In today’s modern world, it’s hard to be a successful freelance writer without a strong online presence. Sure, you may get a client or two through in-person networking, but the vast majority of your work, as an online freelance writer, is going to come from the web, in places like your website, your social media platforms, and even through online freelance writing. from Google search. results.
So if you’re just starting your freelancing journey, consider building your online presence as step n. #1. It will be the foundation of everything you do as a writer and help you build the lucrative and successful career you’ve been dreaming of. Don’t know where to start?
Here are the four must-have essentials:
1. A portfolio site – Your portfolio site is the most important piece of the puzzle. It’s where potential clients can go to learn about you and your skills and read samples of your writing. It is also what will show up in Google search results if you practice search engine optimization techniques.
2. A LinkedIn page – LinkedIn is a great place to find new clients and new projects. Upload samples of your work, get recommendations from colleagues and previous employers, and create a profile to show off to potential clients.
3. A Twitter account – With Twitter, you can establish yourself as a true expert in your niche and as a writer. Use this platform to share industry news and information, and promote your (and your client’s!) work wherever possible. Optimize your profile with the right terms and hashtags, and you might even snag some new projects.
4. Your Own Blog – Starting a blog can help your career in many ways. First, you can show off a great snapshot of your skills. If you don’t already have a lot of samples, a blog also gives potential clients a way to assess your talents and see what you can really do. And it can also help you establish yourself as an expert in a specific niche or industry.
Be sure to check your blog and profiles regularly, update them with new skills and examples as you gain them, and use them to their fullest potential.
If you need tips on how to create an online presence that attracts clients that will help you land more writing jobs and build your freelance writing career, then you should check out Maggie Linders Freelance Earning Academy.
Maggie, a six-figure freelance writer, teaches writers exactly how to build successful, well-rounded freelance writing businesses, while offering personal advice and support, as well as scam-free daily job opportunities.
The fastest way to earn your first $1,000 as a freelance writer: Do you know what feels great? Earn your first large amount of cash as a professional freelance writer. It makes you feel like you made the right decision, like quitting your 9 to 5 job, branching out on your own, and carving out your own path is the best thing you’ve ever done. But if you’re just starting out, it can feel like that day is a long way off. If you’re starting out with content mills and deal sites, chances are you’re working for pennies, and that can take a while to add up.
Fortunately, those aren’t your only options. He can earn $1,000 as a freelance writer quickly, long before his mortgage is due and the tax man arrives.
Here is how to do it:
Find some clients who need it – Explore your LinkedIn network and check out local business and company websites. Are there any groups with a less than stellar website? It could probably bolster your web content and make a big difference. Are any of your connections starting a new job? Find out if your business could use content help. Is there anyone in the job market? Offer to write copy for your personal portfolio site.
Request a “per project” rate – If you want to get to $1,000 fast, forget hourly billing. Instead, offer a flat fee per project for your clients. Consider how long the project will take, as well as your experience and skills, and get a rate that’s fair (but profitable!)
Exceed your deadlines – Sure, that new client might give you a month to complete the content for your new website, but do you really need that much time? More importantly, do you want to wait that long for your payment? The faster you get to work, the faster you get paid!
Get deposits and request “Milestone” payments – If you’re working on a particularly large project, a great way to get your cash in early is to ask for a deposit or collect milestone payments. With a deposit, you will request a certain percentage of your total fee up front. This is to reserve your time and keep you from getting stiff. With milestone payments, you can have the client pay you for each piece of content you deliver, perhaps per web page you write, per blog post, or per eBook chapter.
Make payment easy – Finally, don’t make payment a hassle for your customers. Get a PayPal and Venmo account, and ditch the old paper checks in the mail that you’re used to. Invoice customers via email and get paid instantly and seamlessly online. It’s better for you and for them. Earning your first $1,000 may seem like an uphill battle, but it doesn’t have to be. If you want a proven step-by-step system to earn your first $1,000 and more in a short period of time, check out Maggie Linder’s Independent Earning Academy. This program has become very popular with freelance writers and has produced hundreds of success stories.
The 4 Best Places to Find Freelance Writing Jobs
You can find freelance writing jobs just about anywhere: through former employers and colleagues, on Craigslist and bidding sites, and even on social media. Freelance writing opportunities are all around us. But as enjoyable as it is to browse through the numerous opportunities, it can also make the process of landing new freelance jobs quite time consuming. Do you really have hours to explore the web, checking out every possible job site, social platform, and blog? Definitely not, at least not if you want to be profitable! Fortunately, you don’t have to. Below are some of the best possible places to find gigs, gigs that can be lucrative and interesting and put you on the fast track to profits.
1 – Morning Coffee Newsletter
This helpful newsletter found on Freelancewritingjobs sends daily job alerts straight to your inbox. It features 10-20 handpicked freelance writing jobs from around the internet, each with a different client, pay, and focus. Some come from Craigslist (meaning you don’t have to search the dozens and dozens of city-based Craigslist listings for jobs!) and some come from other job sites around the web. The main point? The work is already done for you. Just sit back, check your email, and ask for anything that sounds like a good fit.
2 – Professional blogs
The Blogging Pro job board is a great place to find legitimate, well-paying freelance writing jobs for one big reason: clients have to pay to post a job on it. Sure, it’s only $30, but when there are alternative sites that are absolutely FREE to post, you know a client means business if they’re willing to shell out cash for your post! You’ll find everything from industry-specific niches to full-time remote opportunities for individual clients. It’s a must stop on your weekly job search.
3- LinkedIn
LinkedIn can provide freelance writing job opportunities in two ways: 1 – Job postings on the site 2 – Easy and seamless networking. Although networking takes a little more work, you can often spot gig opportunities simply by checking your feed daily. Has anyone changed jobs or been promoted? Get in touch and see if they could use your services. Is someone launching a new website? Ask if they could use help with web content. You never know when a job is around the corner.
4 – Independent Profit Academy
Job scams abound on the web, and unsuspecting freelance writers can easily get caught up in their devious web. Fortunately, Freelance Profit Academy hosts a daily scam-free job board that cuts out scams and brings you the highest quality jobs from around the web. Review each and every job to bring you only the best.