Written By Jess Weaver:
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Hi. My name is Jess and I am a work at home mom who specialized in freelancing. My journey started almost a year ago and here I am. I wanted to take some time to talk about the steps to becoming a freelance writer. You should know that I am no expert in freelancing and there are 500 million people who are better than I. Still, I wanted to let you know the steps I took to become a freelance writer and how I became “somewhat” successful at it.
Although this is directed to Freelance Writing, the same is true for nearly any freelancing career type.
Decide that you want to be a writer. I can tell you right now that writing is not for everyone. My first work at home job was a phone job, and I knew right away that I had to choose between the phones or writing. I obviously chose writing or more like it chose me.
Sign up for any company that will accept you. Textbroker and Merchant Circle were my freelance babies. I have written tons and tons of articles with them and still continue to do so. Never desensitize yourself from where you first started. What I mean by that is; “remember where you came from.” It is easy to bash these “content mills” but in all reality they helped me feed my family.
Never ever give up! There are times when I barely made any money while attempting a career as a freelance writer. Do you know how many times I just wanted to give up? I surrounded myself with people who believed in me and wanted to see me succeed. I will never forget the first time my husband acknowledged my work at home career. From that point on I never looked back.
Discover your FLAVOR. There are hardly two people in this world who have the same writing abilities. I can tell you right now that certain clients either love my writing or hate my writing. Over time I have developed certain skills that make me more marketable. I enjoy blog type writing but that is not for everyone.
Jump in with both feet. Freelance writing is something you have to live, breath and poop. Seriously, you have to devout yourself to hours and hours or writing. I have spent countless hours writing and perfecting my skills. (I am nowhere close to perfect). If you are willing to put the time in, then it will be worth it in the end.
Always be on the lookout for opportunities. Freelance writing is like a box of chocolates because you never know what you’re gonna get. One week you could be sailing the big blue ocean and the next week crashing into a bay of rocks. Be prepared and always be on the lookout for work. There is never a week where I stop looking.
Have faith in yourself and the one who created you. You can do this and you are capable of making a career out of freelancing. It won’t always be easy but together us “WAHers” can accomplish anything!
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As someone who also started a freelance career almost a year ago, I LOVE this article! Thanks for posting:)
Great information as always. Your tips and advice help and inspire me on my journey of being a freelance worker.
Interesting article, you bring up some things I had not thought about. Thanks for some great tips.
Excellent tips and advice! Could not have said it better!
I think #3 is key to succeeding in whatever you pursue, but particularly freelance work. It’s easy to get discouraged. But success usually comes to those who are persistent and focused.
I agree, I love this article. It came at an important time, I have been giving so much time and effort to getting my own Freelance business designing on the go and it is a struggle to keep the drive alive, so to speak. I want things to just automatically be booming and me be successful, but I know it takes time…just hard to be patient.
Thanks so much Jess!
Great advice Jess 🙂
Thanks Ladies!
Great article, Jess. I think I might just print the article, clip out the steps, and paste it right next to my computer. I could not agree more with you. I’ve been freelancing full-time for three years (writing and virtual assistance), and I constantly have to go back to my “game plan” and rethink myself.
Once you figure out #4, the marketing part of the pie does get easier. You can also become more particular about who your client will be and who it will not be.
Thanks.