However, there are plenty of steps you can take to transition into freelance work ...
TIPS ‘N’ TRICKS
Let’s talk about what you need to do to become a freelance writer. For many, the jump to self-employment seems like a daunting one, particularly if you don’t already have work lined up. However, there are plenty of steps you can take to transition into freelance work:
It can take a while before you carve out your writing niche, but it’s definitely something you can build towards. Depending on the type of work you’re looking for, you might need to broaden your scope initially. However, it’s useful to decide the general area you want to aim for.
Do you want to specialise in blog posts, or is snappy marketing content more your thing? Is technology a subject you want to write about, or are you more interested in lifestyle topics? Once you’ve decided on what it is you want to write, you can start looking at examples, practising your craft, and looking for potential clients.
One of the key things you’ll need to get started as a writer is a portfolio. You’ll want to show potential clients some examples of your work so that they know you’re capable of writing for the niche they’re looking to hire in.
There are all kinds of ways you can go about creating a portfolio to show off your work. Sites such as Clippings give you the chance to organise and display some of the projects you’ve worked on in the past. You could also create your own website to display your work and the services you offer.
If you haven’t got anything in your professional portfolio just yet, don’t worry. You can start working on your own projects and publish them online. Whether it’s on your own blog or website or a platform such as LinkedIn, it demonstrates your skill as a writer, and your desire to succeed. Once you find work and have it published, make sure to add it to your portfolio.
It’s not always easy finding writing work when you first start out but don’t be discouraged if that’s the case. With a little persistence and know-how, you’ll soon pick some up. Part of the battle is knowing where to look.
There are plenty of freelance websites out there. You can set up a profile and portfolio on sites such as Upwork, Fiverr and PeoplePerHour. From there, you can start pitching for jobs that have been posted, as well as advertise your own skills.
There are other options too. Your existing professional network, as well as sites such as LinkedIn, Indeed, and others, can help you find postings for freelance writers.
When writing a pitch, you want to be concise and relevant. Provide samples of your work from a similar niche, and outline why you are the best writer for the job. You can also include your LinkedIn profile, website, and other social media links related to your writing.
As you start building up your body of work, you’ll also want to expand the reach of your network. Professional networking sites are a great way to start, but there are also industry events, online communities, and other opportunities to meet people.
You can use social media platforms to promote your work, ask friends and relatives to share your links, and comment on blog posts related to the industries you want to work in. Don’t be afraid to call on friends and past colleagues to give them a heads-up about your new venture.
