To be a freelance writer means to be your own boss, have nearly unlimited income potential and indulge in the pure benefits of being able to work from home. Instead of slaving away in a confined space all day, you could rely on your own creative talents – and rigid work ethic – to build the life of your dreams. It is also important to note that as a freelancer, you will need an ABN which can be attained here. It’s also wise to use a contractor agreement when dealing with clients who are paying for your services.
How to Become an online Freelance Writer
1. Know who you are.
One of the biggest roadblocks new writers face is figuring out who they are and what they should write about. If you as an individual are able to nail down your passion, an area of expertise or areas of interest, it would become a lot easier to find writing jobs in your niche.
2. Build a “starter’ portfolio.
When it comes to getting started as a freelance writer, many aspiring writers struggle with what steps to take first. It is hard to get writing jobs when you don’t have a portfolio, but you cannot build a portfolio without writing jobs. Indicatively, it is recommended you reach out to bloggers in your niche and ‘guest post’ for free. While you don’t want to write for free forever, writing for free can definitely pay off in the future!
3. Become a better writer.
Building a freelance career that stands the test of time requires articulated good writing skills. The best way to become a better writer is to constantly hone your skills. This means to write all the time on a consistent basis, whether you are getting paid or not. It is also recommended to read all the time as this will significantly expand your horizons in terms of vocabulary, knowledge, analytical thinking skills and writing styles.
4. Invest in yourself
Invest in yourself means to be relentless in self-improvement. It is important to soak up constructive criticism and implement such corresponding feedback should it be necessary. The first step to becoming a better freelance writer is acknowledging your downfalls and transforming them into strengths. While this is a skill in itself and sometimes difficult to master, it is one that involves a general investment in yourself at large.
5. Learn the art of the pitch
When building a portfolio that pays the bills, you have to find ways to score new clients. Most freelance writers accomplish this goal by “pitching” clients who might pay them for work. For this strategy to work, however, you have to know what to say and be willing to pitch often enough to land meaningful work. To be a powerful pitcher is to be strongly persuasive in your approach, confident in what you do and also the ability to sell your work. Mastering this skill will be evident through an extensive list of new clients that are willing to pay for your work.
Conclusion
Building a freelance career is not easy. If it was, everyone would be one. It takes a strong-willed personality and a strong work ethic to build a career out of thin air, insofar as the persistence to keep going when success seems well out of reach. Following these 5 steps will be of great assistance and will likely boost your freelance writing prospects and career at large.
