You don’t want to become an average and confused freelance content writer who doesn’t know what to do and how to set up a profitable writing business, right?
And if you want to become a PRO freelance content writer who starts their writing journey with a clear mindset and earns money right from the beginning? I’m here to help.
In this post, I’m sharing a step-by-step process to become a PRO freelance content writer that no one taught me when I struggled to start my content writing journey.
Let’s break down each step in detail!
Step:1. Start with the Basics of Content Writing
Content writing is a broader term, so you must start with the basics of the writing you want to attempt.
For example, if you want to become a copywriter, learn copywriting basics. If you want to become a technical writer, learn its basics.
You must clearly understand the different writing formats depending on your writing type.
For example, these could be articles, blog posts, long and short forms of content, product descriptions, social media content, etc.
Don’t worry if you’re not familiar with all of them at once – you’ll learn as you go.
READ various materials, including books, articles, blogs, and news. This exposes you to different writing styles and helps you understand how effective writing engages readers.
Learn about Plagiarism, how to avoid it, and how to write high-quality original content.
Learn to work with digital documents, including Google Docs, Word, and PDF.
Get familiar with basic content writing tools like Grammarly, which will ensure your time and help you write error-free content.
Do you need to buy expensive tools as a beginner?
Nope!
Many great tools are free or have free versions. You must upgrade later to the premium version to get full access to all features.
Step 2: Choose a Profitable Content Writing Niche
Instead of writing about everything, pick a niche you’re interested in and know a bit about.
This could be beauty, travel, technology, or health.
Why is it important to have a PROFITABLE WRITING NICHE?
A profitable writing niche will level up your skills, services, and approach to client outreach from “Please hire me, Please work with me” to “Let’s work together, Let me help you grow your business.”
Step 3: Create Work Samples
Even if you’re just starting, you need samples to show potential clients. Write a few pieces related to your chosen niche.
They don’t need to be lengthy – around 1000 to 1500 words is good.
Don’t write about everything,
Try to make them related to your niche. If you’re into travel writing, your samples could be about “Top Destinations for Adventure Lovers.”
Do you need to publish these samples online?”
You can create a portfolio on platforms like Google Docs or Behance or even share them as PDFs with potential clients.
And suppose you’re aiming to become a blog post or article writer. In that case, you can publish them on sites like Medium, Quora, Hubpages, and LinkedIn.
Step 4: Find your Unique Value Proposition
A unique selling point (USP) sets you apart from other writers and makes clients want to work with you.
And your value proposition (VP) is what you offer to your clients.
When you put this together, it becomes a unique value proposition (UVP).
Here is a video to help you find your unique value proposition.
Remember, finding your UVP will help you attract the right clients or opportunities and build a successful freelance writing career.
Step 5: Build Strong Portfolio Profiles or Websites
Create a LinkedIn profile – it’s like an online resume. Share your work samples there.
Create freelance profiles on popular freelancing websites.
Create and update your resume.
Do you need a fancy portfolio website?
No need for fancy! You can use online free portfolio-making websites, too, as a beginner. I won’t suggest you start your own blog at this stage because it’s about more than just creating a WEBSITE in 10 minutes or 30 minutes, which is not FREE, by the way!
In order to manage a website, you must know:
- Basics of blogging
- How to use various tools and plugins,
- SEO
- Keyword Research
- Managing the CRM you are using
- Website management
- Promotion
Step 6: Pricing and Profitability
Set Competitive Rates:
Start by researching what other writers charge.
How do you know if your rates are too high or too low?
Aim for rates that feel fair for the work you’re putting in. You can always adjust them as you learn and get more clients.
BE REASONABLE – remember, you’re building your reputation. You can refresh or increase your rates as you gain experience.
As a beginner, don’t lose good opportunities by stressing too much on budget or negotiation.
Just focus on working with as many great clients and projects as possible. It’ll eventually improve your writing skills and help you build your writing portfolio.
Offer complimentary services
You can offer free complimentary services along with your writing services, like helping with SEO or suggesting content ideas. This can make you more appealing to clients.
Step 7: Network and Market Yourself:
Your potential clients will not knock on your door automatically unless you promote yourself.
You must let the world know what you do, and why should anyone care about your stuff?
And networking is the best way to build your connection with like-minded people in your niche.
You can use LinkedIn and other social media platforms. Share your writing journey, interact with their posts, and join relevant groups.
What if I’m shy and don’t like networking?
No worries! Start slow. Just liking or commenting on posts is a friendly way to connect. You’ll get used to it over time.
Step 8: Learn to write winning freelance Job proposals, cover letters, and elevator pitches
If you want to land freelance gigs, you must know how to write killer job proposals and outreach pitches.
An elevator pitch is a proactive communication strategy where you reach out to potential clients who might need your services. It’s like introducing yourself and your skills to a potential client who might not have posted a job listing.
And you must know how to write an effective client outreach pitch.
A freelance job proposal or cover letter responds to a job posting or project listing. It’s an opportunity to showcase your skills, experience, and understanding of the client’s needs.
It demonstrates why you’re the right fit for the particular project they’re offering.
- First off, make sure to read the job description carefully.
- Understand the project requirements.
- Create a customized proposal to your client’s specific needs.
- Next, highlight your relevant skills and experience, but keep it concise and to the point. Nobody wants to read a novel.
- Don’t forget to proofread and edit your proposal before hitting that send button.
9. Start applying to jobs or reaching out to potential clients
Here are a few tips to build a profitable freelance writing business and long-term relationships with your clients:
Provide Exceptional Client Service:
Delivering high-quality work should be your top priority.
Communication
Keep your communication professional and clear. Keep your clients updated by answering their messages and emails on time.
Meeting Deadlines
Always finish your work on time. It shows reliability and builds trust with clients.
Keep learning and stay updated.
Writing is constantly changing, and learning keeps you ahead.
So stay curious! If you don’t adapt to new industry trends, your services will become irrelevant and outdated.
So, learn about writing trends and new tools, and keep improving your skills.
Remember, every writer starts somewhere.
Don’t worry if you stumble along the way. With practice, patience, and determination, you’ll be well on your way to a successful freelance content-writing journey!
