With this subject line, you didn’t waste much time
in getting here. Well, if you want to know what it takes to become a full-time
freelance writer, I won’t pretend to be the master.
However, I can share my experiences with you. After spending over a decade working with a few companies, I was ready to take the big leap and changed my career. I settled to writing.
Writing started as a means of a side hustle for me in 2015. But, it was for a short time. Within a few years, writing became a passion. And, in 2019, I left my job and transformed myself into a full-time freelance writer.
However, I don’t consider myself a “freelance writing expert”. That’s because there are plenty of people with expertise in professional writing compared to me.
But, if you are not satisfied with your 9 to 5 job and always thought of becoming a full-time freelance writer, this post is for you.
Is it tough to become a full-time freelance writer?
Let me get this straight.
There is no shortcut or step-by-step process that you can follow and become a successful full-time freelance writer. Ask 5 different writers about their experiences, and you will get 5 different ways.
However, if you want to know the reality of getting started as a full-time freelance writer, things are pretty simple. But, they are not as easy as it appears.
Having good ideas and drafting them is the first step. And, you have to do many things down the line. This is what this post is all about. Continue reading it.
The hard fact about life as a freelance writer
When it comes to earning a livelihood by becoming a full-time freelance writer, I will be honest with you.
Most of the time, it is luck. And, I have to get comfortable while handling rejection. Whenever I get a positive response to my pitches, which is not more than 20%, I consider myself a winner!
On the brighter side, if you are passionate about writing and want to build an impressive career out of it, you might have to take certain actionable steps.
If you are worried about how much you can earn from writing, it will surprise you.
How to become a full-time freelance writer
Here is what it takes for a regular person like me to build a career out of freelance writing.
1. Finding the right niche
Being a writer, you may start with a few different niches. However, I believe that you should start with one. Picking up a niche is easy.
In short, whatever you are knowledgeable or passionate about should be your niche. For me, I love writing about finance, technology, pets, health & fitness, real estate, home improvement, relationships, and online business.
Well, this was not from the beginning. Previously, I used to write about finance and online business. As time passed, I developed my writing skills. And, it allowed me to explore various niches.
So, you can start with one and if things go right, you may choose a few.
2. Find out ways to show your work online
Keep in mind that all the pitches that you make to reach clients could be effective if you have an online portfolio. However, this might sound awkward for newbies. If you are starting as a beginner, a writing portfolio should be the best choice.
That way, people will get to know about your work and how well do you write. There are plenty of websites where you can create an online portfolio. Finding it clumsy? Don’t worry, there are other ways.
You may start a blog. That way, you can practice writing and grow a handful of followers. The best part is that people can see your writing style whenever you redirect them to your blog. It’s a great way to showcase your creativity.
Having a website makes you feel legitimate. Moreover, creating a blog is very easy these days.
However, if you aren’t interested in the things mentioned above, there is another way. You can gather some of your best write-ups and categorize them into separate folders. Now, upload the folder on Google Drive.
So, whenever you are pitching for work or someone wants to see your work, you can share that link. It acts as your portfolio.
Again, it depends on your preference what to choose. When I started, I used to share my Google Drive’s link for potential clients to view my write-ups.
However, not all clients ask you for sample writing after you have established a rating. For others, you have to be well prepared.
3. Build your network
This is another important step that you have to take if you want to become a successful full-time freelance writer. If you are an extrovert, you shouldn’t have issues with that.
But if you are someone who doesn’t feel the need for social interaction, you have to change your mindset. The same thing happened to me. I was never a social media guy.
However, I had to change things for a better reach. So, build your online visibility and strengthen it day by day. Join online communities and groups to discuss with people what you are good at. It greatly helps in pitching.
4. Start with small jobs
With the writing samples in place and getting engaged in social interaction, now it’s time to attract new clients. In short, you need to say “yes” to almost everything that comes your way.
And, there are long-term benefits to it. When you accept work at a low rate, most of the times clients will give you good ratings. As such, positive ratings start to build up.
To achieve success in a freelance writing career, you need patience and deliver your best work always. It applies to everyone and even I was not an exception.
I remember the days where I used to write good content, free of plagiarism and complying with Yoast SEO practices at very low rates. It was like $3 for a 1000-word article.
So, if you are looking at the big picture in freelance writing, you need lots of positive ratings. After you have built a good reputation, you can increase your prices. Moreover, you get the liberty to choose your work.
5. Getting paid
After finding a client and delivering the work as promised, you have to get the money. When you are starting, it can be a hurdle. However, don’t worry, because most of the payments are made online these days.
Apart from providing unique content to the client, you should create an invoice. You can create a PDF invoice and email them asking for payment through systems like PayPal.
Finding it hard to make your first invoice? There are plenty of examples on the internet. Take a good look at them and create something unique for your purpose.
On the other hand, if you are working with clients from several freelancing websites such as Fiverr, Freelancer, etc., you don’t have to worry about generating an invoice. You receive payment after completing the work. The process is automated.
6. Make new clients and ask for more work from the existing ones
As you go on expanding your network, you will get many clients through referrals. Send your best pitch that falls in line with what the client is looking for. The right pitch includes who you are, a summary of your work, and that you can take the current work.
However, research well about the client that you are reaching for. Make sure to find out what they might be looking for before connecting with them. Familiarizing yourself with the kind of content that the client hopes to create can be the deciding factor whether or not you get the job.
Next, make a great impression when they interview you. Try to learn more about the client’s project and show how you can help them out.
However, there will be times where you won’t get any kind of response. So, never lose hope and continue your hustle.
Landing new clients aren’t the only way to find work. Let your current clients know that you are available. Sometimes clients have unexpected assignments at hand and they have to decide who to give the work to.
When you let your clients know that you are available, you may get the work. So, make it a habit and follow it wholeheartedly.
7. Expand your online business
Now that you have made a remarkable entry into the freelancing world and established yourself after some time, it’s time to expand your writing business.
Start working on other freelancing platforms and take out projects outside your niche. While that might increase your workload, it allows you to reach more clients. Also, you can target high-paying clients.
Conclusion
When you are starting a new venture, things are intimidating. And, the same thing goes with freelance writing as well. However, getting started with and becoming a full-time freelance writer needs patience and lots of great work.
Always expect the unexpected and stay motivated. This is like raising a child, where you need to focus on important things and keep growing. Don’t be let down by your fear.
Every new day brings something fresh. Moreover, try to remain on track with what you want to achieve and don’t drift away from it. Be professional in every aspect.
That way, you can have dedication toward quality work, insensitivity to rejection, and build a great career.
If you produce high-quality work and explore things on the way, you can become a successful full-time freelance writer within a few years.