You may have heard a thousand times that you need to
make a website, especially if you are struggling to build a career as a
freelance writer.
But, do you need a website to get things going?
Well, that’s a tough question. Many writers believe that building a website and managing it hampers their writing. Whereas, others think just the opposite.
Developing a website indeed seems intimidating. And, sometimes even unnecessary.
On the brighter side, you don’t have to run a sophisticated website in the beginning. Keep it basic. And, publish your work frequently. The rest will follow.
Keep in mind that a website should be the second most important thing. The first one is your actual writing skills.
But, if you want to reach out to more people, gain credibility for your work, and boost your business, you should have a website.
Here are a few reasons that I feel why you should have a website.
Your website is your online portfolio
Keeping your writing samples close at hand and waiting to send them as attachments to your clients seem daunting. A website is a great place to display your writing skills to potential clients.
You can even create a separate page for your writing samples. However, this works fine if you are building a website that looks more like an online portfolio page.
I am not discussing that. What I am saying is that you should build a website, choose your preferred niche and publish your work.
I believe that your website should look and feel more than a portfolio.
Look more professional by showcasing your best work
With a website, even a decent writer can look like an expert. Moreover, this is important if you are looking to connect with more people. It helps to pitch your work conveniently.
In short, it gives you an edge over others. And, there is no doubt about it. Also, it helps you to develop as a writer.
With a website in place, you can showcase your writing style. That way, it helps to draw more people. Apart from that, a website is easily accessible.
Customers search online, don’t forget that
A writer might achieve success without having a website. Well, that was 10 years ago. Things are changing at a faster pace.
With everything going online, the internet is the first place where your potential clients will look for you.
Apart from the editors, most of your clients will be business owners. And, they will be eager to know how well you write.
When you publish content on your website, you will know how to optimize them so that they attract search engines.
This is called SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and serious clients understand the value of it. As such, you develop skills to write for the internet. Your credibility increases as an online writer.
Your website improves your online visibility
As said, a website helps you to build credibility. It’s an important feature that motivates potential clients to hire you. They need to trust you before hiring you.
You can build credibility through your content, online presence, and expertise. Moreover, it reflects how serious you are when it comes to writing business.
Writing guest posts for other websites can be helpful as well. Also, you can consider listing the companies that you have worked with. Moreover, you can publish your recognitions and awards on your website.
Create a separate page and highlight all your achievements. Or, you can put them on your “About” page.
Publishing client testimonials is a great way to gain the trust of people who visit your website. You won’t believe it, but some writers dedicate a whole page to list testimonials on their website.
Having a website motivates you to write
When you are having a website, it motivates you to write. Like I said, choose whatever subject you like most, write blog posts, and publish them.
Many writers struggle to find the motivation to start or complete their work. And, it is hard to manage it continuously.
However, when you are publishing content on your website, you get the motivation to get going. You have your readers waiting for another interesting new post.
This kind of motivation is necessary to keep you away from lethargy. Writing gets easier and you don’t have to push yourself too much.
Your website brings more efficiency to your online business
There is no question that a website can make your business more efficient. Instead of making phone calls or sending emails to clients, a website provides the perfect place where your clients can find out your writing skills.
Viewers can visit your website thousand times a day. And, they can contact you through your “Contact” page. Whenever someone puts in their details on the contact form, you get their information.
That way, you can interact with the person or company and find out more about what they are looking for.
Even if things go south, you have their contact details. This is very effective when you want to make announcements of your writing service. You can reach out to your important clients and make sure everyone stays informed.
As such, it improves your brand visibility, authority, and credibility.
It’s a great way to put yourself first
Having a website is a fun-filled experience. It allows you to highlight your personality to the world. Sharing your thoughts helps you to find and interact with many people.
It makes you feel more confident about yourself. When you put your personality through writing, other people will respond to it. That way, it improves your self-confidence. In short, you become self-sufficient.
Writing is an amazing way to express your individuality. Moreover, when you find out that more and more people are liking your website, you feel better about yourself.
This kind of improved confidence helps you to become a successful full-time freelance writer.
There are chances that you can earn from the website
What started as a need might become a passive income source. Yes, you have heard it right. Your website can generate income for you.
When you have plenty of followers, there are ways through which you can monetize your blog site.
Everyone loves to have an additional source of income. And, if you can make money online doing something that you like, then why not take the plunge?
Monetizing a website is a no-brainer these days. All you need to have is a good reader base. And, you are good to go.
In conclusion
So, those were the reasons why you need a website. When you have a website, it benefits you. And, helps you to make progress in your career as a full-time freelance writer.
Moreover, websites are easy to set up and operate. There is no rocket science involved in it. And, if you find something hard to understand, you can get help from tutorials scattered on the internet.
Or, you can hire an expert that will help you out. So, don’t think twice. Build a website, publish content that your readers find interesting, establish your credibility, and improve your online business.