Freelance Content Writer

Have you been toying with the idea of becoming a freelance content writer? There are many perks to the job.

The most obvious perk of working as a freelancer of any sort is that you can work from anywhere and at any time. But a freelance writer has additional perks as well.

First, you have the opportunity to read and learn about a wide variety of subjects and topics. If you consider yourself a person who loves learning, this is an excellent job for you.

Second, being a freelance writer allows you to use your creativity and intelligence. Perhaps you have had jobs in the past that were rather mind-numbing or routine. Maybe you always have felt that you were underutilized in previous positions because you are a creative, problem-solver who enjoys a challenge. You have to use your brain as a freelance writer, and that can feel immensely satisfying.

Just as a musician gets better with more practice, writers get better the more they write. As you work as a freelance writer, you become a faster, more competent wordsmith. As long as you are open feedback from editors and proofreaders, you can develop a craft as you earn a living.

But we may be preaching to the choir. Maybe you already know why you want to become a freelance writer, but you need help with the “how.”

How to Become a Freelance Writer

There’s no one right way to become a freelance writer. Read on to discover how to become a freelance content writer if you have no previous experience.

1(a). Create an account with a freelancing website.

There are plenty of freelancing sites that facilitate the introduction between the client and the writer. The largest website of this kind is Upwork.

Before you can become a writer through Upwork, you need to create a profile that lists the details of your education and employment history. At this time, you can list what type of writing style preferences — such as content writing (or writing for websites), creative writing, resume writing, technical writing, etc.

OR . . .

1(b). Reach out to online or local businesses to ask for employment as a freelance writer.

Of course, you don’t have to work through a freelancing website. Upwork takes 20% of the money you earn, plus they charge a monthly fee for the privilege of using their site. You can keep more of the money you receive if you work on your own.

Regardless of whether you work through Upwork or go out on your own, the next step is the same.

2. Begin applying for jobs.

Once Upwork accepts your profile, you can begin to apply for jobs. We’re not going to lie — applying for jobs is a very frustrating process.

When you apply for a job through freelance websites, you write individual letters to the clients, persuading them why you are worthy of the position. It takes a lot of time to write these proposals, and you aren’t paid until someone agrees to hire you.

Most clients want to hire people who have writing experience — or at least a profile of articles to share.

Some clients will seek out the novice writers for shady situations — such as writing reviews for products you haven’t purchased or writing term papers for students.

3. Write.

When you begin working as a freelance writer, you may feel as if you only want to apply for jobs in your areas of expertise. You then will quickly realize that no one wants to hire someone to write about how much they love “The Crown” on Netflix, and there aren’t many jobs about how the KC Chiefs fixed their defensive line.

If you want to make it as a content writer, you are going to have to write about all sorts of crazy topics. If you wait around for the perfect job before you apply, you are going to be waiting for a long time.

4. Develop relationships.

Just like any other career, freelance writing is about relationships. You may write for some clients for months or years without never meeting or even talking on the phone, but you get to know one another by communicating online.

Finding good clients may take a while. Once you have found customers who can keep you busy as many hours as you would like to work, you can officially call yourself a freelance writer.

Good luck with a career as a freelance writer. We hope that we were able to get you started on your journey.

This article was originally posted at Freelancing Buzz.