Get Started as a Freelance Writer: Tips for Breaking Into the Industry

The freelance writing industry is becoming more popular by the day. With millions of people looking for ways to make money outside of their 9-5 job, it’s no wonder that this industry has become so sought after. Freelance writers are in demand all over the world, with businesses needing articles written on almost any topic you can think of.

Who is a freelance writer?

A freelance writer is someone who writes for a living, outside of their full-time job. This can be anyone from a stay at home mom to a recent graduate. Freelance writing is a great way to make money on the side, or even as your main source of income.

How to become a freelance writer

Are you looking to get into freelance writing? Maybe you’re just starting out in the industry, or maybe you’ve been working for years but are ready to branch out on your own. No matter where you are in your career, this blog post will provide helpful tips that will help get you started and grow your business!

If you’re interested in getting started as a freelance writer, here are some tips to help break into this competitive field:

1) Do your research

As a beginner freelance writer, researching and gathering all the info about freelancing writing should be your number one step. There are countless online resources available, and it’s important to know what types of freelance writing jobs exist.

By researching the industry first, you will be able to make a more informed decision about how you want to run your business as well as learn valuable information that can help you get ahead in this field.

If possible, try working with different types of writing projects to get a better understanding of what you like and don’t like. This will help you hone your skills in the areas you’re interested in, and give you a portfolio that showcases your strengths.

2) Find your niche

You now know what freelance writing is all about. But, do you have any idea what niche you should pursue?

It’s important to find a niche that you’re passionate about. If your passions lie in an industry, this will help keep you motivated and excited when things get tough.

Whether it’s writing for e-commerce websites or crafting articles about the latest business trends, finding something that truly interests you is key.

When determining which type of freelance writing job you would like to take, make sure it aligns with your skills and interests. Not only will this help keep you motivated through the challenges that come along with freelancing writing, but it also helps develop your expertise in an industry where you can truly excel!

Don’t forget about diversity either; try not to pigeonhole yourself into one type of writing, but keep an open mind when it comes to different career paths.

By working in different industries and with various types of clients, you will be able to experience more success in this field. This is also a great way for your business to grow!

3) Familiarize with the tools and skills required

Writers need skills and tools to succeed in this industry. Freelance writers need to learn the ins and outs of word processors, spreadsheets, social media management programs, etc. so that they can be efficient while working on projects.

Every industry has different tools for its freelancers. It’s important to familiarize yourself with these programs before beginning work with any clients.

This is a great way to show that you’re professional and ready to take on any project they may have.

In addition, make sure your writing skills are up-to-par. Excellent grammar, syntax, and vocabulary are essential when working as a freelance writer. If you’re not confident in your writing abilities, there are plenty of ways you can improve.

Enroll in a writing course to help increase your skills and take some practice tests. If English isn’t your first language, consider taking online classes.

Freelance writer tools

• Grammar tools
• A laptop or desktop computer
• Business email
• Video conferencing account (e.g Zoom)
• Bank account

Having the right tools and knowing what’s required of you as a freelance writer will help build trust with potential clients, and show that you’re serious about your business.

4) Develop business skills

Business skills for freelance writers

• Time management
• Organizational skills
• Billing and invoicing
• Contract negotiation
• Marketing yourself and your services

Freelancing is a business like any other. As a freelance writer, you’ll need to develop business skills to be successful. Good time management and organizational skills are critical to your success.

You’ll also need to be proficient in billing, invoicing, and contract negotiations. Being able to market yourself and your services is another important skill set for freelancers.

Fortunately, there are plenty of online resources that can help you develop these skills. Take the time to learn about what it takes to run a successful freelance writing business so you can avoid any common pitfalls.

5) Understand different writing styles

As a freelance writer, you’ll need to be versatile in your writing styles. You must be able to write for different industries and topics while maintaining the appropriate style of language for each one.

For example, if you’re working with an e-commerce website that sells high-end products, you will not want to use slang or casual language when writing the content. On the contrary, if you’re writing a blog about how to build your own backyard fire pit for a DIY site, casual language is appropriate and even encouraged!

To produce quality work that clients will love, freelance writers must understand the different styles of writing required for each industry or topic they write on. By doing this, you will be able to develop your skills and broaden your expertise in the field.

Writing about different topics within one industry can also help increase traffic on a website or blog. For example, if writing for an e-commerce site that sells outdoor gear, try incorporating posts related to camping trips or hiking trails into your content strategy. If you can write about different topics within one industry, your readers will have more reason to visit the website or blog.

6) Don’t be afraid to start small

Most new freelancers don’t have connections or experience when they first begin working in an unfamiliar field. You needn’t feel like you have anything to prove by starting out big! Instead, try taking on smaller projects to build your portfolio. This will help you gain experience, which in turn makes it easier for clients to trust you with bigger jobs down the road!

As time goes on, consider joining freelance networks that can connect you with other freelancers and businesses looking for writing services. The more connections you make, the better able you’ll be to find work and grow your business.

7) Build your portfolio

A strong portfolio is essential for any freelance writer. This is your opportunity to show potential clients what you’re capable of and demonstrate your skill set.

Your portfolio should include a variety of writing samples, from short blog posts to longer articles. If you have experience in other fields, such as copywriting or marketing, be sure to showcase that work as well.

Make sure your portfolio is easy to navigate and showcases your best work. You may also want to consider creating a website or blog specifically for your writing services. This gives you another platform to show off your skills and attract new clients.

8) Find your first freelance writing job

Now that you have your portfolio ready, it’s time to find a freelance writing job! You can start by reaching out to businesses and clients directly. Look for companies or websites in need of new content, which will allow you to reach out with samples from your portfolio as well as information about yourself and what services you offer.

You can also search for freelance writing jobs online. There are several job boards and websites that list freelance writing opportunities, which makes it easy to find work that matches your skills and experience.

FAQs

Here are some of the frequently asked questions by beginner freelance writers:

How do I get started as a freelance writer?

Getting started as a freelance writer can be difficult at first. But once you build up your portfolio and gain some experience, the process gets easier. Polish up your grammar, choose a niche and start practicing!

How do I find my first freelance writing job?

You can find your first freelance writing job by reaching out directly to businesses or clients that need content written for their websites or blogs, rather than applying for jobs online. This gives you an opportunity to show off your best work as well as any skills you have that are not listed in a resume.

What do I need to know about copyright laws for freelance writers?

Copyright law protects original works of authorship, including literary, dramatic, musical, and artistic works. But there’s no need to be intimidated by the legalities involved! In most cases, simply crediting the original author is enough to stay on the right side of copyright law.

What should I include in my freelance writer’s portfolio?

Your freelance writer’s portfolio should include a variety of writing samples, from short blog posts to longer articles. If you have experience in other fields, such as copywriting or marketing, be sure to showcase that work as well. You should also make sure your portfolio is easy to navigate and showcases your best work.

Where can I find freelance writing jobs?

There are several places where you can find freelance writing jobs, including online job boards and websites that list freelance opportunities. This makes it easy to find work that matches your skills and experience.

How do freelance writers get paid?

Freelance writers are typically paid on a per word or per-project basis. This can vary depending on the length and complexity of the project, as well as the writer’s experience level. Generally, invoices are sent to clients upon completion of a project, and payment is made once the invoice has been approved.

How do I become a freelance writer with no experience?

It can be difficult to become a freelance writer with no experience, but it’s not impossible. Start by building up your portfolio and reaching out to businesses and clients that need content written. You may also want to consider taking online writing courses or workshops to help you improve your skills.

Do freelance writers need a degree?

Freelance writers do not need a degree to become successful. However, having a degree in English, journalism, or another writing-related field can be helpful. A degree can also give you the skills you need to start your own freelance business.

What is the average salary of a freelance writer?

The average salary for a freelance writer varies depending on how much experience they have, as well as what type of writing jobs they are able to secure. Generally speaking though, the average salary for a freelance writer is around $40-80k in the United States.

What should I include in my resume when applying for freelance writing jobs?

When you’re applying for freelance writing jobs, you should include a resume that highlights your writing skills and experience. Be sure to list any writing-related courses or workshops you’ve taken, as well as any other relevant skills you may have.

How much should I charge for a 1000 word article?

The amount you charge for a 1000 word article will vary depending on your experience and the type of writing job you’re securing. Generally speaking, most freelance writers charge between $0.03-0.05 per word. As a beginner freelance writer, if you were to write a 1000 word article, you would expect to earn anywhere from $30-50.

Can I be a freelance writer in different niches?

Yes, you can be a freelance writer in different niches. In fact, it’s often helpful to specialize in a few specific niches so you can become an expert in those areas. This can help set you apart from other writers and make you more desirable to potential clients.

What skills do I need to start freelance writing?

In order to start freelance writing, you should have a few key skills. These include strong communication and organization skills, as well as the ability to provide quality content quickly. You will also need some sort of experience in your chosen niches so you can write with authority about them.

What do I need to get started?

To get started as a freelance writer, you’ll need some basic tools and equipment. This includes a computer, internet access, and a portfolio website where you can showcase your work. You may also want to invest in some software that can help with writing and formatting tasks, such as Microsoft Word or Adobe Photoshop.

Are there any online resources for freelance writers?

Yes, there are a number of online resources for freelance writers. Some examples include forums where you can connect and network with other writers, as well as websites that list freelance opportunities. This makes it easy to find work that matches your skills and experience.

Final Thoughts

No matter what industry or niche that interests you or how long you’ve been a freelance writer, you can benefit from the tips above.

And don’t forget – if writing isn’t your thing and you’d prefer to work in a different area of freelancing, not all successful writers are also good at business! Many people choose to hire virtual assistants instead; it’s never too early (or too late) to find out

If you have any additional questions, contact an organization such as the American Society of Journalists and Authors. The ASJA can offer more information on how to become a successful freelance writer. They also provide members with access to job boards and other resources that could be useful in your search for work!