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Writing is a wonderful way to make a living. It’s intellectually stimulating, it’s fun, it’s rewarding, and you can do it from virtually anywhere. Whether you’re looking for a way to make good money without joining the masses on those tedious Monday morning commutes, or considering making a living from the road as a digital nomad. Writing can be a fun, flexible job and a potentially lucrative career that gives you the freedom and autonomy to live your life the way you want to. No more missing your son’s dance recital or your daughter’s soccer match because you had to slave away at the office.
However, while the life of a freelance writer is highly desirable, this also makes it highly competitive. Especially when you’re just starting out. With so many other wordsmiths hustling for the same clients as you, you’re going to have to pull out all the stops to get noticed and grab the attention of high-paying clients. Here’s how you do it…
Have a handful of quality samples available
In order to sell yourself to prospective clients, you need to be able to sell yourself quickly. The best way to do this is to have a handful of samples ready to show them what you can do. Ideally, these should be samples of paid work for print or online publications. However, if you only have only done unpaid work so far, these samples may still make a big impression. Make sure that your samples are matched to the prospective client’s needs. They’ll need to know that you have the necessary subject knowledge to write with authority.
Invest in a virtual office
You want to establish yourself as an experienced professional at the top of their game. And if your only contact details are a cell phone number and a residential address, this may not look as professional as you need to look. Investing in a virtual office is an affordable way to give yourself the appearance of a much bigger and more established professional presence.
Build a professional looking website
Speaking of looking professional, clients may expect you to have a website. A place where they can check out your CV, take a look at samples and get to know your style by checking out your blog (more on that shortly). However, if your website is made using a Wix or WordPress theme, it may stand out as amateurish and diminish the appearance of professionalism. A website design and development company like Rsmconnect.com can help you to build a professional looking website. So you get more genuine inquiries from high-paying prospective clients.
Blog every day
Finally, samples are important. But a blog can give prospective clients a taste of your authorial voice, your personality and your skill. Furthermore, it’s a great way to chronicle the work you’re undertaking and establish yourself in the eyes of clients as a busy professional. The kind of in-demand professional that they’d be lucky to have on board.
What’s more, blogging can also be a useful whetstone upon which you can sharpen your writing talents and ease yourself into your working day.
