Being a freelance writer can be exceptionally rewarding. You can work your own hours, take on as little or as much work as you like, and enjoy the freedom of being able to work from anywhere in the world.
However, some people encounter a few disadvantages, the most prominent being the inability to secure enough writing jobs for a stable income. If this is a problem you’re currently facing, here are a few helpful ways you might be able to combat it.
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Put Freelancing On the Backburner
The freelance lifestyle isn’t for everyone, and you might not be financially secure enough to absorb the blows that come with inconsistent income. If you need to build up a financial buffer before considering freelancing, explore media jobs with existing well-established companies.
In many situations, you can still enjoy the same advantages of the freelancing lifestyle, such as remote work, but without financial instability. You can also still enjoy writing for a living, which might be your ultimate goal.
Set Up a Website
While word-of-mouth marketing remains one of the most powerful ways to get your name out in the public eye, your online presence can also count for a lot. As soon as you start offering freelance writing services, create a website prospective customers can visit.
Your website should include information about who you are, your services, your skills, and how people can get in touch with you. It’s also vital to prioritize SEO to improve your chances of being more visible in search results.
Network
As daunting as putting yourself out there and attending local business networking events can be, it’s often crucial for making valuable connections.
The more people you introduce yourself and the more well-known you become, the easier it might be for people to remember your name when requiring services like those you provide.
Don’t be afraid to register for local events and even consider putting your name forward to volunteer to help run them. You might be surprised by how many business cards you’re able to take home.
Increase Your Marketing Efforts
It’s easy to assume that providing a local writing service is enough to have business owners lining up at your door, but it doesn’t always work like that. Clever marketing techniques, such as social media ads, paid search engine ads, email newsletters, and even newspaper ads, can often be required.
Consider the type of people you’re trying to attract and set an advertising budget that suits your current income level. You might then be welcoming new customers on board before you know it.
Join Freelancing Platforms
While working within your local community can be extremely rewarding, there isn’t always enough work to sustain you.
In that case, consider signing up to online freelancing platforms that connect you with individuals, startups, and businesses in need of writers all around the world.
You can negotiate your own rates, earn a reputation as a quality writer, and take control of your weekly income.
It’s unlikely that you’ll make significant sums of money in your early days of freelance writing. However, that doesn’t mean financial security isn’t in your future. Consider working for media companies first, then work your way up to being a successful independent writer with a stable income and client base.
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Hey Anthony,
How have you been? While I am almost sitting on the fence about freelancing (here or there? Where?), these are some helpful tips. In the last 18+ yrs of freelancing though, Networking (like, Physically meeting and knowing people here) didn’t work as much for me as did the others.
A bulk of my work comes from freelancing sites like Upwork, hustling to reach out to other brands, and a few referrals.
So, I have two choices: find clever and smart ways to get projects. Or just quit.
Ash
Good to hear from you! Hope all is well. Freelancing is tough. Upwork is a great way to get projects in the door, build your portfolio, and grow your business. I find that building relationships online helps as well. People build that trust, and then when an opportunity pops up, they’re likely to send it your way.