You may have noticed that content is everywhere, from Google to YouTube to Instagram and so on. If you can master the skill of creating great content, you will have the potential to make a good fortune.
Seriously, this industry is continuously growing, and brands, companies, and creators are actively seeking writers or content creators to help them produce great content. And you know, this is just the beginning.
New creators will emerge, and new brands will establish themselves, so getting into writing as early as possible can be incredibly rewarding. Just imagine becoming the best writer without any prior experience. Doesn’t that sound fabulous?
Securing your writing gigs can be surprisingly easy, even when starting as a freelance writer without prior experience. You just need to follow the guidelines and step-by-step process outlined in this article.
We cover all the information on “how to become a freelance writer with no experience” from landing your first client to building your portfolio and determining your charging rates.
What is Freelance Writing?
Freelance writing means creating content without a boss, allowing you to work at your own pace. It’s about flexibility and the freedom to deliver captivating and informative content to your clients.
It can involve creating blog posts, writing product descriptions, crafting email copy, or any other writing material your clients need. As a freelance writer, you have the freedom to choose your projects based on your niche and passion, set your own timelines, and work from anywhere in the world.
One of the best things about freelance writing is the multitude of topics you can explore and curate content for. Whether it’s fashion, finance, technology, digital marketing, or travel, there’s always a demand for writers who can create engaging content that resonates with the audience.
Freelance writers are editors, researchers, and creators of content tailored to the client’s needs, ensuring that every piece connects with the intended audience.
While freelancing offers flexibility and freedom, it also requires discipline and dedication. As a freelancer, you must manage your own time, meet deadlines, and maintain relationships with clients.
So, have you considered the opportunity to work from anywhere? Now, let’s delve into some numbers you can earn from freelance writing.
How Much Can Freelance Writers Make?
Firstly, there’s no limit to your earnings, you have the power to determine your own income. It totally depends on your skills, experience, and the value you provide to your clients.
While entry-level freelance writers may start earning from $20 to $50 per hour, as you gain experience and build a reputation in the industry, your earning potential can significantly increase as people begin to find you trustworthy.
For experienced freelance writers, starting from $100 or more per hour is not uncommon. Additionally, if you establish your own personal brand in content writing, you have the opportunity to secure long-term contracts or high-paying projects.
Of course, freelance writing income can vary based on various factors such as the type of projects you take on, the complexity of the work, and the clients you work with. Some writers focus on volume, taking smaller projects to generate a steady income, while others prefer to pursue higher-paying, more specialized assignments.
Ultimately, the earning potential of freelance writing is limitless. With dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to delivering high-quality work, freelance writers have the opportunity to build a profitable career in the world of writing.
Now, let’s explore how you can actually get started with freelance writing.
How to Become a Freelance Writer With No Experience: A Step-by-Step Guide
So, you’re actually reading this article, which means you really want to be a great freelance writer. Then believe me, by the end, you will have all the information you need to get started with writing. Just learn from here and then implement it into your work.
Step 1: Identify Your Skills and Interests
I know this may sound silly, but take some time before diving into writing. Think about what you like to do. Do you enjoy traveling, exploring technology, managing finances, or just want to look more handsome? This defines your interest in the topics you are most passionate about and won’t get bored working on.
Did you know that over 50% of writers are not making money because they are in the wrong writing industry? So, knowing your passion and interest will help you define your strengths and highlight you in your specific niche content.
Step 2: Set Realistic Goals
First, let me ask you, why do you want to become a freelance writer? Any answers?
This is what you need to consider—your goals. Find out why you’re really getting into this industry. Maybe you want to make money, take this up as a full-time career, or become an industry expert.
Your goals will help you understand what steps you really need to take in order to succeed. This will make it easier for you to achieve your goals and help you grow and stay motivated.
(Have you prepared your goals? Let me know…)
Step 3: Build Your Portfolio
(You’ll need a portfolio to showcase your work and onboard clients.)
You can even start freelance writing without any prior experience, but having a portfolio (like a blog or website) can help you land your first client easily. So start writing articles, sending newsletters, blog posts, or social media content on the topics you are passionate about.
These writing materials will help people become your clients as they can see the value they will be getting when they work with you.
Step 4: Create a Professional Online Presence
As I said above, creating your own blog or website, setting up a LinkedIn profile, or sharing social media content can help you create a professional online presence. This can help you collaborate with other experts and attract clients globally.
Step 5: Start Pitching
Just learning the core features of freelance writing and having great experience but not getting clients? This is the reason why you’re not getting clients, because you’re not pitching.
Research your target clients and pitch them with your work; it will definitely land you your first project. This is what 50% of freelance writers do to succeed.
*Expert Tip – Pitch to at least 20 clients a day via social media like Instagram, LinkedIn, and through freelance platforms like Fiverr, Upwork.
Step 6: Seek Feedback and Improve
Don’t be afraid to seek feedback from your readers, partners, or potential clients. I know you cannot be perfect and provide results better than they expected.
So, always get feedback and use it to improve your performance; that will definitely add up to more high-paying clients.
Step 7: Stay Persistent and Patient
You’ll not get so many clients on your first pitch, not even when you’re an expert. Getting clients requires consistent practice, dedication, and patience to start writing your gigs.
Being persistent and doing your work with a 100% effort rate can help you land your first as well as too many clients. And remember, don’t get discouraged by too many rejections; it’s normal and happens to everyone. But keep pitching, providing value, and having patience will definitely make you a superb freelance writer.
This is the basic foundation to be seen before getting into freelance writing. Now let’s see some proven strategies to land your first client.
How to Land Your First Client?
You’ve created your portfolio, right? Perfect! Now you’re ready to land your first client. But before you start pitching, be sure to check out pricing strategies.
1. Leverage Your Network
Start pitching your writing services to your friends, family, and relatives. Let them know you’re offering freelance writing services. Networking is key; you never know who might be looking for a writer or can connect you with potential clients.
2. Explore Freelance Platforms
Put effort into creating your profile and showcasing your work on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Freelancer, where clients actively look for freelance writers like you. Make it worthwhile.
3. Pitch Directly to Businesses
Look for businesses or brands that work in a niche you’re most interested in. Offer them your pitch and explain how you could add more value to their business.
4. Cold Email Outreach
Reach out to potential clients who serve in the niche you’re working in and email them details about your services. People actually need good writers, so definitely email them and offer value. Personalize your message to increase your chances of success.
5. Offer Free or Discounted Prices
The best way to land your first client is to stand out from the competition by offering more value at cheaper rates. This approach makes you stand out and may attract multiple clients.
6. Connect on Social Media
Social media is always a boon. If you find people who need help in creating content, offer them your unique approach and services you offer. Social media is a great way to onboard multiple clients with less effort.
7. Give a Follow-Up
This is important; giving a follow-up message could increase your chances of landing clients who may have forgotten about you. Whether it’s email, social media, or freelance platforms, give a follow-up, and people will start noticing you.
How Much Should I Charge as a Freelance Writer?
As you’re starting as a freelance writer with no prior experience, make your prices the most competitive and cheaper to attract clients. Yes, pricing differs based on various factors like word count, time, value, and niche, but keep them low at first.
A good starting point for a beginner freelance writer is to charge on a per-word or per-hour basis. You can actually charge from $0.05 to $0.20 per word or $20 to $50 per hour. This pricing can be seen as valuable by clients, and they may be more inclined to hire you. But be sure to check your pricing criteria if it’s not okay for you.
As you start gaining experience, building a portfolio, and having multiple clients, you can gradually increase your rates. Consider transitioning from per-word or per-hour to project-based pricing or a contract-based approach. This allows you to charge based on the value of the work you provide rather than the time it takes to complete it.
If you become an expert writer, don’t be afraid to negotiate with clients and get the maximum value according to your skills and expertise. Add value and be confident in your worth as a writer.
I’ve provided a basic approach to get into freelance writing without any experience, but be sure to craft your own pricing strategy if you think you deserve more.
Expert Tip (on How to Become a Freelance Writer With No Experience)
One of the biggest mistakes for most freelance writers is the fear of not being good enough. But here’s the secret you can follow: you’ll never feel completely ready to start. The key is to take action and start writing, regardless of whether you’re inexperienced or unprepared. (Just start!)
Begin writing about topics in the form of blog posts, articles, newsletters, or social media posts that interest you. Don’t focus on perfection; instead, focus on making your writing more worthy, engaging, and informative. This adds more value to clients.
Remember, every great writer starts somewhere, and the only way to improve is through practice and persistence. If you just started out after reading this article, then definitely you will gain valuable experience (on your own), building a portfolio of writing samples, and gradually attract clients who are interested in your writing.
So, don’t wait for the perfect moment to begin your freelance writing journey. Start writing today, and watch your skills and confidence soar to new heights. (This is the real action you take)
Final Thoughts
Getting into freelance writing is a strategic approach for entering the digital marketing era. Content writing is what creators, businesses, and brands need. Therefore, I have to say, you’re entering into a mind-blowing industry.
As I mentioned, this article is specially designed to help you become a freelance writer with no experience. I have covered all aspects and included an expert tip to get you started with freelance writing.
Just let me know in the comments if you’re starting out or need any help!
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