How to Make Money as a Freelance Writer

Micro Job August 12, 2023 No Comments

Are you majoring in English or another writing-heavy field? Do you have a knack for turning out well-written essays, even on tight deadlines? If so, then you might want to consider freelance writing as a way to make some extra money (or even a full-time income!). Micro Job Market invites you to keep reading to learn more about what it takes to be a successful freelance writer.

Build Your Writing Skills

One of the most important things you can do to prepare for a career in freelance writing is to hone your skills. The better your writing is, the more marketable you’ll be to potential clients. Luckily, there are many different ways to get some extra practice:

• Take some additional writing classes. Many colleges and groups offer creative writing workshops and other classes that can help you improve your skills.
• Start a blog. This is an excellent way to get some real-world experience while also building up a portfolio of work that you can show potential clients. Just be sure to choose a topic you’re passionate about so that it doesn’t feel like too much of a chore!
• Enter writing competitions. This is another great way to get some practice while also potentially winning some prize money. Check out sites like Poets & Writers for lists of upcoming competitions.

Find Writing Gigs

Once you’ve built up your skills and have something to show potential clients, it’s time to start looking for work! Here are a few good places to start your search:

• Freelance job boards: Sites like Upwork and Problogger regularly list new writing gigs. Be sure to browse through the job postings and see if anything catches your eye!
• Personal websites/blogs: Many businesses have their own blog these days, and they’re always on the lookout for new content. Take a look around and see if any of them need a guest writer. You can also offer to do content promotion for them to not only write the content, but get it in front of more people, too. Learn more here about how to create a content promotion strategy.
• Social media platforms: Check sites like Twitter and LinkedIn for job postings or reach out to businesses directly and inquire about writing opportunities.
• Business cards: Business cards are an invaluable tool for networking. They provide an easy way to exchange contact information with like-minded individuals and make it easy to stay in touch. You can create free business cards with online templates that can be modified to include your own images, fonts, and colors.
• Form an LLC: To further legitimize your writing business, it’s a good idea to launch your own LLC. An LLC offers several benefits including limited liability, tax advantages, and flexibility, plus you can avoid paying a lawyer to complete the process by outsourcing it to a formation service.

Write Contracts                          

After securing some clients, you’ll want to start thinking about setting up your business! If you’re going to be freelance writing regularly, The Write Life notes that you’ll want to create a contract that outlines the terms of each writing gig before getting started (this will help protect both you and your client in case there are any misunderstandings down the road). Once everything is squared away, you can officially start calling yourself a freelance writer!

Build a Portfolio

Finally, you must have a portfolio to which you can point potential clients. Building an impressive writing portfolio takes time and effort, but it can be done if you’re willing to put in the work. Here are a few tips to get you started:

• Website Planet suggests choosing an easy-to-use web builder.
• Include various pieces in your portfolio (e.g., essays, articles, reports, etc.).
• Be mindful not to use your ghostwriting.
• Ask teachers, coaches, or mentors to read your work and provide feedback.
• Polish your work until it’s as good as it can be.

Think of your writing portfolio as a long-term investment. Include all your favorite pieces as you complete them (as long as they aren’t ghostwritten), so you’ll have plenty of samples to highlight.

Make a Functional Home Office

Working from home can be much more convenient when you have a functional home office. The key to having a great home office is to create a space that is comfortable, functional, and inspires productivity. If you are looking for a new home that has a room that can be turned into a home office, first check into the housing market to see what properties are selling for.

Make Your Way as a Freelance Writer

There’s never been a better time than now to start freelancing as a writer. With so many businesses needing quality content, there’s ample opportunity for those with strong writing skills to make good money doing what they love. And thanks to job boards, social media platforms, and business cards, it’s easier than ever before to connect with potential clients from all over the world. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start pitching your services!