Whether you’re a newbie or experienced in the freelance writing industry, one thing is for sure to have a steady career - you’ll have to work hard at staying on top of your game. You’ll definitely have to work hard at writing, but importantly you’ll also have to dedicate some time to build the business, learn new skills, and keep up with the competition. To ensure your freelance writing business success, try considering these tips:
- Build a website and/or a blog.
Having a website or a blog can work as your online portfolio. Make sure to include keywords into your website so that potential clients can find it in their online searches. For example, if you specifically do SEO copywriting, you might as well include the keywords "seo copywriting" "seo copywriters", "seo copywriting services" and similar terms seeking for the said service.
- Utilize online networking.
It is vital to know other freelance writers, not just so you won’t feel isolated working from home, but more importantly because other they can be great sources of work. Freelance writers get overloaded with tasks, and apparently they can refer some of their clients to you. Or, if someone asks them about an assignment that is not their area of specialization, and they know you can do that type of writing, they can recommend you for the job.
- Always seek work, even when you don’t actually need it.
As experienced people in freelance writing business know, you have to do a lot more than set up a website and hope the work offers will come to you. If you want to have a steady paycheck like normal jobs do, you’ll have to actively seek for writing jobs. Post freelance writing job boards, and attend forums on a regular basis, even when you don’t really need the work.
Online job boards are filled with start-up magazines and websites seeking writers but offering experience and exposure instead of payment. These folks prey on new freelance writers trying to build their portfolios. If you’re a newbie in the freelance writing world, don’t get caught in this trap. In fact, writing for free for such publications will not give you any credibility. Plus if you really want to engage in freelancing business this is not a healthy way to start. Business always boils down to money. But if you insist on writing for free for your portfolio, better yet write for a respected non-profit organization or charity.
- Submit your sample articles to directories.
This is one valid exception to the writing for free rule. Why? Not only will the backlinks benefit the page rank of your website, people who will read your articles might be a potential market. Many freelancer writers actually get works directly from articles they’ve written for directory sites.
Ensuring success in the freelance writing industry doesn’t come overnight. Whether you’re just starting out or already a professional freelancer, it’s always up to you on how to utilize your skills to attract lots of profitable freelance opportunities.
