Freelance writing appears to remain a huge part of the future of work and post-Covid; with the emergence of a new work lifestyle- the trend is accelerating at a fast pace. Here is a complete guide to what is freelance writing and how you can make money out of it.
Freelance writing appears to remain a huge part of the future of work and post-Covid; with the emergence of a new work lifestyle- the trend is accelerating at a fast pace. Here is a complete guide to what is freelance writing and how you can make money out of it.
Definition of freelance writing
Before diving into the details of freelance writing, here is the simplest definition of freelance writing that explains what it actually is as many people ask this question; what is freelance writing?
Freelance writing is the type of work that depends on getting paid to write. The writer is by no means employed by the company’s official payroll and works at their own discretion, providing writing services or contractual basis. A freelance writer has the freedom to work with several companies at a time and according to their own free will.
It is more or less professional writing done by freelancers and not a permanent employee. The word ‘freelance’ stemmed from the Middle Ages and was used to describe the knights who fought for whichever king paid them and were not loyal to kings but to their service. These free-lanced knights fought for the king, who paid them according to their demands and enjoyed their free will.
Freelance writing explained
If you are a freelance writer, the work you produce belongs to you, and no organization or employer has hired you. And you have the liberty to submit it to anyone who pays you your desired amount. This short-term commitment is used in both creative and technical writing pieces.
Freelance writers have varying pay schedules and structures, but the most common nowadays in :
1. Payment per word
This is when the writer and client agree on a fixed rate per word for the required article or content. Usually, the per-word rate is $0.10 but can also go up to $1 for more experienced or technical writing.
2. Payment per hour
Some clients or companies require freelance writers to work on an hourly basis, so they hire them at fixed hourly rates. This structure is not as popular because it gives an idea that the client expects time over the quality of content. Also, it is a pain to track hours.
3. Payment per project
This is by far the most convenient structure of payment. The writers demand rate per project, which could be a website rewrite, a number of blog posts, an ebook, etc. The client pays the rate irrespective of the word count or the time taken. This is the easiest way to go about it and the most popular.
What is freelance writing for beginners?
If you are new to freelancing, there is a lot for you to learn in this niche. Beginners in the field know how rewarding it can be and how convenient it is as compared to a full-time job but what they don’t understand is that this type of work model comes with its own set of rules and demands.
Just like any other work or job, it is hard to work yourself up and gain the amazing benefits of freelance writing. Before you jump onto the bandwagon, it is important to give a thorough read to what a freelance writer does.
So basically, what you need to know as a newbie is that a freelance writer is a person who writes blog posts, website content, social media content, advertisement content, PR content, non-fiction articles, news or press releases, publications, magazines content, or any written pieces for organizations. A freelancer can be asked to write product descriptions for stores or even tweets!
All you need to know is that some people or organizations cannot write or sell themselves through writing, so they hire you for the task as a freelancer. Data about businesses and individuals need to be put out in writing, and that is where content writers step forward.
Examples of freelance writing services
If you are interested to know about all the available writing services available out there, then you have stepped into the right place. It might seem like freelance writers are only required to write blog posts and articles. That is a common misconception and let us debunk it today before we move forward. Freelance writers can be part of various freelance writing services and have a lot to offer, making them a unique asset to the modern workspace. Here are some of the popular examples of freelance writing services.
Facebook advertisements
Have you ever found yourself scrolling on Facebook and finding different ads here and there? Well, here is the news for you. People or businesses pay writers to create and write Facebook ads. Now you might wonder how hard that is, but the fact is that customers and companies are constantly looking for something that will grab the audience’s attention and compel them to go to the ad. If you are a writer who can write such attention-grabbing content with eye-catching visuals, you will probably get hired as a freelance writer.
Writing Facebook adverts is a type of copywriting service which is highly paid by large business groups and corporations as it gets them views and clicks to their product pages which leads to potential sales.
Social media posts
Such a type of writing service provides social media content that can be used on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or YouTube. Businesses are constantly looking to upgrade their social media profiles and catch as much attention as possible. This is done through catchy images, captivating videos, and engaging written content.
Transcription services
Transcribing services involve taking video or audio content and converting that into text. The transcriber is responsible for typing services and must take into regard proper spelling and punctuation. Such types of written services have become increasingly popular and are not only limited to the business or medical world. Bloggers and podcasters are constantly in search of transcriptionists.
Proofreading and editing services
While both are different services, they require a good eye for basic spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Editing usually involves rephrasing and changing sentence structure, while proofreading focuses entirely on spelling and grammar. Both are examples of freelance writing services that cover all sorts of written content like web content, eBook, white papers, academic writings, and user manuals. Clients seek editing and proofreading services as they don’t have much time to write their own content or further polish it before publishing it.
Sales or landing pages
Sales pages and landing pages are essential for marketers as they provide the visitors with the necessary information to turn them into buyers. These pages promote a service or product and involve more than simply outlining the offerings. It usually includes a pain point or testimonials which act to convince the reader to accept the call to action.
Cold emails
Email outreach is another way to gain customers. Businesses are constantly sending out emails to potential customers that are expected to grab attention and drive sales. This is why businesses hire writers for cold emails. Crafting outreach emails requires a specific skill, and the writer is expected to put himself in the customer’s shoes. Resonating with their demands and thoughts is extremely important in order to make this short marketing tool work.
Newsletters and Emails
Marketers are aware of the impact email subscribers have on increasing sales or traffic. This is why most of them make sure to send at least one email to subscribers. Freelance writers can do the task of creating interesting email content, saving time for the owners, and bringing artistry to the process. Writers absolutely enjoy such projects as these emails are easy and fun to write. Also, this is a high-paying writing niche.
Product Descriptions
Have you ever shopped online? Well, yes, of course. That is a way of life today.
When you are shopping online or viewing the stuff on websites, do you scroll to see the description to make a better sense of what the product is and how it performs. That summarized product information is not full of extensive details but is kept short and sweet.
Product descriptions may be short and sweet, but when a business is looking to launch multiple products at once, e.g., a dress collection, they may not have the time to write them all. Some objects need more details like gadgets or electronics. Whatever the case is, freelance writers can take up the task as it is also a great writing niche and in high demand as businesses are shifting online.
Ghostwriting & guest posting
Blogs are proven to attract more traffic and customers to web pages which is why more and more businesses are seeking freelance writers to add informative blogs to their web pages. As these businesses don’t have the time to write these themselves, they hire ghostwriters to do it. But it is important to note that while writing is the job of the freelancer, getting the blogs published on guest posting spots or publications is not their job.
Resumes, CVs, and cover letters
If you have ever sought a job, you are obviously familiar with resumes, CVs, and cover letters. These are essential for employers to determine who they wish to call for an interview as it gives a brief overview of the kind of candidate you are. And since not everyone is good with words or able to sell their skills in writing, it can lead to highly qualified individuals with ill-crafted resumes. This is where freelance writers can help individuals polish their resumes. It is essential to note the nature of the job when writing a cover letter or CV as some require it to be fancy while others are more straightforward and simple.
Presentations
Many businesses use slides or presentations to train staff or explain new strategies. Google Slides and Microsoft PowerPoint are very common in workplace settings and super easy to learn. You can provide the services or create slides and presentations for clients who are unable to do it themselves.
Content for online courses
Nowadays, online courses and educational videos are really popular. People are willing to learn new stuff online and share knowledge through these courses, all from the comfort of home. However, people who have the knowledge or ideas lack the skills to compile them and formulate a successful course which is where a freelance writer steps in and does the job. Freelance writers are hired to help these people create content for the course. Selling courses has emerged as a great way to generate income, and people who have the knowledge usually rely on writers to create the course material.
Greeting cards
If you are good with words, there are many companies who can pay you to write greeting cards. All you need to have is a knack for celebratory content for everyday holiday occasions.
There are many types of freelance writing which you can choose from according to your personal interests and personality. It is important to know the kinds of areas you can enter as a freelance writer and decide which suits you best. Once you are able to choose the type, you can further select your niche.
Types of freelance writing services
Any type of writing task that is paid by a person or a company that does not employ you full time makes that type of work freelance writing. The most popular examples of freelance writing are found in online publications or print media in categories like marketing, journalism, tech, and business. Here are types of freelance writing gigs that are well paid and popular today.
- newspaper article
- website blog or content
- Facebook post
- grant writing for a nonprofit organization
- program proposal
- manual or guides
- book review
- interviews to be published in print
- translation of a story in a foreign language
Benefits of working as a freelance writer
The world after COVID-19 has significantly changed. Remote working is the new trend. And for many of us, returning back to the dreading 9-5 routine is a huge task. Are you dreaming of a remote job while starting out of your cubicle? Is socializing with coworkers becoming too hard to bear, and the drained feeling after returning from the 8 hours of work is hurting too much? Well, it is time to breathe and tell yourself- there is a way, and that is freelance writing. The only condition is you have to have a knack for writing.
There is no doubt freelance writing is a great way to make a generous living with your own rules. Here are some benefits of working as a freelance writer that has attracted hundreds and thousands of aspiring writers to this field.
You are absolutely free to make your own schedule.
So whether you had a late night or the latest Netflix show kept you up all night. Perhaps you need a day off to do something important like attend the concert of your favorite singer or have a wedding to attend. Any kind of eventuality is welcome, as you are absolutely free to make your schedule. There is no constriction to regular working outs, and you can work any part of the day without compromising your leisure, pleasure, and work. You have the liberty to tailor your entire workday according to your personal preferences because you are not employed anywhere, and all you have to do is complete your tasks according to your schedule.
You are your own boss.
As you are not employed by anyone and only have to fulfill the client’s demands according to your own schedule and preference, you are your own boss. And what could be a better feeling than that? Imagine having no one to answer you or monitor every move of yours. You can take a long break and have no one giving you a look! Work and play side by side, and there is not a single soul on the planet who will question you. The only person you are answerable to is yourself and have complete charge of your life and day-to-day doings. This is perhaps one of the most attractive elements of working as a freelance writer!
You can pick and choose without being bored.
As a freelance writer, you have the option to pick and choose your assignments. So if something is getting too boring or a task doesn’t interest you, there is no compulsion that you have to do it. You choose your own work, so choose what excites you. With freedom like this, you get to focus entirely on what you love and just that. And what happens when you do what you love? You excel at it. So with the option to do projects that inspire you or help you learn something new, you will hardly ever bore yourself. And that is just another perk of working as a freelance writer.
You get to work in your PJs
Well, now that is a thought that might not interest you if you have never worked in your pajamas, but the truth is – there is no better feeling. As a freelance writer working from the comfort of your home- or bed, you get to choose what to wear, how to wear, and if you wish to shower or shave or not! You are free from the hassle of thinking each day about what to wear and how to make yourself presentable in front of your colleagues. Plus, it also saves you a lot of conveyance hassles! When you have to go to work, all you have to do is get out of your bed and turn your laptop/desktop on. Your career begins from the comfort of your own space.
How do I start freelance writing?
Freelance writing has emerged as a popular choice as a full-time job or side hustle. Many people occasionally take up freelance writing projects, which brings them additional income. Some even find it so financially beneficial that they take it up as their full-time business. The truth is working remotely according to your own schedule is a dream for all of us. But not many are able to do it. Freelance writing allows you to have the life you have always dreamed of. If you have the knack for writing and the will to grind and build a career as a freelance writer, then read further on how to start freelance writing and make an income out of it.
Find out your writing niche.
While many tend to skip this step and jump straight into working on whatever kind of written assignment they get, if you are serious about building your career as a freelance writer, then first and foremost, choose the niche you want to work in. Use your personal experiences, hobbies, and skills to figure out what kind of content you can work best with. Observe the market and see what kinds of brands have the largest budgets for freelance writers.
The easiest way to choose your ideal niche is to sit back and think about what flows easily through you. What do you like to write about? And also, what would you like to learn about? Once you discover the niche or niches that you are comfortable working on, the second step is to research them. Search for businesses around that niche and study brands to find out what they seek.
The best thing about picking the niche you enjoy is that it doesn’t feel like work as you are already aware of the content you are writing on. Research can be a painful process if you are utterly clueless about the content you’re working on, but having some knowledge beforehand can make it an easy and smooth process. Here is a list of popular niches that you can pick from.
Picking what you want to write about is an essential first step. By choosing a niche you’re enthusiastic about, you’ll find you can write well without needing to spend hours on research — and your energy will shine through in your work. You could choose one of these popular niches or pick a favorite hobby or interest of your own:
- travel
- fitness
- Diet and food
- Alternative health and wellness
- Digital marketing
- Cryptocurrency and blockchain technology
- Education and e-learning
- SaaS
- family, relationships, and parenting
- yoga and meditation
- cooking and nutrition
- finance and budgeting
- leadership and careers
- crafting, knitting, painting, or other creative hobbies
Create samples and build a freelance writing portfolio
Once you know the niche you’re picking, start building a freelance writing portfolio with samples that showcase your best-written pieces. You might be wondering how to get these written samples? Well, you start with guest posting on other websites, have a blog of yourself, or simply create them yourself.
Write on the niche you wish to find work in. Although it is possible to get a gig with any kind of sample, you always have an advantage if your samples align with the niche you’re looking to work in.
Establish an Online Presence
This is perhaps the hardest thing to do for freelancers- establishing an online presence. This means actually showing your face, talking, and being on social media. For many, that’s a hard thing to do. As truth be told, we all are not born extroverts. Some like to stay in a corner and hate attention. Well, you must get out of that shell of yours and establish a name online. Go on Twitter or LinkedIn, and watch how these social media platforms can give you all the work you need. But if you find this complex, the next thing you can do is create a website and promote it. Use the website to showcase the type of freelance writing services you offer, add the testimonials of previous clients, create a blog on it to showcase your work and talent, and watch how your personal website can help you land gigs.
If you don’t have a space to house your portfolio and a website of your own is just not in your budget at the moment. Contently is a great option to put up and maintain an active freelancing career, providing you with the perfect place to house your portfolio.
Start pitching
Pitching means telling someone who you are, the task you can perform, and how you can help them with your service. Pitching is the selling gig that establishes your marketing pitch and allows others to view it and analyze if you will be of any use to them. So once you have chosen the niche you are comfortable with and have samples with you, a well-established portfolio, the last step is to start pitching. But how is that done?
You start with writing a short overview of the important things you do and avoid revealing everything. Keep it short and sweet while keeping it formal. The best way is to pitch job boards or job sites to attract customers and clients.
The best way to pitch is to develop a proper process. As it’s a long and tedious procedure, you are required to hustle each day and attempt to reach out to as many people as possible with your pitch—the more, the merrier. So without any delay, prepare your gig and start pitching for work.
Where to find freelance writer jobs online?
Before you begin your journey as a freelance writer, you must take note that the freelance writing domain is not as easy as it may appear. It is definitely not like you have the idea to become a writer one day, and the next moment you have all this work chasing you. It takes years for writers to earn their reputation and make them trustworthy in clients’ eyes. It also takes a lot of work and experience to understand your own work and overcome your own flaws. Perfection is never attained, as we are all a work in progress. So a good writer must make sure to amplify his positives and flush his negatives down the drain. Hard work and determination can make all the difference and can even help you polish your skills as you progress. There is a lot of advice available online if you look to perfect your writing skills. But if you are looking to find freelance writer jobs online, then look no further and read on.
Here is a list of the 15 best freelance websites available on the web for writers.
- Contena
- Guru.com
- Contently
- Upwork
- FlexJobs
- Craigslist
- FreelanceWriting.com
- Textbroker
- MediaBistro
- ProBlogger
- Freelancer.com
- Constant Content
- Writer Access
- BloggingPro
- Freelance Writing Jobs
Helpful advice when looking for freelance writer jobs online
Here is a bunch of valuable advice that can help you find the right freelance writer jobs online. The world wide web is gigantic, and finding the right work is a difficult task – if not done right. But this useful advice will help you make the right choice.
First and foremost, as a writer, your profile must be developed in such a way that it gives a serious and impressive vibe. That’s probably the first impression on clients, so make sure you build a profile that gives the right picture to the client and showcases all your strengths in the best possible manner. You can also further impress potential clients with your academic degrees and previous outstanding work in writing.
Also, apply only to those jobs that suit you. Don’t just go one presenting a gig to a work you are not interested in doing or don’t align with your caliber. This keeps your rating high and keeps bad ratings away.
Samples are a great way to showcase your talent, so always keep them in your portfolio as they are easy to go through and help the client evaluate the kind of quality work you will be providing. Also, references from other top writers can work as well as a shoutout and boost your chances of landing yourself some writing gigs. And lastly, you have to pitch a lot no matter which platform or website you are using to find freelance writer jobs online. You need to be everywhere and anywhere with your pitch. This is the only way to get noticed because the competition is really tough and there are tons of other candidates.
Wrapping up
So if you have a way with your writing and know how to strike emotions in the right way, you might just be able to work as a freelance writer. The content writing space is expected to grow more, and it is likely that there will be a lot of work for freelance writers, so what are you waiting for? The article has provided you with all the essential information on what freelance writing is that you would need to start. So gear up today and put up a little effort which will definitely pay off in the long run.
