In this day and age, there is rising inflation, and people are finding it too hard to pay for their needs by doing a single job. The majority of people are realizing the importance of having a side hustle that can help them with extra cash. And one of the best ways you can start a side hustle is to become a freelance writer.
The ever-growing number of online businesses has created a lot of opportunities for remote freelance writers as every business needs content. And if you have a nag for writing, you can easily start offering freelance writing services.
This blog post will share simple steps you can take to take up freelance writing as your side hustle, besides a full-time job.
Table of Contents
Becoming a Freelance Writer
If you want to know how to start a side hustle, particularly as a freelance writer, then continue to read. The first step is to establish a professional portfolio. You can also build a website to market your services. After building your portfolio and website, you should get your first client. The next step is to promote your services. Marketing your writing services will help you get new clients.
Build a Portfolio
Building a portfolio as a freelance writer requires a few basic steps. Firstly, it must reflect your own brand. If you’re a financial writer, for example, your portfolio should focus on finance pieces. Secondly, it should be easy to read and sift through.
How to Get Started with Creating a Portfolio
One of the best ways to market your portfolio is by posting it online. You can create a portfolio from scratch or use a template. If you’re unsure how to do this, then you should start by checking out the work of fellow freelance writers.
One way is to make a website that shows your portfolio. And you might not be tech-savvy enough to create a fully functional website, but you can easily do it as explained in the points below.
Another option is to create a one-page portfolio. You can create this using Google Docs. Customize the page to show your creativity and make sure you regularly update your portfolio.
Start Marketing Your Writing Services to People You Know First
It can be a daunting task to market your writing services as a freelance writer, but the time and effort will be worth it when you attract regular clients.
To start marketing your writing services as a freelance writer, you need to know your target audience. You can start by contacting your friends and family who can help you make your portfolio fast. Tell them about your new venture, explain to them the types of services you offer, and ask them to share your news with their friends. You can also contact former employers and share the news on social media.
Acquiring Clients
Your portfolio will pave the way to getting clients as a freelance writer. You can confidently gain clients when you have writing pieces to show in your portfolio. As your portfolio grows, you can increase your rates.
And as your writing skills improve, you can even charge a higher rate per word. It is only a matter of time before you’ll start earning six figures. This tells why investing your time in acquiring clients instead of getting a loan without income proof is better when you need more money..
Make Connections
Another important step in boosting your freelance career is to connect with fellow freelancers. These connections will not only help you learn from their experience but will also open new doors. These connections are people who may need your services in the future, or they can be a fellow freelance writer who will refer you to good clients.
To get in touch with these people, you can use social media. The best social media platforms for doing this are LinkedIn and Facebook groups. Similarly, you can ask for referrals from current clients. They’ll be more likely to vouch for your work, which will increase your credibility and potential client base.
Know What’s Being Asked for in the Market
Getting clients as a freelance writer doesn’t have to be difficult. The key is to know what kinds of writing jobs and clients are out there. When you’re starting out, you may even be able to ask for help from other freelance writers.
Not only will this help you get your foot in the door, but it will also help you make meaningful connections and strengthen your business communication skills. By getting in touch with other freelancers, you can also find new and exciting projects to take on.
Create a Website
If you want to transform your freelance writing career into a business, then you must create a website. You can create a website with WordPress. There are many free and paid plugins that will help you build a website. Make sure you use plugins that are relevant to your niche. You must also install the best SEO plugins and image optimization.
The website should be linked to your social media accounts. This will further strengthen your freelance writer’s brand. You should also add some niche-related content. Your website does not need to be complicated with tons of information. You can also hire a professional designer for the design.
Take Time Out for Networking
Networking is an excellent way to get new clients. However, it’s important to remember that it won’t guarantee you long-term success. To succeed, you’ll need to be able to write strong queries, develop original ideas, and produce top-quality work. While networking isn’t essential to freelance writing success, it can stimulate your creativity and help you maintain a connection with other professionals.
Build Authenticity
One of the most effective ways to network is by attending conferences. You can join marketing and writing conferences in your area to expand your network. Also, be sure to print business cards and make them available to people you meet. A well-designed business card is a sign of authority and professionalism and will serve as a tangible reminder of your contact details. It also gives potential clients an opportunity to see if you’re available for freelance assignments.
