Want Job Alerts? Join UsDeciding to start a writing career as a side hustle can be quite overwhelming, especially when you do not know how to go about it. Being a freelance writer is excellent when you have the skills and land the right clients. But how do you go about it without the experience of writing for a client?
Without samples, a portfolio, or proof of your skills, you might not be able to get a job with a big gig at first. But if you follow the helpful tips in this article, it will not be long before you land a job as a writer at a professional essay writing company.
10 Useful Tips to Landing Your First Writing Gig
1. Invest in your freelance writing journey
No client wants to pay a writer just to get a half-baked article. And with the number of freelance writers everywhere, you will need to impress a client if you want to be valued and paid like one.
So, even if you are used to writing good essays and blogs offline, you should invest in courses that show the nitty-gritty of freelance writing. The course should teach websites to get information, writing apps, apps that can help improve your writing, etc.
Also, if you are just starting, you might need to get some resources to make the freelance journey smooth. Some of these resources are
- A laptop: Any laptop will do as long as you can type and access the internet.
- Digital payment platform: A business payment account is suitable for when you start getting clients. Also, receiving payments with professional payment platforms is more appropriate than sending a personal account. You can create a business Paypal account.
- E–mail address: If you are not using a freelance platform, most of your communication with your client will be via email. If you do not want to use a personal email account, create a new account for your writing profile.
2. Write samples
Some clients will require some of your writing samples, of which you have none. So, you should practice writing some articles you can send out when requested. Do not wait for your first job; go online and rewrite some pieces there.
Choose topics you are good at and write about them. So when a client asks for a sample, you will have a couple to submit.
3. Write for people around you
One of the best ways to get samples and exposure is by writing for people who need writing services around you. This can be your family, friends, or the local business store with a blog.
And though the service might be free or cost a little token, you will be able to gain exposure. Then as time goes by, you will be able to charge more and get referrals in case anyone else needs your service.
4. Write for a blog
If you can afford it, you can start a blog and write for different niches or the niche you want to focus on. Affordable domains allow you to create your blog at little or no cost. Provide value and do it consistently until you gain more visibility.
Also, you can feature as a guest writer on another person’s website. To gain more visibility, look for spots on high-authority websites. You can search for a website to write for by running a Google search on ‘Your niche write for us.’ E.g., Type “writing blog write for us’.
This comes in handy when the client asks for a published post with your name as the writer.
5. Rewrite existing blogs
Look for blogs online and check for the ones you think need readjustment. Rewrite some articles and pitch the rewritten articles to the company. Review stories in the papers and blogs and rewrite them to be more catchy.
Look for marketing agencies, rewrite their copies (if you want to be a freelance copywriter), and show them the value you can give. Do this until you get an offer.
6. Connect with other writers
Sometimes it is not about what you know or can do, but who you know and know what you can do—network with people of like mind, especially those who have been in the industry for a while.
The experienced freelancer might be kind enough to give you free resources, tell you what they did to get their first client, or even introduce you to a client they want to drop.
And if you do not have any freelance writers around you, search on any social media page and reach out to them. Many might not respond, but you should get a few willing to help you.
7. Register on freelance platforms
There are multiple freelance platforms you can register on to sell your skills. So sign up and create a profile on them. The platform will guide you on how to get started. Some of these platforms are
- Upwork
- Fiverr
- Freelancer
8. Build a social media page
Social media is one of the fastest ways to put yourself out as a writer. People spend more of their time on social media pages, and they can easily reach out if they come across what they need there.
All you have to do is position yourself well by giving out valuable content that shows you are a writer, and before long, individuals or agencies who need your service will reach out to you.
Also, once you have established yourself as a writer on these platforms, you can cold-pitch to agencies that might need your service.
9. Create a list
This list can be an email list, a regular broadcast, or any way you can regularly send out valuable content while showing yourself off as a writer. You can start the list with your family and friends. Then as you give more helpful content, you can ask for referrals for more people to join.
This way, when someone on the list needs your writing service, you will be on their mind.
10. Market yourself offline
As a freelance writer, you must market your services. Let everyone around you know about your services. When you talk with new people, let it be in your conversation that you are a writer.
And if you have a list, you can offer to add them to it or ask them to follow you on your social media page. That way, you can market to them online too.
When you start without experience, you might not be paid as much as you should be. But as you garner experience, you will be able to step up and soon work with top-rated writing service companies. Be patient and consistent, and you will get there.