How to Become A Freelance Writer (Beginner’s Guide)

Are you tired of the traditional 9-5 work schedule and want to find a way to make money online with zero upfront investment? If so, you may want to consider becoming a freelance writer.

Freelance writing offers a flexible schedule and the potential for high income. It allows you to work on your own terms, with whomever you want, and from anywhere in the world.

If you’re ready to take control of your career and achieve financial independence, then freelance writing may be the perfect fit for you. In this blog post, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to build a sustainable and profitable freelance writing business.

So, if you’re ready to take the first step towards a new career, read on to learn how to become a successful freelance writer.

5 Easy Steps to Become a Freelance Writer

Follow the steps below and I promise you will become a freelance writer today!

Step.1: Get Your Mindset Right.

Before we get into the “how-to” stuff, you need first to make sure your that mind is right so you can attract high-paying clients.

This is the first step you will need to consider doing, You need to really understand why you are doing this in the first place. Is it because you have had enough office work? or do you just want to have that freedom of being a freelancer? or you are completely broke and you need money?

More specifically, you need to make sure:

• You’re not so broke that you’ll take on ANY project.
• You view yourself as a business owner — not an employee desperate for work.
• You’re ready to work hard at first, especially if you have no connections / no impressive portfolio, etc.

If you are completely broke and you need money, it’s ok to start cheap and grow with time. sometimes you have to make sacrifices in order to grow.

The great thing about starting freelance writing is that you don’t need any experience! But, this doesn’t mean you can start with nothing!

Here are some materials  you need to become a freelance writer:

• Laptop — you can start with any laptop. My house is a Mac user house, and those are the laptops I do most of my writing. Just remember to type appropriately so you avoid hand issues over time.
• Proper seating — invest in a good computer chair. Don’t base your entire freelance writing business on the couch! (or even the kitchen counter).
• Paypal account — if you already have one, get a business account when you land clients.
• Email address — most of your negotiations will be made via email.
• Skype account — some clients want to talk to you face-to-face, and Skype is a tool most know about.

My advice for you is to start right from the beginning and don’t be afraid to invest some money, because that will make your journey much easier, it’s like an investment and it’ll pay off with time.

Step.2: Choose A Freelance Writing Niche.

One of the most asked questions I get from newbie writers is: what writing niche to start with?

If you’re not sure what kinds of topics to write about, what you’re good at, or what kind of writing clients will pay for, here are some tips that will help you choose a niche:

• It should be something you’re knowledgeable about or are willing to learn a lot about.
• It should be something that a specific target client will want and be willing to pay for.
• It should be something you’re interested in and/or enjoy writing about.

By becoming an expert in your niche, you will also be able to get paid more per job in the long run. Here are a few good niches to think about:

• Financial services: let’s face it, there’s money in money and you can cover a ton of different topics ranging from personal finance to cryptocurrencies.
• Insurance: here’s another one that has money floating around and there are many different areas to get into
• Technology: add tech to basically any niche and you’re going to find lots of opportunities — sleep tech, hospitality tech, health tech, you name it.
• Hospitality: This goes beyond travel blogs (though keep those on the list too) hotels, rental cars, apps, tourist boards, airlines, travel insurance, and luggage, are all involved here too
• Health: There are about a million ways you can dig into health from the medical side, I know quite a few former nurses who make good money freelancing, in fitness, diet, training products, and more.

Step.3: Set Up Your Pricing.

Everyone wants to know how much a freelance writer makes per hour? and the answer is:

The potential for earning revenues as a freelancer is unlimited. Because, you are pricing yourself based on the value you deliver — not based on what your competitors are charging. Don’t charge too far above your value, but don’t ever undervalue what you’re doing for your clients.

In the beginning, when you are just starting out, you might need to build up your portfolio with positive reviews to drum up business from clients willing to spend significant amounts of cash per hour on your services. Your prices may be too high (or too low) for the types of clients you are targeting, but if you do your homework in deciding who to pitch your services to, you will be selling exactly what your clients need — for a price they can justify.

They are going to hire someone to assist with their projects, so it is just a matter of showing them you are the right person to help. Price becomes a secondary concern if they are already convinced that you are the best person for the job. It is business and they will make it work, or it was not meant to be.

Step.4: Create a Website and Social Media Presence.

If you’re looking to work remotely, creating a website to showcase your services and skills is essential. Your website acts as your virtual CV and provides potential clients with a clear understanding of what you can do for them. It’s important to establish your online presence by highlighting your expertise in online communication.

Fortunately, creating a website is easier than ever with the abundance of website builders available online. You can follow this link to create your own website and have it up and running in no time.

In addition to your website, social media can also play a crucial role in establishing your business. However, it’s important to identify where your potential clients spend their time and focus on mastering one or two social media platforms instead of trying to be everywhere at once. By becoming an expert in these platforms and engaging with your target audience, you can establish yourself as an authority in your niche and attract more clients.

Step.5: Get Your First Client.

Congratulations on taking the first step towards finding your first client as a freelance writer! It can be daunting to start, but with the right approach, you can land your first client in no time.

Firstly, it’s important to identify your ideal clients and have a clear understanding of who you want to target. This will help you make informed decisions about which clients to work for and ultimately help you build momentum in your business.

To find your first client, you can list yourself on freelance sites like Fiverr and Upwork, which can connect you with potential employers. However, keep in mind that these sites are highly competitive, and you may need to price yourself competitively to win clients.

Another effective way to find clients is to use social media to your advantage. Post on your social media accounts and let your friends and family know that you offer freelance writing services. Networking is a powerful tool, and you may be surprised at the connections you can make through your network.

Lastly, consider starting with local clients. Research local businesses in your community that may benefit from your services. Don’t try to cast your net too wide initially. Focus on building your skills and experience while offering your services at an affordable rate.

Final thoughts

Building a successful freelance writing career requires hard work, perseverance, and dedication. It can be a challenging journey, but it’s also a rewarding one. Freelance writing provides the opportunity to work on your own terms, pursue your passion, and have a flexible schedule.

To be successful, it’s important to choose a writing niche that aligns with your interests and skills, and then continuously improve your craft. With dedication and effort, freelance writers can build a thriving career that not only pays the bills but also brings fulfillment and joy.

We hope this article has provided you with valuable insights and motivation to pursue your freelance writing career. Please feel free to share in the comments your chosen writing niche and why you chose it. Good luck on your journey!