If you are considering changing your career track and embarking on a new journey as a freelance writer, you’re in good company. An estimated 59 million Americans freelanced at least once in 2020. Meanwhile, labor market trends suggest that the majority of the US workforce is on track to be freelance within a couple of years.
Of the top freelance jobs out there, freelance writing is one of the most popular pursuits. When done right, you can make some serious money while being fully in charge of your schedule and getting paid to create. But how to become a freelance writer? Getting it right is often easier said than done, so here are five golden business tips to take with you on your freelancing writing journey.
1. There Are Many Types of Freelance Writer
To get started as a freelance writer, you first need to determine what kind of freelancing writing you will be doing. The freelance content writer market is sprawling and immensely diverse, covering just about every industry imaginable.
Do you want to write travel guides for glossy magazines? Perhaps you wish to write technical guides for a B2B hardware company? Maybe you want to write scripts for online courses? The list is limitless, so make sure to pick your niche and hone your craft accordingly.
2. It May Take Time to Build Your Income
When starting your freelance career, it is worth noting that you might not immediately see the income that you were hoping for. As a freelance writer, you will be able to charge more and find more quality work depending on your experience.
The better your portfolio is, the more you will typically earn. This can mean that your first few months might be lean, so you should try and budget for this before you start writing.
3. It is OK to Fire Clients
As some freelancing experts have explained, firing a client as a freelancer is not only acceptable, it is also desirable at times. If you want to make it as a successful freelance writer, you need to know your worth and be discerning with clients.
Do not tolerate abusive clients or clients that will not pay you a reasonable rate. By being picky with clients, you can build a quality, stable income stream.
4. Never Sell Yourself Short
We really can’t stress this one enough. Even if you are just starting out in the industry, it is crucial that you know your worth.
Have a clear idea of what you can offer your clients and make it clear that you know this. If you are not confident in your abilities, you will be vulnerable to exploitation.
5. You Have Rights
Speaking of exploitation, it is crucial to keep in mind that, even if your work is not tied to a traditional employer, you still have rights as a worker. The US Department of Labor has detailed information on your rights and how you can ensure that they are upheld in the workplace.
Meanwhile, the United States Freelancer Union is a 500,000-strong union that is dedicated to fighting for the right of all of its members. Join a union – seriously.
More Tips for Your Entrepreneur Journey
Knowing how to make it as a freelance writer is the first step towards liberating yourself from the confines of a 9 to 5 and embarking on a fulfilling career. For more tips on being an entrepreneur in 2021, we have got you covered. Make sure to read our Entrepreneurship section for expert insights and tips.
