Thinking about trying freelance writing but worried because you don’t have any experience? No problem at all! Freelance writing is on the rise and now is a great time to jump in. Businesses need writers, and many prefer freelancers over full-time hires.
Finding decent freelance writing jobs for beginners might feel like a challenge at first, especially if you’re only going for small work. For most of us, it’s more of a climb to the top rather than hitting the victory right away.
Freelance writing is indeed an amazing opportunity but with the right clients and skills. With this, you have the flexibility to work as much as you want. What’s even better is that you don’t need a college degree or a specific qualification to become a freelance writer. However, freelance writing without any basic experience can be a bit tricky for you at the beginning of your journey.
If you’re in that challenging phase where you’ve decided to pursue a freelance writing career but feel lost then take a deep breath. Every writer, at some point, faced the same thing.
Here are some step-by-step tips for becoming a freelance writer with zero experience that will surely help you get started with freelance writing.
What Qualifications Needed for Freelance Writing?
You don’t need a degree or any special certificates to become a freelance writer. What really helps is being open-minded and ready to learn. If you’re shifting from another industry, embracing the fact that you’re a beginner again is key, even if it feels challenging after gaining recognition elsewhere. On top of that, all you truly require is a strong grasp of the English language, determination, and good communication skills.
1. Do Some Research
Getting started with freelance writing? It’s essential to do some research first. Don’t just dive in quickly —there are tons of free resources online to help you out.
Follow successful freelance writers and see how they began. You can even reach out to them for tips; most are happy to share their experiences.
Check out blogs and YouTube channels from accomplished freelance writers. They often share useful tips that can make your journey easier.
Learn the basics before you start freelancing. Don’t hesitate to ask experienced freelancers for guidance. Once you’ve done your research, you’ll feel confident and ready to kick off your freelance writing career.
2. Choose Your Freelance Writing Niche
Choosing a freelance writing niche involves defining the industry or clients you want to work with. Knowing your freelance writing niche is super important. It makes you look like an expert and helps you attract the right clients.
It’s a critical decision because clients prefer writers who are experts in their field. Given the choice between a freelance writer covering everything and one specializing in their industry, they’ll lean towards the focused expertise every time.
The challenge lies in the fact that choosing a freelance writing niche isn’t straightforward. You’ll be engaged in that topic daily, investing time to master it. Recognize the stuff you’re not great at or really dislike writing about. This helps you figure out what shouldn’t be your niche.
3. Start Writing Samples
When you’re starting in freelance writing, make a collection of writing samples. It’s a great move, especially if you’re new to professional writing. Your portfolio can have various pieces, like academic essays, but it’s super helpful to create a few samples in the style you plan to write for clients.
Sharing this portfolio, even if they just take a quick look, impresses potential clients. Having samples right there shows them you know your stuff and can handle the work. It’s a smart way to prove you’re good at what you do.
4. Make Your Own Blog
Don’t get stuck overthinking things forever. You might have many questions about your niche or the clients you want, but if you keep dwelling on them, you might never kick off.
Start writing, and you’ll figure things out along the way. Take on any project that comes your way at first—it’s a great way to get experience and understand what you like.
Make a blog and write about what you love. It builds confidence and becomes a portfolio that you can show it to clients. No need for a fancy domain; you can start a free blog on WordPress. If a potential client finds your blog and likes your work, they might even contact you.
5. Show Yourself Online
Sitting around won’t bring clients to you. To grow as a freelance writer, you’ve got to actively market yourself. Get on social media platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn—they’re great for showcasing your services. Connect with fellow writers and decision-makers who could become your clients.
You can set up your own website. It shows your commitment as a freelance writer, although it’s not a must. Building a strong presence on social media is just as effective—showcasing your work and engaging with your audience.
So, what to share on social media? Talk about your writing interests and experiences. Share what is great about your passion for writing.
6. Continuous Learning
Don’t worry if your writing skills aren’t flawless—they can always get better. You don’t have to aim to be the world’s best writer, but it’s important to ensure your writing clearly communicates your thoughts to the reader.
So, how do you enhance your writing skills? Write more. Practice writing to sharpen your skills. Your personal blog is an ideal space to refine your writing abilities. Develop a consistent writing habit, and you’ll notice a positive transformation over time.
7. Network with Fellow Freelance Writers
Networking plays a significant role in the freelance writing industry, with up to 85% of jobs being filled through connections—just like any other field.
Reaching out to freelance writers is a fantastic way to uncover new opportunities. More experienced writers can guide you to valuable resources they’ve used, provide feedback on your portfolio, and may even pass clients your way if they’re overloaded.
If you don’t have connections with freelance writers in your offline world, social media can be a great way to make those connections.
8. Revise your Grammar
To kickstart your journey in freelance writing, it’s important to write with a level of clarity and precision beyond everyday online conversations. Start by sharpening your grammar skills to avoid noticeable errors in your portfolio and client works.
9. Learn SEO
Getting the hang of search engine ranking may seem like an ever-changing puzzle, but the basics can be learned quickly with a bit of focus.
For freelance writers, SEO is a must skill. Clients often have specific SEO goals, highlighting the importance of not just creative writing but also delivering great results. If your writing doesn’t catch people’s eye, it might as well not exist.
10. Cold Pitch Strategy
Take your freelance writing up a notch by pitching stories to new organizations, even if they’re not advertising for freelancers. It’s called cold pitching, and while it might seem a bit intimidating compared to using platforms like Freelancer, why not give it a shot with companies you haven’t connected with before?
To ace cold pitching, get to know what content the company is looking for. Do your research, and this could lead to exciting opportunities that pay off.
11. Propose Guest Posts
Broaden your audience by approaching blogs within your niche and suggesting guest posts. It’s an excellent strategy to showcase your work to a wider audience and boost SEO for your blog or personal website. However, keep in mind that major blogs might not readily accept guest posts.
Here is why – They have experience and may prefer writing content themselves, dealing with numerous cold pitches, some major blogs may charge for guest posts with backlinks.
Don’t be discouraged; start with small. Approach niche bloggers slightly ahead of your level and propose writing for them.
12. Always Learn Something New
Keep on discovering new things—it might be a small tip or delving into a whole new subject. Each bit you learn is a step toward improvement. Stay curious, explore diverse topics, and welcome fresh ideas. When something confuses you, take time to understand it.
Try out new words, experiment with various methods, and don’t hesitate to seek guidance from experts. Enhance your writing skills as a part of your daily routine. Every day is an opportunity to grow and skill your abilities.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to start freelance writing, go for it! Freelancing is an exciting adventure, and things can change a lot. Begin by shining your writing skills, creating a diverse portfolio, and connecting with other writers on social media. Understand the basics of SEO to boost your online presence. It’s okay to start small and gradually work your way up. Remember, every step counts, and the key is persistence.
