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Thinking of becoming a freelance writer? You\u2019ve probably seen multiple posts on social media that say you can do it too \u2014 live the laptop life, write, and work when and where you want, and enjoy it, too.<\/p>\n
Before you get too skeptical, yes, it\u2019s possible. This very article is written by a freelance writer working from home, with a cup of chai tea steaming on my desk. But how did I get here?<\/p>\n
For everyone who sets out to make freelance writing their career<\/a>, the journey looks a little different but with certain similar milestones along the way that will determine success. This blog post will cover the steps to help you get there.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div> Start with your mindset. Yes, I\u2019m serious. There\u2019s a reason why mindset in business is such a hot topic online \u2014 it determines your motivation, discipline, perseverance, confidence, performance, and your ability to convince clients that you can offer value for their money.<\/p>\n You need to decide upfront that you can do this if you put in the work. You need to decide that you can write for a decent income (not for peanuts, please). Got it? Good. Now let\u2019s get on with it.<\/p>\n Write down why you want to be a freelance writer. What are the goals you have in mind? Do you want to pay off debt, earn extra income, build a business that will replace your full-time job, or fund a dream project or trip? Whatever the reason, write it down and put it somewhere where you can see it every day.<\/p>\n Next, write down a list of the following:<\/p>\n Looking at all of this, what are the areas that overlap? For instance, as a freelance writer myself, the two main niches that interest me are health and wellness, and education. Both are informative, have to do with people, their stories, and things that improve their lives. That\u2019s my sweet spot.<\/p>\n For you, it could be writing about travel, combined with an interest in different cultures and languages, or environmental conservation. Whatever your background, you have an angle to offer that is different from anyone else\u2019s.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div> Beginner freelancers make about $30 an hour<\/a> but let me tell you an important secret: You can make more than you think, even at the beginning. No, you won\u2019t get a 5-figure writing contract within your first month, but you could reasonably easily make about 2-3k per month in the beginning. It\u2019s about mindset, strategy, and putting in the work.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div> Not as many as you think. You don\u2019t need a degree in language or literature, you don\u2019t need fancy glasses and stationery, or a massive library. You don\u2019t need agency experience either, but that can be useful if you do take an internship or junior agency position in the beginning. You\u2019ll learn more on the job than any other way.<\/p>\n<\/div> Freelance writers are usually paid online via payment platforms such as PayPal or Stripe for international payments. Your local clients can do direct deposits.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div> Wondering how someone will hire you if you have no experience? If you are new to freelance writing, the best way to get started and get your first few clients is to do some pieces for free or write up your own samples. This will demonstrate your ability to potential clients and give you a portfolio to start marketing with.<\/p>\n Next, you can optimize your LinkedIn profile according to the niche and type of content you\u2019ve chosen in the sections above. Then you can start sending connection requests to people whose companies you\u2019d like to write for.<\/p>\n Starting as a freelance writer (no matter whether you have years of experience or no experience) is about getting out there and asking for the work. You have more skills and knowledge than what you use in your normal day job. You have life experience that requires many other transferable skills and creative thinking too. Don\u2019t hesitate to use your life stories that demonstrate that as part of your marketing tools!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div> If you\u2019re struggling with your confidence in the beginning (don\u2019t worry, it\u2019s normal), start out on a freelance writing platform such as Fiverr, Contra, or Upwork. These platforms allow you to sift through different writing jobs, pitch, and get hired and paid for your work. Fiverr and Upwork both take a percentage of your earnings though, so be sure to factor that into your rates.<\/p>\n Once you have done some projects, it\u2019s a wise move to venture off these platforms as your main source of income and start building relationships directly with your ideal clients. You can do this with cold pitching using phone calls and emails, networking on LinkedIn and other platforms. Just don\u2019t use a one-size-fits-all recipe.<\/p>\n Look for companies whose values, service offering, and potential resonates with you, excites, and inspires you. Check out their social media platforms, their website content, and come up with something you can offer them. Pitch enough of your idea to book a call with them, and then set about negotiating an opportunity.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div> Your first freelance writing jobs may include blog posts, social media captions, or website copy. As a beginner (and when you are more experienced), get used to certain basic rules for each job:<\/p>\n If you offer real value customized to the client you\u2019re pitching, you may get your first job and start a long-term client relationship that will pay you even more in the future. Solid client relationships are more profitable than quick gigs. That said, quick gigs also pay the bills and pay for coffee and pizza when you need some cash flow. Just don\u2019t make it your main income. Work smart.<\/p>\n It doesn\u2019t take a degree to make it as a freelance writer. If you\u2019ve got some guts and a sharp wit and you like connecting with people, you can do it!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div> Author Bio<\/strong><\/p>\n Heideli Loubser is a\u00a0direct-response copywriter<\/a>\u00a0and marketing strategist helping health professionals and coaches grow their business while they focus on helping their clients get well. She is also a\u00a0homeschool blogging mom<\/a>\u00a0of two kiddos. When she\u2019s not wielding her powerful pen to\u00a0help businesses\u00a0and other parents, she enjoys gardening, painting, caffeine, and scrolling on TikTok.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[694,740,749,747],"tags":[697],"class_list":["post-26476","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-career-growth","category-becoming-a-writer","category-freelance-writing","category-marketing-your-writing","tag-featured"],"featured_image_src":null,"featured_image_src_square":null,"author_info":{"display_name":"Scott","author_link":"https:\/\/calepin.co\/author\/scottadmin"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/calepin.co\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26476","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/calepin.co\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/calepin.co\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/calepin.co\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/10"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/calepin.co\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=26476"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/calepin.co\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26476\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/calepin.co\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=26476"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/calepin.co\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=26476"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/calepin.co\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=26476"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}How Do I Start As a Freelance Writer?<\/h2><\/div>
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How Much Do Beginner Freelance Writers Make?<\/h2><\/div>
What Qualifications Do You Need To Be a Freelance Writer?<\/h2><\/div>
Here\u2019s what you really need:<\/h3><\/div>
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How Do Freelance Writers Get Paid?<\/h2><\/div>
How To Become a Freelance Writer With No Experience<\/h2><\/div>
How To Become a Freelance Writer on Fiverr and Other Platforms<\/h2><\/div>
Freelance Writing Jobs For Beginners \u2013 5 Basic Dos and Don\u2019ts<\/h2><\/div>
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A Last Word On Making Money As a Freelance Writer<\/h2><\/div>