Generally speaking, if you can increase your freelance writing workload you can also increase your income. In other words, more work equals more money. This is not always the case, as I have mentioned before, but it is a good rule of thumb to keep in mind.
Consider these three tips for increasing your freelance writing workload.
1. A large number of my freelance writing jobs come from current clients passing my name along to others. Make sure that you are the type of writer that people will want to refer. Getting jobs this way is a huge benefit because you do not have to spend time on marketing. Instead, the interested party comes to you.
2. Put together a resume and samples that prospective clients will want to see. Too many freelance writers make the mistake of including their favorite pieces in their portfolio, as opposed to those that will help them to garner new projects. Remember, your freelance writing portfolio will change from time to time. Once you find samples that seem to be working, stick with them for a while. Soon enough you will have confidence in your resume and portfolio.
3. Simply put, be good at what you do. This holds true no matter what type of freelancer you are. If you are not churning out good work, you are not going to succeed. Sure, you may trick a few people with sub-par work, but sooner or later you are going to hit a wall and your career will come to a grinding halt. Additionally, bad work never turns into referrals. If you are going to take the time to become a freelance writer, you might as well take the time to produce quality content.Â
These are three simple tips to keep in mind if you are interested in increasing your freelance writing workload. When you do more work, there is a good chance that you will see a positive increase in your monthly income.Â
How much money does it take to start a freelance writing career? This is a common question that aspiring writers ask others as well as themselves. As you probably know, freelance writing is a good career to get into if you do not want to deal with large up front costs, as well as recurring expenses. When it comes down to it, starting a freelance writing career is one of the most cost efficient for anybody who is interested in working for themselves.
So what are the costs involved with starting a freelance writing career? It is difficult to list every expense because some people already have the basic items. With that being said, the list below is compiled based on somebody starting with nothing.
1. The number one thing on your list should be a reliable computer; you can buy either a desktop or a laptop. While computers used to be expensive, in today’s day and age you can find a good unit for $300 or so. Remember, you do not need anything special. The three things that you do need are: a good word processing program such as Microsoft Word, a reliable machine, and one that will allow you to connect to the internet. Additionally, consider buying a computer from a manufacturer that is tossing in a free printer. Believe it or not, there are plenty of these deals to be had at the major electronic stores.Â
2. Speaking of the internet, this is an expense that a freelance writer cannot do without. Gone are the days when you could complete assignments and mail or fax them to clients. While I do send projects in the mail from time to time, this has become more or less obsolete in the freelance writing world. You need to pay for internet access, and if you want the best of the best, splurge for cable instead of dial up.
3. You will need miscellaneous office items. This includes everything from stamps to pens to notepads. You do not need a lot of office supplies, and what you do buy should last you for quite a long time.
As you can see, it is quite cheap to start a freelance writing career. For approximately $400 you can get set up with everything you need. And as you know, if you already have a computer, your biggest expense is behind you!
What traits do you need to become successful in the field of freelance writing? I can’t tell you how many times I get asked that question every week. Although it is a valid question, it is tough to answer because there is no right answer. There are some freelance writers who excel despite the fact that they never follow any of the “standard†thoughts that have been generically outlined.
With that in mind, I wanted to share three basic traits of work at home freelance writers. You do not necessarily need to have these traits to be a success, but you might as well put them into effect. In other words, having these traits can only help you; they will never harm your chances of success.
1. You need to be comfortable working at home by yourself. Remember, work at home freelance writers do not have any supervision, or other employees to gossip with during breaks. Simply put, if you do not enjoy being a loner during the workday, you may struggle to start and sustain a successful freelance writing career.
2. Are you money motivated? Anybody who is self-employed, especially freelance writers, need to be motivated by money. You only get paid when you work hard, secure new clients, and turn out quality work. If you are not motivated by the money at the end of the rainbow, you will probably be better suited with a job that offers a guaranteed, steady paycheck.
3. You don’t like to be supervised or supervise others. This goes along with number one, but puts more credence on the latter half of the statement. In many cases in the corporate world, you will have a supervisor while also being the boss of others yourself. Simply put, some people do not like telling other employees what to do; they are not comfortable with this. When you are a work at home freelance writer you answer to yourself, and are never forced to supervise others.
Are these traits general? Sure are! But even then, you need to keep them in mind. If you do not like one of the three points above, there is a chance that you will not be able to sustain a long freelance writing career. Of course, there are exceptions to every rule; these traits are just a jumping off point!
