At the beginning of a professional career, no one has experience, no matter what field it is. This therefore also applies to the world of freelance writing. At first you will hesitate and stumble due to a thousand dilemmas, because after all you have never worked as a writer, you have never published pieces that you could add to your resume, your portfolio does not contain any noteworthy projects. The good news is that your career cannot be cut short because of all of this, in fact, you still have time to grow and improve. Whether you intend to write for print or on the internet, you will succeed! Here's how you can make a career and be a successful freelancer despite a lack of experience.
Steps
Step 1. Stop thinking, start writing
A simple rule that doesn't require much explanation: if you don't write, you won't get any work. For now, your goal is to make up for the lack of experience, so get your bones. That certainly doesn't mean that you have to sit back and wait for a proposal to drop out of the sky. It probably won't happen to you. Open the writing program you have on your computer and start typing.
Step 2. First write for yourself first:
if you want to be successful as a freelance writer, then you have to be prolific. Start writing without expecting financial feedback. In other words, write for yourself rather than for others (this will be covered later). Start your own blog. If you don't want to invest in a custom domain, the least you can do is sign up on a free platform. There are several, such as Typepad, Blogger, Wordpress, Tumblr, etc. Don't forget to add a personal information page to present your profession and a page that allows visitors to contact you to hire you, so potential employers will know you are looking for a job when they open your site. The blog will be representative of your style, your habits and your skills as a writer, so it will help you to flesh out your resume.
Step 3. Make yourself known in the world of writing
A personal marketing campaign is a necessary evil for any freelance profession. Consider yourself lucky to have started your career in the age of social networking. If you haven't already subscribed to sites like Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, StumbleUpon, Tumblr, and so on, then do so now. It will take some time to get used to how social networks work, but never underestimate their potential.
Step 4. Build a solid network
Make friends online. Use social networks correctly and make professional connections with your most important followers in the writing and job search industry. Comment on other freelance writers' blogs and write free articles for relevant blogs / sites to develop a relationship with the owners. Communities of writing and freelance professionals, including forums, are the best places to hang out. Socialize and participate to find opportunities, meet people and learn new things.
Step 5. The first job you get is essential, not only from an economic point of view
Money is important, but at the same time not that much. Don't be surprised. It is good to clarify one thing about choosing your first client: there are many factors to consider before accepting or rejecting a job that will make you less earning. Here are what aspects to consider to decide whether to say yes or no to the first offer you receive:
- How will it help you gain more experience and enrich yourself as a writer?
- Do you think it is really necessary to worry about money in case the prestige of the company or the client's offer will help you give a big boost to your career?
- Is the client trying to exploit you by offering you very little money and preventing you from benefiting your career?
Step 6. You are only worth what you think you are worth
Don't be fooled by deceptive proposals such as the following:
- They tell you the pay is low, but the work won't be lacking or it will be long-term (this could simply mean that the company hires good freelance writers for little money. Impossible to be sure if the job is actually long-term).
- You are required to submit two or three test texts before being hired (the company could pocket two or three pieces per candidate for free and disappear into thin air, without giving any information on the selection process).
Step 7. Be smart and cautious
Only you can allow people to value or exploit your work. Know your worth and don't give in to the temptation to accept an offer just to do so. Even a free job should have its advantages. Assign a minimum price to what you write and do not accept any proposals below this threshold. On the other hand, don't overestimate your work, running the risk of missing out on all potential opportunities. Know your true worth. A self-assessment of your skills is of great help in this regard.
Step 8. Study the market
Look for jobs that are available in abundance. Prepare and upgrade your skills to seize opportunities as they arise, avoiding doubts. Keep up with the times, possibly try to stay a little ahead. Learn about new developments in the communities haunted by freelancers. It is important to do some research on the fees for the various types of texts. In this way you will be able to calculate quotes with greater accuracy.
Step 9. Take risks, dare
An aspiring freelance writer must be versatile and flexible in choosing projects. You may be well versed in a certain niche, but right now you need to focus on the experience and enrichment of your profile. This will help you expand your network, make your work known, accumulate experience, study the market and rates. You will also gain knowledge on different topics and types of writing. The fact of the matter is that you have to keep writing independently of everything (in a good way). In some cases it is good to take risks in the sector you prefer to build a good reputation and become more competent. Over time you will understand how to orient yourself.
Step 10. Enrich your profile, write for free
Remember, what really matters is your job, not industry experience. There are many small businesses online that recruit freelance writers. Bring your work to light and offer to write a free trial piece to showcase your skills. Post guest posts on various blogs that allow you to enter the author's name and bio. Not only will this help you gain traffic to your blog (include the link in the bio), you will also be tracked down by interested customers, which is easier than searching for them personally. In addition, your portfolio will have articles that have actually been published. Finally, don't forget that you're cutting your teeth as a freelance writer and looking to enrich your resume. If a client likes your work, they won't even bother asking you to show them your CV or tell them about your experience.
Step 11. Don't hesitate to ask if anyone needs you
Finally, roll up your sleeves and contact customers, it's secondary if they actually have a job to offer you. Why miss out on potential opportunities? Who knows: maybe they will be able to contact you in the future, or even make you a proposal right away!
