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Are you considering launching a career as a freelance writer? Freelance writing offers flexible opportunities for students and employees seeking extra income, allowing you to choose assignments and topics.
Building relationships, getting published, and earning from your passion requires time and experience. While it demands effort, these tips can help kickstart your side hustle journey if you’re passionate about writing!
Build Your Portfolio and Personal Brand by Writing Consistently
When you first start writing with little to no prior experience, you want to master your craft. Want to be a writer? Write consistently. Believe that you are already a writer and work on building your writing muscle. Learn to edit your grammar and punctuation, share your work, and receive constructive criticism.
To begin with, establish achievable goals to cultivate a consistent writing routine, strengthen your brand, and broaden your portfolio. For example, consider daily journaling, crafting engaging social media captions, writing compelling LinkedIn articles, or even launching a personal blog. These creative approaches will help you diversify your writing portfolio and progress toward your freelance writing goals.
Consider your topics of interest and writing niche, including editorial writing, content writing, and SEO copywriting. Then, practice refining your unique voice and tone. You can start a blog using a free platform like WordPress, Wix, or Medium and get your work out there!
Join a Writing Community for Accountability and Feedback
Numerous writing communities offer networking, accountability, and feedback opportunities. Seek them on social platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn groups or through events on MeetUp, Eventbrite, local libraries, and community centers, both online and in-person.
Additionally, another effective way to connect with other writers is to take a writing course or certification to help you enhance your writing skills, get published, and build your audience. Furthermore, it’ll help you connect with other writers, and receive feedback that will help you further in your freelance writing career!
Seek out Writing Opportunities for Growth and Exposure
There’s no one path to becoming a paid freelance writer, and opportunities are abundant. However, one thing to know is that there’s a possibility you will start off writing for free and guest posting for others until you get paid for it.
To gain valuable experience and exposure, explore volunteer opportunities, internships, or part-time roles that align with your interests. Furthermore, if your passion lies in blogging and you aspire to transform it into a side hustle, consider reaching out to publications. Inquire about their contributor guidelines, and don’t hesitate to pitch your article ideas.
An excellent paid opportunity for students and recent graduates is to work with TalentEgg as an editorial contributor. Help thousands of youth find meaningful jobs by providing career advice and tips through your articles!
Carve Out Time to Build your Writing Skill
To become a successful writer, you must carve out time to write and build your writing and editing skills. Block out time to write daily or weekly, even if it’s only 10-15 mins to start.
Writers often encounter writer’s block, grapple with perfectionism, and start with less-than-ideal first drafts. Furthermore, it’s not uncommon to face rejection from publishers for some of your pitches and undergo multiple rounds of editing before publication. However, it’s essential not to get discouraged, as these are all crucial elements of the process that will ultimately help you grow as a writer.
Share Your Work with Your Network
Networking is crucial in building your side hustle in writing, and it goes beyond the writing community. While it’s beneficial to initiate informational interviews with other communications professionals for tips, advice, and potential collaborations, you also want to inform other professionals in your network that you’re a freelance writer open to opportunities.
Every company requires essential skills like content writing and copywriting, with many roles demanding professional writing experience. Whether you’re actively job hunting or not, as a writer, you should showcase your work to the world.
Boldly promote your efforts through your blog, social media, and LinkedIn. Embrace visibility, encourage feedback and criticism, and engage in conversations that broaden perspectives.
Final Reminders
Becoming a freelance writer offers flexibility, creativity, and opportunities for connection, learning, and personal growth. Embracing writing as a side hustle isn’t a straightforward path; it unfolds a realm of endless possibilities. Best of luck on your journey!
Originally published at TalentEgg.