The Reality of Building Your Freelance Writing Career
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Chapter 1: Understanding Freelance Writing
Freelance writing can be a fulfilling profession, allowing individuals to work from home and set their own hours. Writers in this field have the opportunity to explore new subjects and gain insights through their projects.
Many perceive freelance writers as individuals who simply sit at their desks and produce text from 9 AM to 5 PM. This notion is more aligned with corporate writing jobs. In reality, freelance writing offers a different experience.
Flexibility is a hallmark of this career. While some freelancers dedicate all seven days to their craft, others may choose to work on a more sporadic schedule, beginning as early as 7 AM or as late as noon. As long as you meet your word count and maintain a reasonable rate per word, you're generally on track.
However, achieving both of these benchmarks is crucial. Some writers can generate 5,000 words in a single day, while others may find 2,000 words to be their sweet spot. It's not uncommon for writers to opt for a balanced approach, contributing during the week and adding extra work over the weekend.
Writing 5,000 words may sound daunting, but many freelancers can produce approximately 1,000 words an hour, averaging 16 words per minute. There will be times when you exceed that rate, while other moments may require research for your upcoming topic.
Interestingly, a writer producing 2,000 words daily can earn more than one who produces 5,000 words. For example, if the 2,000-word writer charges $0.10 per word, they earn $200, whereas the 5,000-word writer at $0.02 per word only makes $100—essentially working harder for less pay.
In this video, "How I Started Freelance Writing - From Hot MESS to Overnight SUCCESS?!", the creator shares their journey in freelance writing, highlighting key lessons and tips for success.
Section 1.1: Marketing Your Freelance Writing Skills
As your writing skills improve, you'll encounter better opportunities. However, these opportunities won't simply appear; you'll need to gather writing samples and refine your online presence.
If you're short on samples, consider starting a personal blog. Clients prioritize your ability to produce high-quality content over your experience.
The writing itself may be the simpler part of the equation; the real challenge lies in marketing your services. It's essentially a numbers game—applying to numerous job listings, whether on content marketing platforms, Upwork, or LinkedIn, can yield responses from a few.
Section 1.2: Getting Started with Content Mills
To jumpstart your freelance career, consider content mills. These platforms offer a steady stream of writing assignments, allowing you to work at your own pace. They provide a pool of topics, which means you'll need to act quickly to secure the ones that interest you.
If you're in urgent need of income, content mills can bridge the gap between client assignments. While some writers earn a full-time income solely from these mills, it often requires producing around 5,000 words daily.
Your daily writing goal will depend on your income aspirations and your rate per word. While writing for content mills can be profitable, it can also lead to a dilemma: balancing writing with self-promotion. This challenge can be frustrating initially, but it pays off once you manage to increase your rates.
Chapter 2: Earning More Through Writing
The video "4 TRUTHS to Freelance Writing Work From LONG-TERM TOP CLIENTS" discusses essential insights for securing long-term clients and boosting your writing career.
The delicate balance between marketing and writing can allow some freelancers to reach six-figure incomes while producing less than 3,000 words each day. However, this requires a solid client base willing to pay competitive rates.
On some days, you might write enough to exceed six figures, while on others, the workload might fluctuate. Clients might only provide weekly articles, leaving gaps that content mills can help fill.
To manage these gaps, effective marketing is crucial. Adapting to this balance is essential, and freelancers approach it in various ways. Think of writing for content mills as day trading—quick wins that provide immediate income. Conversely, marketing is akin to making a long-term investment, focusing on future opportunities rather than immediate returns.
Ultimately, the more you write, the more money you can earn. Even if you write for lower-paying content mills, you will develop a habit of producing 5,000 words daily. When you transition to higher-paying clients, your income can significantly increase.
Over time, you'll aspire to maintain your income while working fewer hours, and effective self-marketing will help you achieve that. Freelance writing is a long-term journey that empowers you to shape your own future.
If you have any questions about freelance writing, feel free to drop them in the comments!