Is Freelance Writing?

Freelance writing refers to the practice of writing for different clients or companies on a project-by-project basis rather than being an employee of a single organisation.

Freelance writers work independently and can choose the types of projects they want to work on and the clients they want to work with. This field offers much flexibility, allowing writers to work from anywhere, set their schedules, and potentially earn extra income on top of their full-time careers.

In this article, we’ll explore different aspects of freelance writing and provide tips on becoming a successful writer.

Why Become A Freelance Writer?

If you have a passion for writing and a desire to work from home or anywhere else in the world, becoming a freelance writer may be the right career choice for you. Freelance writing offers numerous benefits that help you achieve a flexible work schedule and take control of your life.

Whether you’re a parent looking for a way to stay home with your children or someone who loves to travel, freelance writing can provide you with the flexibility you seek.

Another significant aspect of freelance writing is that you can choose your clients. This means you can work with businesses and individuals that align with your interests and values, allowing you to produce higher-quality content. You can also take on various writing projects, from blog posts to white papers and everything in between.

As a freelance writer, you can take on as many or as few projects as you like, meaning you can scale up or down depending on your availability and goals. You can also set your rates, which allows you to earn more money while doing something you love.

In summary, if you have a passion for writing, a desire for a flexible schedule and a desire to be your own boss, then becoming a freelance writer may be the perfect career choice for you.

It offers the freedom to work from home or anywhere in the world, the ability to select clients and projects that align with your interests, and the opportunity to turn your passion for writing into a full-time career or an extra source of income.

When you start to get a great clientele, you’ll find yourself declining projects and clients, and this is totally normal. Here are 4 methods to decline your clients professionally.

Getting Started With Your Freelance Writing Business

If you’re interested in becoming a freelance writer but don’t know where to start, this article will provide tips and advice on beginning your journey. From identifying your skills and niche to building your online presence and finding clients, these steps will help you become a successful freelance writer.

Identifying Your Writing Skills and Services

Identifying your writing skills and services as a freelance writer is crucial to success. It’s about having strong writing skills and understanding what specific services you can offer clients.

This is because clients always seek writers who can deliver their desired outcomes. Therefore, it’s essential to take inventory of your experience and expertise in different types of writing, such as blog posts, technical writing, or white papers.

Additionally, consider other skills to enhance your value as a freelancer, such as social media management, search engine optimisation, or content marketing. Knowing how to effectively promote your writing services on social media or how to optimise your content for search engines can significantly increase your demand as a freelance writer.

Moreover, specialising in a particular industry or niche can set you apart from your competition. For instance, if you have a degree or experience in a specific industry, such as healthcare or personal finance, you can market yourself as a niche writer to clients who need content in those areas.

Specialising also allows you to create a niche clientele that can eventually become your regular customers, translating to a steady income in the long run.

Setting Up Your Online Presence and Professional Profile

Once you’ve identified your writing skills and services, creating your online presence is time. You don’t need to spend time on building an advanced website. Create a simple one, create some social media profiles on Twitter and LinkedIn, and then you’re ready.

And remember to be active on your social media accounts. Do a bunch of social media posts where you share your knowledge. This will help you build your credibility to achieve the dream of becoming a full-time freelance writer.

You can create a portfolio of blog posts, but what’s better is to create a blog on your website and start writing. This will work automatically as your portfolio.

Most likely, your freelance writing clients will give you a test article anyway, as many writers, unfortunately, copy others’ work when they show their portfolios.

Determining Your Hourly Rate or Rates for Projects and Services

Determining your hourly rate or rates for projects and services as a freelance writer is critical to setting up and running your freelance writing business.

You must calculate your rates thoughtfully to ensure your business remains profitable and provides a sufficient income. Here are some steps that will help you determine your hourly rate.

Research Industry Rates

To begin, research the rates in your industry and niche. Check out websites such as Who Pays Writers, ClearVoice, Contently, and the Editorial Freelancers Association. These resources provide you with information about the average rates other freelancers charge in your field.

Be mindful of different niches and industries because they may have varying rates due to other factors, such as expertise and a higher demand for specific types of writing.

How much do freelance writers earn?

So there are 3 ways you can be paid as a professional writer. You can be paid per article, at an hourly rate or per word. And the latter is the most used. However, if a piece requires much research, being paid hourly is the best option for you.

Now as an hourly-rate-paid online writing expert, you’ll earn anywhere from $5 all the way up to $100. It all depends on your skillset, experience and writing style.

The industry standard is between $0.3 and $0.6 when paid per word. Some experts even claim to earn as much as $2 per word, so you can really make a living writing with these numbers.

The last potion is not used much, but that’s when your clients pay your per project. A project could be a 1500-word article. Depending on the research, the prices vary from $250 up to $1000.

Calculate Time for Assignments

Next, review the time it takes you to complete different writing assignments. Researching, outlining, formatting, and proofreading are all tasks that will impact your time and flow of work.

Understanding how long each piece takes per project is critical in determining an hourly rate.

Customers may request proposals requiring specific approaches, and they may want you to read a specific piece or watch a YouTube video for an article. This you need to include in your price as well.

Determine Minimum Hourly Rates

To generate a rate that supports your business, you must figure out a minimum hourly rate (MHR). Doing so will quantify the minimum you need to meet your financial goals.

Your costs of doing business include all expenses associated with running your writing business. These may include equipment, office space rent, supplies, software, and taxes. Add business expenses and benefits such as healthcare, insurance, and retirement savings to determine an MHR.

To find your MHR, divide your total cost of doing business by the number of billable hours you can realistically work in a year. Consider the time allocated to invoicing, responding to emails, customer meetings, and other admin tasks.

Not every hour worked may be billed, and remember that unforeseen circumstances may impact your working hours, so it is essential to calculate this accurately.

In conclusion, determining your hourly rate as a freelance writer requires careful consideration. Doing your research, determining times for each task, calculating your expenses, and dividing by billable hours are the steps to finding your hourly rate.

With this information, you can establish a reasonable rate that will adequately compensate your work. Remember to be flexible with your pricing and willing to negotiate while protecting your work’s value.

Finding Prospective Clients and Jobs

Finding prospective clients and jobs is crucial to a successful freelance writing career. One of the first things you’ll need to do is research potential clients, businesses, and publications within your niche.

To accomplish this, use search terms on Google such as “[your niche] + companies” and “[your niche] + websites” to identify suitable companies for pitching ideas and writing content. Once you have identified potential clients, you can begin the process of creating a prospect list.

To create a prospect list, gather the website links, company descriptions, and contact information for the key personnel within the companies. This will allow you to tailor your writing samples and pitches to the specific needs of each potential client.

And when you have a list of potential clients, it’s time to write a freelance cover letter. Remember to be personal, include your research and show you know your expertise.

It’s essential to take the time to thoroughly research potential clients to ensure that the writing you specialise in aligns with their needs. This will help to increase the chances of your pitches being accepted and will also help to establish yourself as an expert in your freelance writing niche.

In addition to finding potential clients through online research, freelance writing job boards and websites list available writing gigs. These platforms can be an excellent resource for finding new clients and building your freelance writing career.

Some platforms could be Upwork or Remotive. Remember, when you apply to be unique, do not send the same application to each job. You’ll increase your success by tailoring your application to the job description.

Networking with Other Writers, Bloggers, and Business Owners

Networking with other writers, bloggers, and business owners is not mandatory but can help you in the long run. Building a network can significantly increase your chances of finding work.

Connecting with other writers and industry experts can provide valuable advice, feedback, and work opportunities. If you have any contacts in the writing or blogging world, consider reaching out to informally discuss your freelance writing business and see if they have any advice or suggestions.

More experienced writers and bloggers can often provide valuable insights and tips on improving your writing and help you navigate the competitive world of freelance writing. Don’t be afraid to reach out to those who have more experience, as they may be able to provide you with valuable guidance and mentorship.

There are a bunch of freelance writing communities where you can start. Otherwise, reach out to freelance content writers on LinkedIn or Twitter.

• Freelancing Female
• The Cult of Copy

Building a strong network of other writers, bloggers, and business owners will increase your work opportunities and help you gain valuable insights and support as you navigate your freelance writing career. So start networking today and see where it can take you!

Using Job Boards To Find Freelance Writing Gigs

Are you a freelance writer looking to find paid opportunities to build your career? One of the best ways to get started is by using online job boards to find freelance writing gigs. While dozens of job boards are available, several notable platforms are dedicated to connecting freelance writers with clients.

Upwork, Freelancer.com, and WritersWork are three of the most popular job boards in the freelance writing industry. Not only do these websites offer a vast selection of freelance writing jobs, but they also provide features that allow you to showcase your skills and experience.

When setting up a freelancer profile, it’s essential to highlight your experience and writing skills. Make sure to upload relevant writing samples that demonstrate your expertise and writing style. You may also want to add relevant certifications or diplomas that could help attract clients seeking a particular type of writer.

Once your profile is set up, you can apply for freelance writing jobs matching your skills and interests. Before submitting any proposals, it’s essential to read each job posting carefully. Some clients may require specific skills or experience, so ensure you’re a good match before applying.

Watch for job postings with clear guidelines and competitive pay rates. Avoid clients who offer low rates or fail to pay their freelancers fairly. Look for clients who value quality writing and are willing to pay decent rates for your time and skills.

Aside from the three job boards mentioned earlier, several other dedicated writing platforms offer a range of freelance writing opportunities. Reedsy and Mediabistro are two noteworthy platforms that specialise in connecting freelance writers with clients in various industries, including publishing and content marketing.

Using online job boards is an excellent way to find freelance writing gigs. You can build a successful freelance writing career over time by setting up a professional profile, selecting relevant job opportunities, and carefully reviewing each posting.