Freelance writing is where passion meets profit, especially now that businesses are all about content marketing, blogs, emails, and digital everything!
If you’re all about that writing life and want to make it your main job or level up your side hustle, it’s time to get strategic, sharpen your skills, and amp up your marketing game.
In this post, we’ll go over some actionable things you can do if you want to start freelance writing, from building a strong portfolio to scaling your business through outsourcing.
- Why Should You Grow Your Freelance Writing Business?
- Ways of Growing Your Freelance Writing Business
Why Should You Grow Your Freelance Writing Business?
Answering the “why” here is pretty simple, and it all boils down to what you really want from your side hustle. Here’s a quick list to go through:
- You might want to expand your side hustle and attract a handful of new clients.
- Alternatively, you might want to expand your knowledge of your freelance writing topics.
- You want to boost your income so increasing the freelance writing gigs feels like a one-way street.
- Become more flexible in writing about different topics.
- Make your freelance career more secure by having a comprehensive list of clients always looking for content writers.
Ways of Growing Your Freelance Writing Business
When you start small, you’ll always feel the need to spread your wings and look further into your freelance writing horizon. So what do you do? Here’s a quick list:
1. Build a Strong Portfolio
Your portfolio is the backbone of your freelance writing career. It’s what potential clients use to judge your writing style, aptitude, and versatility. Even if you’re just starting out, you can create sample work for the industries you’re targeting. Here’s how to get started:
- Create a professional website: A simple website with an about section, portfolio, and contact form is a great starting point. Make sure to include your best samples and highlight any specializations. At this point, the best website builder is the more affordable one. HostPapa’s Website Builder has everything you need to start in one place at a low price.
- Use Medium or LinkedIn to write content: Publishing content on proven platforms can help you build your influence and reach a wider audience.
- Offer guest posts: Write for blogs, industry papers, or websites in exchange for a byline: your name as the contributing writer. This not only expands your portfolio but also boosts your credibility.
2. Focus On What You’re Good at to Stand Out
While it’s tempting to cast a wide net right from the start, centring on a particular industry or type of writing can help you stick out. Having too many industries to juggle might steer potential leads away.
Clients prefer to hire experts who understand their precise needs and industry jargon. For instance, you could focus on:
- Technical writing: If you have experience or interest in tech, this industry is in high demand and pays well, too.
- SEO content writing: As businesses compete for online visibility, SEO-focused writers are all important to help them rank on search engines.
- Copywriting for email marketing: Many businesses need skilled copywriters to write email campaigns that convert readers into customers more easily.
3. Network & Market Yourself
Freelance writing is not just about writing; it’s also about consistently marketing your services. The more people know about what you offer, the more clients you can attract:
- Use social media: Join groups on platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, or X (formerly Twitter), where freelancers and businesses connect. Share valuable content to showcase your proficiency and build relationships.
- Cold pitching: Research businesses or websites that align with your calling and send them personalized pitches. When cold pitching, make sure to personalize every email by addressing the recipient by name, highlighting their company’s recent achievements, and clearly stating how your writing can solve their business problems.
- Attend networking events or webinars: These can be in-person or virtual, but they offer great opportunities to meet potential clients and fellow freelancers.
4. Deliver Spotless Work & Build Long-Term Client Relationships
Client retention is recommended for growing your freelance business. Providing high-quality work on time, consistently, will make clients want to work with you long-term and refer you to others.
- Exceed expectations: Always aim to deliver content that surpasses your client’s brief. Be proactive about suggesting improvements or adding value.
- Communicate clearly and professionally: Stay in touch with clients during projects, and always address any doubts before you start.
- Offer more services: Expand your service offerings by learning new skills such as editing, social media management, or content strategy. This helps you become a one-stop shop for clients.
5. Upskill & Stay Updated
The writing industry is ever-evolving, especially with changes in SEO, digital marketing trends, and AI-driven content tools. Invest in your continuous learning to stay competitive.
- Take online courses: Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or LinkedIn Learning offer courses on SEO, copywriting, and marketing strategies.
- Stay current with industry trends: Follow top industry blogs, attend webinars, and subscribe to newsletters that keep you informed about the latest in writing, content creation, and digital marketing.
6. Scale up by Outsourcing or Creating Digital Products
Once you’ve built a solid base, consider scaling your business by either outsourcing some of your work or creating digital products.
- Hire subcontractors: If you have more work than you can handle, hire other freelance writers to complete projects. At the same time, you focus on managing clients and quality control.
- Create digital products: Turn your knowledge into passive income by creating e-books, templates, or online courses that teach others how to write or market their freelance writing business.
Further Growing Your Freelance Writing Business
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow your client base there are ways to do so that not only increase your visibility but also help you stand out in a crowded market. Below, you’ll find 6 tips:
1. Start with Content Marketing
- Start a blog: Writing regular blog posts on your specialty can showcase your skills. Pick a dependable web hosting company with good reviews and excellent customer support.
- Guest blogging: Contributing to other sites helps you tap into new audiences and build authority.
2. Get on Some Freelance Platforms
- Join platforms like Upwork or Fiverr: These sites can help you find initial clients or field-specific projects.
- Optimize your profile: Highlight your skills and past experience to attract the right clients.
3. Offer Specialized Services
- Focus on niche writing: Narrowing your services to specialized areas like technical writing, copywriting, or SEO content can attract higher-paying clients.
- Create packages: Offer bundled services, such as blog writing, editing, and content strategy.
4. Upsell Your Existing Clients
- Offer more services: For current clients, suggest additional work such as updating old content, repurposing blog posts into social media snippets, or creating e-books.
- Retainer contracts: Secure ongoing work by offering monthly retainer packages for consistent content needs.
5. Attend Industry Conferences & Networking Events
- Expand your network: Attend events, conferences, or webinars where potential clients might be looking for freelance writers.
- Pitch at the right time: Prepare a value-driven pitch when networking with industry professionals.
6. Invest in Self-Promotion
- Create a content portfolio on LinkedIn or Medium: Regularly sharing your work can help you build visibility among potential clients.
- Develop a professional brand: Invest in branding with a professional logo, a website, and a consistent presence on social media.
Final Words
Growing a freelance writing business takes time, effort, and persistence. Still, with the right strategies, you can build a sustainable business.
Focus on creating a strong portfolio, niching down, marketing yourself, delivering great work, upskilling, and scaling when needed. Whether you want to freelance part-time or full-time, the opportunities will never end if you put in the work.
As you grow, having a professional online presence becomes indispensable. With HostPapa’s reliable Web Hosting plans and easy-to-use Website Builder, you can create a polished, SEO-friendly website that showcases your work, attracts clients, and helps you stand out in the competitive freelance market. Let us support your journey as you take your business to new heights.
Frequently Asked Questions on Growing a Freelance Writing Business
How long does it take to grow a freelance writing business?
The timeline varies depending on factors like your forte, marketing efforts, and experience. Many freelancers see noticeable growth within six months to a year, but it’s important to stay consistent and patient.
Do I need a degree in writing or English to be successful?
No, formal education in writing is not a requirement. Many successful freelance writers have backgrounds in other fields. The key is honing your writing skills and continuously improving your craft.
How do I find my first clients?
You can find your first clients by networking, using freelance platforms like Upwork or Fiverr, cold pitching businesses in your element, or offering discounted services in exchange for testimonials and portfolio pieces.
What tools should freelance writers have at their disposal?
Some basic tools include a project management tool like Trello and a time management tool like Toggl Track. For writing tools, you can include tools like Google Docs, Google Drive, Microsoft Word, and Grammarly to organize and spell-check your work, as well as invoicing and payment tools like FreshBooks.
What should I charge as a beginner freelance writer?
Rates depend on your experience and the type of writing you do. As a beginner, it’s common to charge anywhere from $0.05 to $0.10 per word (prices in your region may vary). However, rates can increase as you gain more experience and expertise.
How can I handle demanding clients or revise work without losing the relationship?
Stay professional and calm, offer solutions, and set clear expectations from the beginning. You can also limit revisions to whatever was agreed upon and always stand behind your boundaries while addressing client concerns without compromising quality.
Should I sign contracts or agreements with clients?
Yes, contracts are great in many ways. Contracts clarify the scope, deadlines, and payment terms. They also protect you against non-payment or misunderstandings. They establish professionalism and ensure clear communication between you and your client.
How can I balance freelance writing with a full-time job?
Time management is the prime factor. Set aside specific hours each day or every week to work on freelance projects. Start with manageable workloads and gradually increase your client base as you become more comfortable balancing both roles.
