Fresh Tips for New Freelancers

Let’s face it — life as a fresh freelance writer isn’t easy. You don’t know the right rates, you don’t know the right clients, most importantly, you’re losing time and money.

Freelancers are being trusted more and more, and there is a growth of freelance jobs out there. The question is — how do you get them? Freelance Writing is one of the most sought after areas in freelance, along with graphic design. There is also a growth of freelance websites out there. These platforms are extremely helpful to research and put yourself out there. What you need is a fail-safe way to get freelance jobs and keep them.

Photo by Alizée Baudez on Unsplash

You want the road to a successful career as a freelance writer.

Here’s what has worked for me.

1. Create a portfolio: Start writing. If you know the format you’re interested in write around that. If you want to work as a long-format copywriter, write blogs in as many genres as possible. And write well. This is the foundation you are starting with, so make sure your writing is the best you can do.
2. Create Upwork and Fiverr accounts. First check other writers out. Their profiles, what they charge, get a benchmark. Do your research. Then create your own profile, it needs to look professional and clean. Charge below the average level. The first few clients you get would be you testing the waters. So don’t be bothered about the money, these would build credibility to you as a freelancer and give you the experience you need.
3. Choose 3 social media platforms and be active. Create an identity of yourself as a writer on these platforms. Post regularly and keep all the posts consistent. One message again and again. If you aren’t much of a graphic designer, invest in Canva — its a great tool for freelancers. Start creating a network here, with other freelancers, with your possible clients and with influencers.
4. Define things. It’s easier to target a well defined set of people invest time in. For social networking, define the industry you wish to target and create your posts based on your buyer persona.
5. Take some marketing lessons. It is required, trust me. Or watch some videos, read some blogs, basically make yourself a strong marketeer. Freelancing is a business and you will need to advertise and market your skill.
6. Create content around yourself and establish yourself as a thought leader. Create articles, blogs or videos around your skill as informative as possible.
7. Land clients, retain clients and make money.
8. Plan ahead. It’s easy to get lost in the flow once you start. Keep financial and career goals in mind as you freelance. Increase your rates steadily over a period of time. Slight increase every 3 months works. Plan to expand. Keep a watch on what your current clients need and if you can help them achieve their goals. Be invested.

Freelancing is a lot about confidence. Trust your skill and you’ll go a long way.