- July 16, 2024
- by Bhavik Sarkhedi
- Content Writing
What will you call the recent-age writers? Wordsmith, word compiler, or influencer! Writing has become one of the mainstream occupations for several individuals these days. After the introduction of the internet, the world depends largely on text information. Whether it is about finding services/products or accessing any news, people largely depend on writings to make an informed decision. Besides that, the mass media have also moved to the internet. Gone are those days, where you have to wait for the morning newspaper to access any news. Nowadays, you can find all the world’s important news on the internet.
This has certainly increased the demand for writers. Apart from in-house writers, organizations are also looking out for writing agencies and freelance writers. They distribute the writing demands to accomplish their write-ups easily on time. Freelance writing is one such emerging occupation that has empowered several writers. Many writers even have established their careers by working as freelance writers. If you are new to writing and aspire to earn money as a freelance, this guide will help you with approaches to boost your earning. So, keep reading the upcoming paragraphs to find your answer.
What is freelance writing?
Freelancing, in typical terms, is a part-time content writing service. The people you are working for is your client, and you need to fulfill their demands with your profession. Generally, in freelancing, you get paid for projects rather than getting paid monthly. The same thing happens in freelance writing as well. In freelance writing, writers fulfill the writing demand of clients and businesses within a deadline. Moreover, working with freelancers is like working with agencies with one individual to cater to your demand.
Apart from that, Freelancers do not have physical office locations; they usually work from home or any other remote place and operate individually.
Is it possible to earn money with freelance writing?
Earning money with freelance writing is completely possible. Several writers are working as full-time freelancers and earning a reasonable income. Usually, in freelancing, you get paid based on hours or words. In most nations, writers get paid on an hourly basis. However, in nations like India, you get paid on a per word basis. The average hourly rate of a freelance writer is between $20 and $110, depending on the freelancer’s skills and experience.
On the other hand, certain works demand in-depth research. In such cases, freelance writers can demand more costs from clients they are working with. However, you may be full of creative skills, but earning from freelance writing requires intellectual skills. You have to fetch clients with your samples and portfolios. You would also have to employ several tools to gain clients. Below are six possible approaches where you can earn as a freelance writer.
Six ways that help you earn as a freelance writer?
1. Content writer
An average person spends most of the time on the internet. They browse different types of content to get information. In such cases, content writers are the ones that cater the information to readers. Content writers do create all sorts of online content to help end-users find answers to their queries. You can earn as a freelance content writer, as it offers you a great opportunity. In freelance SEO content writing services, you have to draft SEO optimized write-ups that include:
- Blogs
- Articles
- Press release
- Informative contents
- Web contents
- Email contents, and many more
Freelance content writers also do create content for several social media channels. However, a freelance writer must have strong research skills to represent the thoughts and ideas of their clients. Freelance content writers earn an average of $77,000/year; the hourly charge lies somewhere between $22-$100.
2. Copywriter
Writers can also become freelance copywriters. Many of you may think that role of copywriter and content writer is the same. However, it is not so! Copywriters’ and content writers’ roles may overlap, but they are a bit distinct from each other. Copywriters usually write taglines and promo lines for promoting any business over digital platforms.
A copywriter may have to come up with brand names, taglines, social media posts, trademarking lines, and many more. As a freelance copywriter, you must be able to create contents that have the potential to influence the audience for directly investing in a product.
The use cases of copywriting can be in the following things:
- Advertisements
- Landing pages
- Emails
- Sales copy
- Printed ads
- Digital ads
- Brochures
The average money that a freelance copywriter makes per year is $78,000. But once you gain reputation, you can also expect $1,13,000/year.
3. Technical writing
If you are more enthusiastic about technology, you can write technical content and become a freelance technical writer. A freelance technical writer writes about technology trends or any form of technical information for users. The primary aim of technical writing is always to create user-friendly writings that can offer ease of understanding for readers to know about any certain technology.
As a freelance technical writer, also you need robust research skills. The writers usually gather every possible information about the technology they are writing about. Technical writing can also be stressful, as you write about software, programs, applications, and hardware. Most freelance technical writers earn about $94,000/year.
4. Blogging
As a freelance writer, you can draft content for several blogging websites. The blogging websites usually have to post a bulk of content regularly. So, they require ghostwriters who can fulfill their writing demands. In such cases, you can do freelancing for bloggers. Apart from that, you can also become a blogger yourself. You can always craft your content and become your own boss with a blogging website.
5. eBook writing
Apart from all business writing, eBooks have also become a center of attraction for several readers. Readers are browsing and reading books from different genres online to stay light and entertaining. However, many authors hire ghostwriters for eBook writing. You can work as a freelance eBook writer and write down books from different genres.
In eBook writing, you need to gain skills in expressive writing. You have to portray the characters’ emotions and the storyteller, so you need to write precisely to understand the character. Preference of words is also imperative for eBook writers.
6. Translation
The translation is another form of freelance writing that aids you earn money. You have to translate one document from its original language to the desired language in translations. Usually, freelance writers get conversion demand from English to native language or native to the English language. However, becoming a freelance translator usually has a downside. You will have a lot of competition, as every other writer would compete to translate. Plus, there is no requirement for quality. You just need to translate the original document.
Tools that you can use to get freelancing projects
In this tech-trend era, you can find a plethora of platforms to interact with clients for freelancing projects. Some employers are looking forward to connecting with good freelance writers and getting their work done. Here are some top platforms and tools that will help you get freelancing projects.
Upwork
Upwork is a customary job posting website where entities, individuals, and organization post their job requirements. In this platform, you can find full-time as well as part job roles. It is quite popular for offering remote working and freelancing jobs. As a writer, you can find many jobs on this platform as Upwork is accessible for all sorts of jobs you look for.
Freelancer.com
As you might have known by the name, this platform comes solely for all freelancers. This platform came back in 2009, in Sydney. This is even prevalent as the oldest and massive platform for freelance writers. There are millions of employers looking for freelance writers to get their job done. So, this is another great platform to look for freelance projects.
Fiverr
Fiverr is a strict and prominent platform from all other platforms. You will see ratings for your work done to any clients on this platform. Besides, Fiverr also allows all freelancers to add their service costs in three different packages. Apart from just writing, Fiverr offer you more than 400 categories of work to do.
Other instruments and platforms that you can use to enhance your freelance writing business
For interviews and meetings with clients
You may be the sole person working for yourself. But you still need to have communication with clients to understand their requirements. In such cases, the meeting apps and platforms come handy. You can conduct interviews and meetings with clients with the help of video meeting apps like Skype, Zoom, Google Meet, and many more.
For real-time editing, commenting, and sharing documents
It is needless to say that writers do offer writings in MS-word files. However, sometimes the clients need to have real-time communication with you relevant to your content. Several platforms allow you to make real-time edits and comments in such cases. Google Doc is one such platform where you can find all the features.
For proofreading and editing errors in a writing document
When you deliver content to your clients, you want it to be precise and flawless. Apart from editing it yourself, there are chances that you may find several grammatical errors or sentences that feel repetitive or unclear. In such cases, paraphrasing becomes essential to restructure and improve the clarity of your content while retaining the original meaning. Using tools for proofreading, editing, and paraphrasing can help streamline this process. Tools like Grammarly, Hemingway, Editpad, and several others come accessible free of cost to eliminate all flaws in a document and enhance its overall quality.
For transaction of money
After completing the project, you will expect the client to pay you. The clients will ask you the payment methods to pay your cost. In such cases, you can use several secure transaction platforms like PayPal or Payoneer.
Conclusion
Wrapping up, this is how you can start making money as a freelance writer. Now that you know all the necessary skills, you should look for freelance writing projects on the platforms mentioned above. Apart from all the approaches, consistency in quality is a major factor that helps you make money efficiently.
FAQs
How do I start freelance content writing?
Start by building a portfolio, even if it’s just samples you create for practice. Then, set up a profile on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or LinkedIn. Begin pitching your services to potential clients, and don’t be afraid to start small.
Do I need experience to become a freelance content writer?
No, you don’t need prior experience, but you do need strong writing skills and a basic understanding of content creation. Writing a few practice pieces or offering free work initially can help you get started.
How much can I earn as a freelance content writer?
Your earnings depend on your skills, experience, and clients. Beginners often make $10–$20 per article, while experienced writers can earn $100+ per article or even charge by the word.
What skills are essential for freelance content writing?
You’ll need strong writing skills, creativity, grammar proficiency, and basic SEO knowledge. Time management and communication skills are also crucial for working with clients.
How do I find clients as a beginner?
Start by joining freelance platforms or networking on LinkedIn. Reach out to small businesses, bloggers, or agencies directly. Don’t forget to leverage social media to showcase your work and attract potential clients.
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