A guide on becoming a freelance writer in 2020
Freelance writing, while challenging and ambiguous when starting, can be an exceptionally rewarding avenue to follow. Whether it is to establish a stable passive income or pursue full time, it’s one of the best ways to free up your time.
I managed to do it, while travelling across Europe and South East Asia. Along the way, I made memories and saw some of the most beautiful sites in the world. I’m hoping I can help others do the same!
Getting Started
You need to start by gaining your first clients or additional clients if you have some already.
Here is how I would split my efforts:
Job Boards — 20%
While job boards can be useful, many times, it can feel like a black hole. These job boards allow you to submit applications. However, once that is done, there is no way to check on their progress.
Despite this, it is a viable option, and I believe you should allocate 20% of your time towards it. Remember, you’re competing with hundreds, if not thousands of freelancers on job boards.
So I’d recommend sticking to your niche and limiting your efforts to quality, not quantity. Where you feel you’re an expert in your niche, you can have a quantity approach- if that makes sense. For example, if you’re an expert real estate writer — then yes, place lots of effort in reaching out to several job boards as a real estate writer. But don’t spread yourself thin and only work with job boards.
It’s only going to frustrate you. In my experience, the below job boards are the best to work with. They provided quality work, good pay, and have a high frequency of quality listings.
Problogger is easy to use. They have several listings of freelance writing jobs that are posted daily. Again, the way to stand out amongst others is, before you apply to ask yourself, “If I were the recruiter, what would a good application look like?” And if you’re struggling to answer that question, here is what it looks like:
- Avoid generic template/sales emails — The recruiter is looking for specific examples of your writing. Only add links to 2 or 3 of your best work. Remember, hyperlinks do not work in a submission box where you have to send your application. So send the link instead of the hyperlinked text.
- Show personality — starting an application with “Trust all is well / Hope you are well” is generic, boring and shows no creativity. Start with mentioning something about their website, or if you picked up a grammar error in their post, then point it out. It’ll show them that you pay attention to detail and have that X factor
- Visit their website. If it’s not listed in the job posting, then Google the company you’re applying to. In your application, mention what you noticed on their website, and how you believe you could contribute to their content.
Below are links to really good templates and guidelines when applying to job boards:
https://singlemomsincome.com/how-to-find-freelance-jobs-my-best-tips/
Very much similar to Problogger, however, there are less frequent postings. I highly advise you to use this site if the job posting is in line with your niche.
A fantastic site that links job seekers to Indeed.com / Problogger / Bloggingpro etc. for opportunities that are remote, and legit. They post at least about 20 new opportunities every day. If you’re looking to be a successful freelance writer, then freelancewriting.com is a must to use daily.
Probably one of my favourite resources, because not many freelancers think of it as a viable way to land freelance gigs / long term remote work. That means there are, on average fewer applicants per job posting and thus a greater opportunity for you to be successful. Furthermore, advertisers/ recruiters on LinkedIn pay a daily fee for their job posting — meaning they are as motivated as you to find a writer as you are to find a job/gig.
Firstly, you need to create an optimized LinkedIn profile. I suggest reading:
https://www.makealivingwriting.com/linkedin-profile-mastery-for-freelancers/
Once you have a solid LinkedIn profile, here is how I advise you use the search functionality:
Click on the “jobs” icon on LinkedIn, and there’ll be two areas to be filled out. The first is “Search Jobs,” and next to it is “Search Location.”
Search Jobs
The success of your ability to find quality freelance work on LinkedIn lies in your skill in the creativity of the terms you use in your job search. Every job description/title is different, so I would advise you to use different words to find what you are looking for. Here are some of my recommendations:
- Freelance writer
- Freelance (insert niche) writer
- Freelance copy editor
- Remote Writer
- Freelance author
- Remote editor
- Freelance Blogger
- Remote Blogger
The list could go on, but you catch my drift :)
Search Location
The second part of what you want to do is use the search location function.
First, enter “worldwide” and hit search. See what comes up, and apply for what’s relevant.
Secondly, enter “remote” and hit search. It will show you the remote opportunities that you could apply for.
Thirdly, enter “your area”- i.e., whatever country you’re staying in. Lots of recruiters look for local talent, so this would be an excellent way to find them
Finally, enter “preferred location — e.g., new york, Singapore, etc.”. If you want to work in a particular market or country, enter it in the search bar under location. Just because you don’t stay there, does not mean you cannot work remotely in that location.
Alternative platforms — 40%
By alternative platforms, what I mean is to ask yourself the question:
“Where can I find freelance writing jobs that no one knows of?” — i.e., To give yourself a better chance of standing out, you need to work on being niche and targeted. Trying to compete against 10 000 people for a job is not going to do you well. Firstly, it probably won’t pay well, and secondly, recruiters choose the first one they see, not always the best candidate. Here are some of my favourite routes:
LinkedIn Content search
Yes, LinkedIn is once again mentioned. This time, it is using Linkedin”s Content search functionality to find freelance work.
Here are the steps you would follow.
- Hit the magnifying glass under the search button
- Click on content
- Enter the term “freelance writer
- Scroll down and see what opportunities are available.
It’s a technique that has consistently worked for me and is how I get the majority of my freelance work. You’re able to direct message the advertiser, and usually, the provide you with an email address to reach them as well.
This makes it a far easier way to follow up. I’d recommend following the instructions provided in the post, but also to add the recruiter on LinkedIn. Then, send them a message and voila! I followed the steps above when searching, and here is what I found:
While I am no expert on using Twitter, I read a blog post which gives excellent advice on how to use it. I recommend you check it out here:
https://www.makealivingwriting.com/x-ways-find-freelance-writing-jobs-twitter/
Another useful tool which I highly recommend. It’s easy because you can just direct message recruiters on Facebook. Here are some groups I recommend joining:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1628093184157402/?ref=group_browse
https://www.facebook.com/groups/756306204446638/?ref=group_browse
https://www.facebook.com/groups/859952234028551/?ref=group_browse
https://www.facebook.com/groups/901887786539278/?ref=group_browse
Cold pitching- 20%
Cold pitching is a term that can sometimes discourage freelancers because it can literally feel like a “cold-hearted” process, but it should not be underestimated. We live in a content-hungry era, and websites/businesses are always looking to bring creative content to their audiences.
You need to develop a process when starting pitching. By this, I mean
- Shortlist companies in your niche — i.e., which companies would want to work with you or use your content
- Find the “write for us” section on their website. This will tell you how the site receives and accepts submissions
- Start cold pitching
Here are some of my favourite places that lists several companies that accept cold pitches:
https://elnacain.com/blog/freelance-writing-gigs-online/
https://realwaystoearnmoneyonline.com/write-for-magazines/
https://www.theinternationalfreelancer.com/1-a-word/
Remember these principles when cold pitching:
- Editors receive 100s of cold pitches every week. Stand out by being concise, non-vague and specific to the website you’re applying to
- Grammar and spelling perfection. They won’t bother editing your work, and will just reply with a simple “no.”
- Stay motivated — if the first 10 reject you, there are more sites out there!
- Save all your cold pitches in one folder. You may find that it is easy to use them again if it’s in the same niche — but with specific tweaking, to the site, you’re applying to.
Freelance websites — 20%
The two websites I find most reliable are PeoplePerHour and Upwork. There is consistent freelance writing work that pays well. You’re also protected in terms of payment, which brings some level of comfort and assurance.
Upwork
Here is a complete guide of how to get started on Upwork and be a successful freelance writer that I recommend is worth looking at.
https://writingcooperative.com/upwork-kicked-off-my-career-as-a-freelance-writer-aa042fa21eff
PeoplePerHour
Although seemingly less lucrative than Upwork, PPH has success stories of many writers! Read through this article to find out how.
https://www.peopleperhour.com/blog/archive/get-first-client-peopleperhour/
So to sum up, here is how I advise you to split your time as it relates to seeking freelance work:
Job Boards — 20%
Alternative Methods — 40%
Cold Pitching — 20%
Freelance sites — 20%
Should you follow this process for at least 3–4 months, you’ll start getting ‘word of mouth clients, ‘ which is the best!
Developing a killer website / Blog
One thing you want to show clients is your portfolio of work. Whether you’re submitting a job application, or an email, to have your portfolio on a website shows professionality, and allows clients to interact with your work.
Wix.com and Wordpress are my favourite to build this, but you can use anything, as long as it looks professional and contains the following:
- An about me section — i.e., a place where you describe who you are behind the ‘writer’s pen.’ Show some personality and don’t write a boring about me section.
- Portfolio — you’ll want to have specific tabs for different types of work. E.g., If you are a real estate writer, split your work in the various fields of real estate. Also, split your portfolio in terms of the type of post — e.g., blog post, white paper, analytical work, etc. This allows you to copy and paste the links you need quickly and send them to your clients
- Contact me — i.e., an email address, skype ID, phone number, and possibly a Whatsapp Extension line of where they could find you.
Grammarly
I cannot stress the importance of a tool such as Grammarly. After my first month of using it, I decided to buy a full year subscription. Not only does it improve your grammar, but it also gives feedback on style and plagiarism.
As a value add, you can mention to your clients that you’ll provide them with a Grammarly report, which shows proof of editing. I highly recommend using this for all the work you’re doing. Start with using the free version, and you’ll quickly see how valuable it is.
Develop a marketing plan — go where no one else goes — Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, etc.
How to think about life as a freelance writer
Don’t get me wrong; the above-mentioned tips are essential. But what I am about to say will determine whether you will succeed or not.
Being a great freelance writer is far more about your Consistency and Perseverance than your writing ability. Most of the things you will do, you probably don’t know, or still have to learn. Thus, your motivation and ability to work with small steps is your most valuable asset. Here’s how to work through it:
Small steps
It cannot be emphasised enough how important it is to work towards smaller goals as opposed to grand goals that you never achieve because of frustration. Here are some small goals you need to work towards:
- Write every day — even if it is just 50 words, write something, and make it available to the public. Writing is your tool, and if you don’t use it, you might just lose it
- Read every day — even if it is only 100 words. Reading is a source of creativity and a great way to learn from other writers about different perspectives
- Learn every day — Learn a new word or a different skill set that will distinguish you in the market — e.g., video editing, data analytics, social media skills, SEO, etc.
Set process goals, not income goals
It’s important to understand that income is related to the consistency of your process. You need to treat your freelance writing like a scientist. A constant cycle of hypothesising, testing, improving, and starting over again. Create an excel spreadsheet of the process you’re using to be a successful freelance writer. E.g. The time you wake up, what you do during that time and what the outcome was. Track it every day, and then measure how successful it was. Then add small changes to your process and see if there is any difference.
Think like a business person/entrepreneur
As much as you may enter freelance writing as a solo artist, understand that you are working towards being the lead singer in a band. You’ll eventually hit a plateau in terms of the amount of work you can do. That will mean you need to start creating an agency to get other freelancers/writers to work for you. You need to start thinking about branding, scaling, legalities around registering a business, and how to motivate others. Always keep this in the back of your mind. If you start with the mentality of thinking like an entrepreneur, you’ll ensure that your clients are happy because you’ll have provided them with services you are proud of.
Let me know if any of the above was helpful to you :)
