With the world constantly evolving, more and more Brits are throwing in the towel on their corporate roles and embracing the freelance lifestyle. And why wouldn’t they? From being able to choose their own hours and projects to even working from a deckchair in a much sunnier destination than the UK, there are plenty of good reasons to take the leap into freelancing.
If you’ve got a passion for the written word and enjoy a creative challenge, you may be considering becoming a freelance writer. However, with technology breaking down barriers to international markets and social media providing more opportunities to promote businesses, competition for writing jobs is fiercer than ever.
Here, we outline some tips to help you stand out from the crowd and become a successful freelance writer.
Consider the fields that interest you
There are a range of industries and fields which benefit from freelance writers. Take some time to think about which areas interest you most and which you have prior knowledge in. For example, if you previously worked in fashion, you may want to specialise in fields like retail, jewellery, clothing, accessories, footwear, and beauty. Specialising in a specific field is not necessary to run a successful writing business, but it can be helpful.
Make a business plan
Before launching your business, consider what you want to achieve and what kind of services you want to offer. It may be helpful to think about where your strengths and weaknesses lie and what kind of work you enjoy and would be happy to produce regularly and consistently.
Remember to also consider your target clients and what kind of content they’re most likely to need. Set yourself goals to work towards, but ensure they are realistic and achievable.
Create a portfolio
Potential clients will usually want to see a portfolio of your work so they can feel confident in your skills and ability. If you haven’t had the opportunity to do any paid work yet, write a few pieces specifically for your portfolio.
Try to show a few different styles so clients can see your versatility. Including a variety of work such as creative work, business-like pieces and social media posts will help you get noticed.
Get practical
Being self-employed requires you to be savvy when it comes to budgeting, finances, and legal obligations. You’ll need to register as self-employed, arrange insurance for your business and possibly manage another job to supplement your income while you get your writing career off the ground.
It’s essential to have the right equipment to deliver client work. If you need to invest in any technology for the purpose, be sure to assess your financial situation before making any big purchases and weigh up the initial investment with how much long-term work is needed to balance the books.