In the digital age, the written word holds immense power. In case you needed an eye-watering statistic, over 7.5 million blogs are posted on the Internet every single day, and over 12 million blog posts are uploaded to Tumblr. Writing and the folks who do it are the driving force behind the information we consume daily. At the heart of this content creation are freelance writers: the unsung heroes crafting the narratives we engage with.
But what exactly is a freelance writer? Maybe you've heard rumors of remote work, good pay, and creative freedom, and were interested in becoming one yourself. Truthfully, the role of a freelance writer is multifaceted and ever evolving. So, in this article, we will go over what a freelance writer is, what they do, and how you can even grow your own freelance writing business.
We'll also introduce IFTTT, our free automation service that helps millions of freelance writers across the world hit their deadlines on time. We specialize in custom integrations with all the apps freelance writers use, from Slack to Google Sheets and more. When time is of the essence, our dedicated userbase knows to turn to IFTTT for any automation need. Try us today for free and see why we are the most trusted time-saving platform on the market.
What is a freelance writer?
A freelance writer is a professional who creates content on a self-employed basis, meaning they're not tied to a single employer but work with multiple clients.
Freelance writing has a rich history, dating back to ancient times when scribes were hired to write on behalf of others. In the modern era, freelance writing gained prominence with the rise of newspapers and magazines. Writers were commissioned to contribute articles, often working remotely and on a per-piece basis. With the advent of the internet, the landscape of freelance writing underwent a significant transformation. The demand for online content skyrocketed, opening up a plethora of clients that needed writing help.
These clients can range from small businesses to large corporations, non-profit organizations, or even individual entrepreneurs. The scope of work varies widely, depending on the client's needs and the writer's expertise. Oftentimes, freelance writing falls under the "gig economy", an economy characterized by short-term contracts or freelance work, as opposed to permanent jobs. Freelance writers epitomize this trend. They work on a project-by-project basis, offering their services to clients who need them for a specific period or task.
Freelance writers can also specialize in various niches. Some may focus on copywriting, creating persuasive content for marketing and advertising. Others might delve into technical writing, producing detailed guides and manuals. There are also content writers who craft blog posts and articles, SEO writers who optimize content for search engines, and creative writers who pen novels, scripts, or poetry.
Regardless of their niche, all freelance writers share a common goal. They aim to communicate ideas effectively, engage readers, and often, drive specific actions through their writing.
Benefits and challenges of freelance writing
Freelance writing, like any profession, comes with its own set of benefits and challenges. Understanding these can help aspiring writers make informed decisions about their career paths. It can also help businesses and individuals who hire freelance writers to better appreciate the value they bring and the hurdles they face.
Pros of being a freelance writer
One of the most significant advantages of freelance writing is the flexibility it offers. Freelance writers have the freedom to choose their clients, projects, and working hours.
- Choose your clients
- Choose your projects
- Choose your working hours
This flexibility can lead to a better work-life balance, as writers can tailor their schedules to their personal needs and preferences.
Freelance writing also offers the opportunity for autonomy and creative control. Writers can decide what topics to write about and how to approach their work, fostering a sense of ownership and satisfaction. Finally, freelance writing can be a lucrative career, especially for those who specialize in high-demand niches or possess unique skills.
The highest-paying opportunities often couple writing with other extensive knowledge, such as writing technical guides or manuals for an engineering firm or medical device.
Cons of being a freelance writer
On the flip side, freelance writing also presents certain challenges. One of the main ones is the lack of a stable income.
- Lack of stable income
- Need for self-discipline
- Isolation
Freelance writers' earnings can fluctuate from month to month, depending on the number and type of projects they secure. This uncertainty can be stressful, especially for those who rely on their writing income to cover their living expenses. Another challenge is the need for self-discipline. Freelance writers must manage their time effectively, meet deadlines, and stay motivated, all without the structure of a traditional office environment.
Finally, freelance writing can be isolating. Writers often work alone, without the camaraderie of colleagues or the guidance of a supervisor. This isolation can be challenging, especially for those who thrive on social interaction.
Essential skills for freelance writers
To succeed as a freelance writer, certain skills are crucial. These skills go beyond the ability to write well and include a range of technical and soft skills.
- Excellent writing and grammar
- Research skills
- SEO knowledge
- Time management
- Self-discipline
Excellent writing and grammar skills are a given. Freelance writers must be able to communicate ideas clearly and effectively, with a strong command of the language they write in. Research skills are also important, as freelance writers often need to delve into unfamiliar topics and present accurate, well-informed content. This is especially true if you work in the news industry, as many freelance writers do.
How to become a freelance writer
Becoming a freelance writer involves more than just having the right skills. It requires careful planning, persistence, and a willingness to learn and adapt. Here are some steps to get you started:
- Identify your niche
- Build a portfolio
- Start pitching for jobs
- Network with other writers and potential clients
- Keep improving your skills
Identifying your niche is the first step. This involves deciding what type of writing you want to specialize in, such as blog posts, articles, copywriting, or technical writing.
Developing your writing craft
Obviously, you must become a great writer to find meaningful work in this field. Fear not, as developing your writing craft is a continuous process. It involves honing your language skills, expanding your vocabulary, and mastering different writing styles.
One tip from seasoned writers is to read often. Reading widely can help improve your writing, exposing you to different writing styles, tones, and structures, which you can then incorporate into your own work.
Practicing regularly is also key. Like any skill, writing improves with practice. Regular writing exercises can help you refine your craft and develop your unique voice.
Understanding SEO and digital marketing
In today's digital age, understanding SEO and digital marketing is crucial for freelance writers. Many writing assignments, especially online content, require SEO optimization to increase visibility on search engines.
In simple terms, SEO involves using relevant keywords, creating quality content, and structuring your content in a way that search engines can easily understand. If this interests you, you can specialize into becoming an SEO writer, which focuses heavily on these aspects.
Knowledge of digital marketing can also help freelance writers create content that resonates with the target audience, drives traffic, and encourages engagement. This can make your writing more valuable to clients and increase your marketability as a writer.
Building a strong portfolio
A strong portfolio is crucial for attracting clients. It should showcase your best work and demonstrate your ability to write in different styles and for different audiences.
Your portfolio should be easily accessible online, and can be linked to your website if you have one. You can create a personal website or use portfolio platforms like Contently or Journo Portfolio.
Remember to keep your portfolio updated. As you complete new projects and improve your skills, add your latest work to your portfolio. This shows potential clients that you are active and continually honing your craft.
Finding your first clients
Finding your first clients can be challenging, but there are several strategies you can use. One is to start with your existing network. Let your friends, family, and professional contacts know about your freelance writing services.
Another popular option is to use freelance job boards and platforms. Sites like Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr can be a good starting point, but beware of potential scams or low-paying jobs. Make sure to do a lot of research before taking on any job.
Finally, don't be afraid to pitch directly to businesses. If you see a company with a blog or a website that could benefit from your writing services, send them a well-crafted pitch. Show them how your writing can add value to their business.
Growing your freelance writing career
As you gain experience and build your portfolio, you'll want to think about how to grow your freelance writing career. This could involve expanding your services, increasing your rates, or taking on more clients. IFTTT can help you with this expansion, keep reading to hear how.
Networking and community engagement
Networking is a powerful tool for freelance writers. It can help you find new clients, learn from other writers, and stay up-to-date with industry trends. Consider joining writing groups, attending conferences, or participating in online forums.
Think also about community engagement. This could involve contributing to writing blogs, participating in writing contests, or volunteering your writing services for a cause you care about. These activities can help you build your reputation and establish yourself as an expert in your field.
Scaling your business and expanding your services
As your freelance writing business grows, you may want to consider scaling your operations. This could involve hiring subcontractors, outsourcing certain tasks, or investing in new technology to increase your productivity.
Expanding your services is another way to grow your business. For example, you could start offering editing services, content strategy consulting, or SEO optimization, which could make you more appealing to wide range of clients.
Communication and project management
Clear and timely communication is key in freelance writing. It helps ensure that you and your client are on the same page. Regular updates can also help build trust and rapport.
Feedback is always going to be part of the writing process, whether it's good or bad. It's important to be open to it and use it to improve your work. Remember it's not personal, it's about making the piece the best it can be.
Revisions are also common in freelance writing. Be sure to factor them into your project timeline and budget and always clarify with your client what their revision policy is before you start a project.
Integrate your freelance writing apps with IFTTT
As a blossoming freelance writer, you understand the importance of using multiple apps to manage your work effectively. However, keeping track of all those apps and workflows can get complicated. That's where IFTTT comes in.
IFTTT, which stands for "If This Then That," is a platform that automates the connections between different apps and devices. With IFTTT, you can create "applets" that automatically trigger an action in one app when a specific event occurs in another app.
For freelance writers, IFTTT offers an easy way to integrate and automate over 1000 different applications, including all the tools covered above.
IFTTT is an essential platform for writers seeking to streamline their app usage and create efficient, automated workflows. By integrating your freelancing apps with IFTTT, you can focus on writing and let the platform take care of the rest.
Try IFTTT for yourself today and see why we are the most trusted automation by millions worldwide.
Business
How to become a freelance writer from scratch
September 20, 2024
