A Portfolio

Once you decide to freelance, the first thing is to set up a portfolio. You can set up a digital one on the many online platforms available like WordPress and others. Most digital platforms have platforms custom-tailored for different careers. Choose one that showcases your copywriter talent.

Besides a portfolio, other must-haves to get started is a laptop (computer), stationery, business cards, printer, and supplies for the home office.

Action Plan

Like any other business, you are now running a business, and you need an action plan. Your plan should include these essential items:

1. Goals: put a priority on jobs that you want and state the ones you will not take.
2. Clients: generate a list of potential clients and take note of their strengths, weaknesses, and needs. Keep in touch with them.
3. Communication: When it comes to answering calls and replying emails, be prompt. This discipline helps that you will be able to respond to calls and emails from jobs later on.
4. Revenue: Have a separate detailed budget. The action plan should remind you of your earning targets to be profitable. It helps to figure how much time off you need.

Rates

From the start, it is crucial to set rates. It would be best if you decided whether to charge hourly, by project, or including both rates. Take enough time to come up with standards and evaluate what works as a fee. Clients want consistency, and they will not work with rules that keep changing.

Another thing to note when coming up with the rates is doing market research. You need to understand the market, and this is as important as knowing your expenses.

As you are beginning, you may not negotiate your rates and will settle with the clients’ pay rates, but this does not mean you shouldn’t set your prices.

Writing Samples

Write samples to show your talent. These samples are an excellent way to showcase your work to potential clients. For those with limited or without experience, speculative advertising can create samples.

Develop a Contract

Develop a contract before accepting any work. Do not start working on a project until a signed contract is in your hands. It is good practice to consult a lawyer on how to develop a deal. The contract is your first line of defense, if ever a client doesn’t want to pay.

Networking and creating a buzz

As a freelancer, you market yourself. Find networking events where you can find some people who could be looking for your skills. Go out of your comfort zone to create buzz. Create work that will get people to notice you.

Get in touch with players in the industry.

Please do not feel afraid to reach out to people who have already made it in the industry.

Finding Clients

Do not grow weary of trying out new methods to find clients. Get in touch with different clients. Once you understand the need of the clients, you decide the approach better.

Refine Your Online Portfolio

Consistently update your portfolio with your best work. Freelance work is rewarding, but you need to be patient and do your due diligence to make it work.

Getting freelance jobs isn’t that easy. A similar challenge also applies to experienced writers. It is more challenging to get well paying freelance writing jobs. Let’s consider a few of the best online platforms for good freelance writing jobs.

1. FlexJobs

FlexJobs allows you to search for specific jobs. You do that by creating a profile that matches the kinds of jobs you are up for. It includes categories, your work schedule, level of experience, etc.

The subscription for FlexJob is $14.95 monthly and $49.95 for an annual subscription. You can also get 50% off when you use the code “JOBS.”

2. SolidGigs

Solidgigs help users get a variety of job opportunities. They help compile freelance writing job opportunities and send them to subscribers weekly. It gives subscribers easy access to jobs and helps save time used for job search.

You can subscribe to SolidGigs with $19 monthly. You can also get a month free trial for only $2. SolidGigs also gives you access to free tutorials and the opportunity to meet successful people in the field.

3. Weekly Email from Sonia Weiser

Sonia Weiser is a known name among freelance writers. She sends job opportunities to her community at $3 monthly. She also offers professional counsel on freelance writing with other helpful resources.

4. Freelance Writers Den

For $25 monthly, Carol Tice offers you a whole lot, including training on making money from freelance writing. You also have access to different forums where you can learn and improve your skill. Jobs and listings are also posted twice every week on the Junk-Free Job Board. Every serious-minded freelance writer should consider this platform.

5. ProBlogger Job Board

Freelance writers can get job listings from ProBlogger created by Darren. You can be sure about getting paging clients from his blog. Problogger had gained a high profile, which gives you an idea about the kind of job you can stumble upon in the blog.

6. MediaBistro

MediaBistro offers a wide range of courses and tools that would enhance your career. The job board section presents job opportunities that cut across different industries.

7. Morning Coffee Newsletter

It is a weekly newsletter that gives information about job opportunities for freelance writers and editors. Freelancewriting.com sends this newsletter with jobs pulled for different sites.

8. Behance Creative Jobs

It is an online platform for professionals to show their work and connect with organizations. It also has a job board where you can source for opportunities.

9. Who Pays Writers?

It is a site that offers well-paying opportunities for writers. With these sites, you can also know how much some publications pay.

10. LinkedIn

With your LinkedIn account, you can build your network and get job opportunities. You can also sign up for job alerts in your field.

Other online platforms where you can get a good offer include Upwork, Freelance Writing Jobs(FWJ), Where to pitch, The Ultimate List of Better-Paid Blogging Gigs, etc.

Working as a freelance writer is one of the few means of earning cash and becoming a boss. Although, you need to be sure that you are a skilled writer and that you are ready to start earning through writing. If your answer is yes, then there are few things you need to know to become a freelance writer.

What to know as a new freelance writer

There are certain things you need to know as a new freelancer. We have highlighted a few below.

1. Consider your freelance writing as a job:

Don’t see this any less than a job. Schedule a time to resume to work and a time to close. Although freelance writing can be flexible, you need to be serious about it.

2. Do away with distractions:

Don’t allow anything to distract you from what you have set out to achieve in a workday. Ensuring that you make your aim is totally up to you.

3. Set a goal for each workday:

Decide on what needs to be achieved each day. Make a list of topics to write on and set deadlines for when to finish.

4. Always be organized:

Create a space where you work in your home. Be sure the area is neat and organized. Also arrange the things you need for your work like your computer, printer, writing materials, and other necessary equipment.

The pros of being a freelance writer

There are advantages to becoming a freelance writer. Some of them are:

1. No need for excessive equipment:

You will not need a lot of stuff for your freelance writing. Only your computer and access to the Internet is required.

2. Job flexibility:

You can work from anywhere at any given time. It can be on your bed or even in the car park. You don’t have to secure an office before you start writing. The working hours are also flexible as long as you meet up with the deadline.

3. You get to be your boss:

With freelance writing, you won’t have to work under anybody. You get to choose your convenient place and time to work.

The Cons of being a freelance writer

The choice to become a freelance writer is not for everyone. Here are some reasons why you might not enjoy freelance writing;

1. You can get bored while working alone:

It can be a significant problem as there are no working partners as you will find in an office. You should make out time for socializing with friends to solve this problem.

2. There will be no professional support:

It can also get you frustrated while working. There is nobody to supervise your work. The best way to get help is to connect with other freelance writers online.

3. Starting up may prove difficult:

If you are not committed enough, you may find things more difficult than expected. Writing, getting clients, and referrals, networking requires a lot of time and energy.

Conclusion

As you are starting a career as a freelance writer, all you need is dedication and hard work. Put in a lot of effort, write as much as you can, get clients, and connect with other freelance writers that can help you grow.

Identify What You Are Good At
There are some subjects which you probably know a lot about while there are others you know very little about. This is natural and occurs in many people first getting into this line of work. Make a list of the things you like to discuss (e.g., sports, gardening, economics, etc.) and look up some publications that deal with those exclusively. This will give you a good idea of the kinds of things people look for.

Start by Doing a Few Free Jobs
There are a lot of freelance editor jobs out there but the competition may be a little tough to deal with at first. Consider doing smaller jobs for free. This will help you network, develop skills, and build a portfolio all of which can be used to set yourself apart from other freelancers.

Look towards Low-Level Work
Entry level jobs are a great way of getting into freelancing. A lot of places will want people who can handle simple jobs to start and you should look towards these opportunities to get your foot in the door. It will all benefit you in the long run because you can add the experience on your resume.

Build Your Portfolio of Samples
As a part of landing those low-level work opportunities you will be building your portfolio of samples to share with potential clients. Keep this organized with your best work and look towards sending relevant material with all of your bid proposals.

Negotiate Long-Term Contracts
Once you find a client or two that have worked out well for you, negotiate a long-term online writing job so that you can always rely on work and can earn the most money for reliable work. It’s good to have at least two or three clients who can provide you with ongoing work so you don’t have to spend as much searching for additional work.

If you spend just a few minutes on the web you will find countless online copywriting jobs across a number of industries. There really is something for everybody out there and you can turn your knowledge and passion in any subject into a promising freelance career. By following the advice above you can get started in less than a week and start seeing your first paychecks coming within a month. Don’t be afraid to take the leap and experience the benefits of making money from home.

Create Online Website Profiles
Most people already have social networking sites that can easily be modified to advertise their desire to land history writing jobs or whatever other area they specialize in. Have a look at your profiles and write a paragraph or two describing the kind of work you want to do and make sure you make it easy for people to connect with you to start a conversation and negotiation process.

Ask Your Friends for Recommendations
When I was first getting started in this field it was to gain more general experience in U.S. customs law. I was a graduate student who would like to build a strong resume in this niche market and was in search of a great legal writing job where I could develop my skills and knowledge. My friends were tremendously helpful in that they provided me with recommendations and in some cases even introduced me to employers that were looking for someone in my situation.

Build a Portfolio by Working for Free
No one likes to work for free but this is just the smart thing to do if you want to build a good reputation and land freelance gigs much more easily. By developing a strong portfolio you have ready-made samples that you can send with all of your proposals, thus displaying how well you write and the kind of quality you aim to bring to any new writing project.

Consult with Other Freelancers
Lastly, you should always try to extend your network, particularly with other freelancers who can provide you with tips and tricks for starting down this path of gig work to landing more lucrative opportunities. Search for others who specialize in your areas so that they can tell you exactly how they got started years ago.

As you can see it really will only take a few days’ worth of preparation to get started in a field where you can get paid to proofread. And after a couple of weeks you should start seeing the positive effects of beginning on the right foot. You can also look towards long-term steady work by trying your hand on some professional writing – there are hundreds of credible sites that pay excellent rates and are always looking for qualified experts in a number of fields who can do academic or similar work.

Relying on a Single Client or Website
It is foolish to rely on a single website or client for freelance writing jobs online for college students. A single client or website will leave you stranded during low seasons. You will never know about your potential in writing or the industry if you are used to a single style. You might realize that your first encounter was academic writing but you are good at writing blogs. It means that blogs will make you more money. It will be less stressful and even cause your career to thrive.

Working on Everything Will Finish Your Career
There is no man on earth who can do everything. This also applies to online jobs. You cannot be a good writer, editor, graphics designer, transcriber and such other jobs offered online. Choose a niche where you will specialize. The niche should be within your skills set. If you have trained in accounting, for example, you could consider writing papers in business as opposed to science. You will take less time, commit fewer mistakes and earn more from the process. Clients should recognize you for delivering quality work in a few areas. Being a Jack of all trades will mean that you have mastered none.

Failing to Meet Deadlines
Clients are extremely strict on deadlines. Commit to meet these deadlines and you will never regret. They will always return to you for more work. Failing to meet the deadline set means that your client cannot use or submit the work. Some clients take action by withdrawing the work. You lose a client, time and resources. Communicate effectively and regularly whenever you get any academic writing job. A missed deadline could mean a lost year due to delayed graduation.

Taking the Work Lightly
Freelancers are in the habit of taking work lightly. There is not boss or a schedule to follow. This means that you begin work at will and end the day whenever you want. The secret is to develop a schedule that will guide your working hours. It should be within normal working hours where possible so that when you get a message that content writers needed you are available immediately.

Failure to Discuss Payments
Do not commence any work without discussing payment terms. These terms include how much, when it will be paid, how and the terms of violations. It allows you to take remedial action if the terms of payment are violated.
Do not wait to learn by own mistakes. There are genuine websites offering proofreading online jobs and there are scams. By following the tips given, you avoid losing money, time and resources as well as make a successful career online.

What is Your Area of Competence?
Identify your area of specialization. Different websites and clients offer unique jobs requirements. Some want academic writers while there are others who need writers for commercial articles. Evaluate a discipline that you are more comfortable with. For instance, a law student will find it easier to get legal writers jobs and excel compared to an accounting student. By specializing, you will sharpen your skills and therefore perform better. You can start with looking for assignment helper job and do homework for money. This is an easy way to get into the profession and improve your writing skills.

Take the Tests Provided
Tests exist in almost all writing platforms. Clients will also test your skills before they can trust you with their assignments. Be ready and positive when taking these tests. The tests are also an opportunity for you to understand the rules that guide the writing field. Once you pass the tests and results are displayed on the website or public space, it will be easier to get content writing jobs online. Your performance will indicate the areas where you need to improve. These tests also give you an idea of expectations for different clients and writing genres.

Get a Referral
There are numerous sites purporting to offer freelance jobs online. Some pay well while others will pay peanuts. Others are scams that will disappear with your money immediately you submit the work. A referral is a reliable way to get freelance writing jobs for teens. You will avoid the long and tedious process of vetting the writing websites in the hope that they will offer work. You also get a referral to a site that offers work that you can complete.

Take the Lower Pay First
College students are considered to lack certain skills that experienced or graduate writers possess. This means that their rates are lower than those of qualified writers. You might be asked to produce papers that you do not have. Other than miss on the opportunity altogether, you should consider taking a lower rate as you wait to graduate or gain experience. Over time, clients gain confidence in your work. You also build a portfolio that you can use to bargain for a higher pay.

Set Ample Time to Write
Take writing seriously by setting aside sufficient time to work. Clients are not interested in the fact that you are in college. They want you to deliver the work on time and also produce quality. They will not take the excuse that you were in class or had own assignment to complete. Set out to become a professional writer by setting aside sufficient time to work. This allows you to work for longer hours and therefore earn money from it.

The few available academic writer jobs for college students require a person who can work like a professional. Understand the writing requirements and endeavour to meet them. When you begin here, you will have a long and successful career as a freelancer.

Free of spelling and grammar errors
Spellings and grammar mistakes in homework jobs are a sure proof that the writer did shoddy work and he or she did not take ample time to proofread the work. Moreover, this may also be an indicator that the writer does not have good command of language under his belt. Such simple mistakes will discourage most of the clients from setting up long term working relationships with the given writer. The best way to avert from this is to give your work to someone you trust most so that they point out.

Originality counts
In legal writing jobs, people who plagiarize their work rarely get a mark for the same. In most cases, your supervisor will request you to redo the work and consider originality. To avert from repeating the same mistake, you have to learn how to avoid plagiary. Fortunately, it is very easy: All you need to do is combine content from several sources and modify it or simply rewrite in your own words. Most people fail because they simply copy and paste content written by other authors. You have to develop content that appeals to everyone who comes across it. To be sure that you have not copied another writer’s work, you are advised to use plagiarism tool to check out your content.

No unnecessary repetition
The fact that you are repeating some phrases or words in your paper means that you have probably done inadequate research. Someone who has explored several sources will have a wide range of content to include in his or her paper. Before you start freelance writer job description for resume, put some time aside to gather enough content through research and comparing different texts. Once you are done, proofread your work to be certain that there is no repetition.

Should be well organized
For any proofreading jobs online you work on, there is a specific outline that must be maintained. For instance, if it a thesis, research paper, essay or dissertation, you have to make sure there is a suitable title, an eye-catchy introduction, a body with well-organized paragraphs and each with a specific point and also a remarkable conclusion. These need to have a good flow of ideas such that one understands everything right from the start to the end. There should be back up data for every statement given. If you doubt anything, simply take out a sample and have a look on how it has been written. You can as well get advice from other people who may have upper hand knowledge in content selection.

Be sure of whom you want to hire
When it comes to writing online jobs, there are hundreds of people with different specializations. Not everyone is capable of crafting on your topic. If it is about essay writing, the best person to hire is a professional essay writer. Similarly, if you want to get your dissertation or homework written, you must select the respective personnel. If you are not sure about the area one is specialized in, you can simply inquire or check on the website. Someone specialized in dissertation writing may not have similar skills in developing essays. Therefore, don’t regard everyone as a multi-task writer unless you are sure.

Availability is a crucial requirement
Freelance writing jobs require constant touch between the two parties. When one of the parties is not available, things start going the wrong direction. There are some freelancers who don’t have time to interact and respond to client’s needs. At the end of the day, all they produce is work full of mistakes that would have otherwise been avoided. There are times when you may want them to craft for you urgent work in the middle of the night. If your expert takes three or more days before he comes online, you are definitely in trouble. The best writers are those who will urgently read your texts and get back to you within the shortest time.

Free revisions
Most freelancers always feel anxious about maintaining high speed and completing the work within the shortest time possible. Some rookies can also manage financial writer jobs. However, this might predispose them to countless unnecessary errors while writing. You therefore need someone who is not easily distracted and in case he or she makes mistakes, they should be in a possible to handle the revisions free of charge. In most cases, people don’t budget for revisions and therefore, the respective writers mistakes need to take responsibility and make the corrections as required.

Hire someone with experience
Well, if someone has been writing for the last ten or so years, it simply means that he or she has gained so much experience and has the best knowledge on how to handle your topic in the best way possible. This is unlike a rookie with no skills who may only end up messing up your work. A newbie may not be in a position to interpret a topic well enough. With proofreaders needed, experience is gauged through the number of years one has spent in the field. However, looking at the quality of samples of the work done can as well give you a clue. If you need help with academic writing, I advise you to check DissertationTeam.

Up your writing game
Freelance writing job as the name suggests is all about writing and that is why before you consider getting this job you have to work on your writing skills. You will realize that most companies drive content through traffic and hence as a freelancer you will be required to write regularly. What if you do not have the skills? You may as well end up writing content that does not make sense at all. The advantage of writing content every month and on a regular basis is that you get to earn more as the workload increases. You should however not start imagining that once you get a job you will start earning lots of cash immediately. It takes time and patience. All in all good writing skills is one of the things that is most sought after in freelance writing jobs.

Gain computer programming skills
A freelancer who is a friend of mine used to spend lots of cash hiring computer programmers for this job. After going back and learning this skill, he realized that he could save more and when applying for jobs, he could get multiple responses because he had this skill. Do you also want to be hired quickly, well then you should know that computer programming freelancers are among the most paid writers especially when they get hired by high paying clients such as android and IOS. I know it may be a little tough since it involves a lot of stuff but in the long run, it will be worth it all.

Create a good profile
If you want to get that job easily, advertise yourself in a manner that will make most people want to work with you. A good profile describes your skills and experience. Try and write your profile in a manner that can be easily understood by anyone who is going through it. A long profile that has very long sentences and paragraphs can also be boring that is why you should make it brief.

Be a hard worker
This a field that does not require you to lazy around at all. There are many things that tend to distract most people and social media is the commonest of them all. If you want to be more productive then you should probably consider ditching this and you will be able to get the freelance job of your dreams. If you do the contrary then I can guarantee you that you will not last in this field. It will not be long before clients lose trust in you.

Do not give up
At times you may be sending emails to different companies and you do not get any responses. Well, one of the things that you should have as a freelancer as mentioned earlier is patience. You may give up early when your chance to be employed is almost near. Tell yourself each day that you are a good writer and have the necessary skills and once you get a new job, do not chicken out, be calm and tackle whatever is given to you with expertise.