In recent years, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of people who are choosing to freelance their writing skills which is largely due to the fact that the internet has made it easier than ever before for freelance writers to connect with clients from all over the world.
With the gig economy on the rise, more and more people are looking for flexible work opportunities that require minimal commitment. Writing fits that bill perfectly! From content writing, to blog posts and articles, freelance writing offers an array of possibilities.
In 2019, the US was ranked the largest market for freelancing with a 78% annual growth rate; the UK, Brazil, and the Philippines came after.
The current statistics for the UK freelance industry shows approximately 2 million freelancers working in the United Kingdom. Significantly, this is a 77% increase compared to the 2010 figures that stood at 60,500. In addition, the report identified and ranked writing as the third most popular gig in the UK, with 17% growth rate.
Who is a freelance writer?
A freelancer writer is a professional writer who works on a self-employed basis, typically taking on individual projects from multiple clients. They may specialise in a particular category of writing, or have a broad range of skills across different areas. Freelance writers usually work from home, and some even work remotely for international clients.
There are variety of writing niche and some of the most common areas are articles, web content, blog posts, SEO content, press release, white paper, research papers, and many other forms of writing.
What services does a freelancer writer offers businesses?
Freelance writers are often hired remotely to write copy for websites, books, magazines, and other publications. Apart from writing, they may also provide editing services or offer ghostwriting services. As a freelance copywriter, you create compelling and informative content that engages the target audience and drives conversions. Consequently, the role of a freelance writer is not just writing for the sake of it but writing content that the audience will want to read.
In other to become a professional freelance writer that earn 6 figures, you need to implement these 6 tips:
- Find your niche
- Choose the right platform to sell your writing skill
- Have a strong portfolio
- Market yourself
- Be an expert in the field
- Get your very first client
A freelance writer should focus on a specific niche
Finding your focus niche is the first step to becoming a professional freelance writer. As a matter of fact, you need to ask yourself what you are passionate about; what writing niche you have expertise in, and research the demand for that specific writing skill. If you’re having trouble finding your niche, I will advise you to consider taking on pro bono projects or writing samples. In addition, you should research different niche to see which one you feel comfortable with. Only when you have finally decided on your niche will you be ready to offer your skill to potential clients.
Tip 1: Focusing on a specific field will be of immense benefit to you. It will improve your skill set in the area and also enhance your reputation as an expert in the field. This will lead you to securing more job offers.
A freelance writer need to choose the right platform to sell
As a freelance content writer, choosing the right platform to ply your trade is crucial to your overall success. Also, this can be a daunting task, as various platforms exist. For example, when I started writing blogs and articles, I found it challenging to get the ideal platform to monetise my skill.
Marketplaces like Fiverr, Upwork, PeoplePerHour, and Freelancer are globally renowned platforms. The good news is that there are some factors to help you decide on which marketplace to pitch your tent in. Basically, these marketplaces offer a variety of writing and digital services and can be a great place to start your freelance content writing career. Additionally, LinkedIn is also a great place to market yourself because you will have access to a large pool of potential clients.
On the other hand, you can write content for freelance writing agencies like Anglowriters, ContentFly, or Writer Access. Compared to traditional marketplaces like Upwork, Fiverr, and PeoplePerHour, which offer other skills other than writing, Anglowriter specialize only in what they know how to do best writing! In addition, we will provide you with opportunities to become an expert in your area
Nevertheless, whether you´re a startup, a fast-growing enterprise, or an established business looking for bespoke quality content, our Anglo freelance writing agency can help you at any stage of your journey.
Tip 2: It is essential to point out that when choosing a platform for your freelance business, you should consider your goals and the platform’s capabilities. Additionally, there are many online marketplaces to set up your writing business; besides, there is no crime in selling on multiple platforms.
A professional freelance writer must have a strong portfolio
If you want to become a professional freelance content writer, you need to set up a strong portfolio. This will give potential clients an idea of your writing style, tone, and ability. It will help clients decide whether you’re the right fit for their project.
To create a strong portfolio, start by including your best writing samples. Choose samples that show off your versatility as a writer and highlight the different types of content you can produce. In addition, if you have any published articles or blog posts, be sure to include those as well as it is equally important.
While your portfolio should traditionally include information about your education, and professional experience, furthermore, it should include any other industry-specific skills or knowledge such as SEO or social media marketing which could give you a much better chance of landing high-paying freelance writing gigs.
Tip 3: Building a portfolio is crucial, there are many freebies and premium websites that allows you to host a portfolio; a good example is clippings.me which host our Anglo writers portfolio.
Market yourself
To be a successful freelance content writer, you must market yourself effectively, which includes creating a strong online presence and branding yourself as an expert in your field. Moreover, a strong online presence will help you attract clients and build credibility. In essence, start by:
- Creating a website or blog that showcases your writing skills
- Make sure to include samples of your work and testimonials from satisfied clients
- Use social media to spread the word about your freelance business
- Be active on sites like Twitter and LinkedIn
- Include backlinks to your website or blog.
Tip 4: Marketing your freelance writing trade involves you taking a proactive approach. One way is to share your profile or gigs on social media platforms like YouTube, Meta, Twitter, and other social media platforms to increase your visibility. Implementing these marketing strategies will increase your chances of landing a client.
Establish yourself as an expert in your Field
Branding yourself as an expert in your field will help you stand out from the competition. Equally, when marketing yourself, focus on highlighting your unique skillset and experiences. Also, get a blog running and publish regular informative and engaging articles relevant to your skill set. Write guest posts for popular blogs in your industry, be a thought leader, and include links to your site. Speak at industry events, and offer free webinars or e-courses on topics you’re knowledgeable about. The more exposure you get, the more likely clients will hire you for their content needs.
Tip 5: Operating an active LinkedIn account is a strategy that has worked for many professional freelance writers, including me. On LinkedIn, many global companies and organisations are always in search of a professional freelance writer for their next project. Your daily engagement on the site will increase your connections. Furthermore, your freelance writing profile will be accessible to millions of business owners. You will be in a community of like minds where you can establish yourself as an expert in your niche. Leverage on that, and you will be boosting your freelance income in 2023.
Read our article: Boosting your freelance writing income in 2023
Get Your First Paying Client
As a professional freelance writer, Getting paid for a job well done is always a good moment. To ensure that your client is 100% satisfied with your deliverables, below are a few key pointers to take note of when trying to get your first paying client:
- Ensure that your website or portfolio is up-to-date and showcase your best work.
- Reach out to your contacts and let them know you’re available for hire.
- Consider bidding on relevant writing projects on various freelance job boards.
- Learn how to write a good proposal that wins clients over.
- Bid right, as you don’t want to scare your client because your price is too high or too low.
- Under promise but over deliver.
Conclusion
To be a professional freelance writer is not necessarily an easy task. While this takes a lot of hard work, dedication, and skill, the financial reward can be significant. Besides, you will also be satisfied with doing what you love. Overall, by following these six steps, you will be on your way to becoming a professional freelance writer faster than you think.
Need a copywriter?
At Anglo writers, we have perfected the art of writing that ensures your business gets the desired response. We will help you write exclusive google friendly content. Our content will entice, inform, and engage your target audience with the right structure, voice, and tone choices. Ultimately, our deliverables will convert your online visitors to patrons and eventually generate sales! Contact us today for your bespoke content!
