Finding a job can be challenging no matter your occupation, but it is even more complicated when many people strive for the same position. Sometimes postings for freelance writing assignments receive hundreds of proposals from workers worldwide, all offering prices lower than the next.
As a freelance content writer, you'll need to kick it up a notch if you want to stand out in the crowd. So how can you do this? The key lies in your content writing strategy.
If you have experience working in a specific field or a university degree, use it to your advantage as a content writer. You can offer your services to companies in your specialty field, and you'll be likely to get these jobs because of your expertise.
Working in a niche market will also allow you to complete jobs quicker and produce better quality content. Since you know what you're talking about, you don't have to do all the research that comes with creating content in fields with which you are unfamiliar. Working in a niche helps you be a more competent and expert content writer in the long run.
Although experts recommend writing on a niche subject, branching out and exploring other topics can help you expand your portfolio and client base. Moreover, those who only accept jobs about particular themes will likely need to supplement their income with another kind of work. So if it's your dream to be a freelance content writer, be flexible and continue to learn about new fields.
A practical way to do this is by taking online courses, which are frequently free. While learning about new fields may require you to put forth some work, it will push you to move out of your comfort zone and grow as a content writer. Once you have acquired knowledge on a topic, you will be able to write content that you know is accurate and helpful.
Working from home has its definite advantages, such as creating your schedule. However, procrastination is a freelancer's worst enemy. You may feel like binge-watching hours of your favorite show, but at the end of the day, you and your bank account are going to be sorry.
Therefore, it is crucial to organize your time. Create an agenda and stick to it every day. Having the correct priorities will help you hit your deadlines, be more reliable, and make more money as a content writer.
If you are struggling to adhere to a schedule, start slowly. Set alarms on your phone that let you know that it's time to work, and try to reach a specific goal within a specified time. Also, take advantage of the times of day when you are most productive, whether you're an early bird or a night owl.
All content writers face criticism; it's just part of the gig. Even if you pour your heart and soul out to create the perfect article, there will always be some minor things to adjust. Remember that criticism is an excellent opportunity to improve and develop your skills.
Although criticism is inevitable, you can minimize it by improving your editing skills. Focus on the flow and style of the content, as well as grammatical errors and word choice. You can even create a checklist to ensure that your articles are up to par before submitting them to the client.
Having excellent grammar and a broad vocabulary isn't enough when it comes to creating useful content. Readers have to relate because that gives them a reason to keep reading and act on the content you have produced.
Think about your audience and imagine the kind of article you'd like to read about the subject. Putting yourself in your readers' shoes will help you create relatable content that will help your client reach their goals.
Although you work from home, you are still operating a business and need to act to convey that. When you speak to a client, be kind and courteous, but never too informal.
Also, it's essential to be reliable when it comes to deadlines. If you can't make a deadline because of an illness or family problem, let the client know and explain to them that you will have the content finished as soon as possible. Then make sure to follow through.
Sometimes you can't always write your content the way you prefer because the client has their vision. It's important to remember that the client is the one who ultimately has the final say. They are the ones paying for your services.
If you aren't sure exactly what a client is looking for, ask them specific questions that will help you to create the content they want. You may want to ask about their target audience, objectives, or the different writing styles they are willing to accept. When you adapt your writing to their preferences and goals, they are more likely to be satisfied with the results.
Without coworkers or an office to connect with others in your profession, you may start to feel lonely. Now, however, there are so many ways to connect with other freelancers and share experiences. With a simple search on social media pages, you will be sure to find groups devoted to content writing.
Although it may seem counterintuitive to network with competitors, it can help you build your reputation and learn about new opportunities. For example, sometimes other writers pass along jobs when they are no longer able to fit them in their schedule.
Once you have an impeccable content writing strategy, you'll need more clients to fill up your schedule. You may have success contacting businesses directly, but why not let the clients come to you? Join the thousands of freelancers using our website who never have to worry about searching out their next client.
Don't waste time and sign up today!
