If you want to become a freelance writer and earn a living from home whether as a writer, photographer, designer, or marketer there are some things you must do to be successful.
First, know that it took me more than two years of hard work before I became profitable enough for freelancing to be my full-time job.
If you’re thinking about quitting your day job and becoming a freelancer, here are the most important steps I took to become both successful and confident in my career choice.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Transitioning from corporate to freelance writing is possible. |
| Networking and building a portfolio are crucial for success. |
| Embracing challenges and continuous improvement is essential. |
| Freelance writing offers freedom and flexibility in work-life. |
| Persistence and dedication are key to building a thriving career. |
Had A Plan
To be successful as a freelancer, you need to be proactive. You should have a plan for what you want to do and how you’re going to get there.
Know what your skills are, and make sure they align with the type of work that interests you. Then map out the steps needed to take to land your first job or client. This means researching everything from rates and pay structure to the best ways of marketing yourself online and doing them.
Be sure not to give up when things don’t go according to plan; sometimes, challenges are inevitable and will require some creativity on your part if they lead nowhere (as mine did).
But don’t let these setbacks deter you from continuing on your path; instead, use them as lessons learned so that when faced with similar situations later on in life they won’t feel like such an obstacle anymore.
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Put Money Aside
Before you quit your job, it’s important to put money aside a financial cushion will come in handy during the transition period. The exact amount varies from person to person; it depends on how much money you’re currently earning and how long you’ll be without a steady paycheck.
My recommendation is to save at least one month of living expenses in case things don’t go as planned. Some ways you can put money aside:
- Take advantage of any 401(k) match your company offers and contribute as much as possible up until the match limit is reached. For example, if they’ll match 50% up to 6%, contribute 10%. You’ll have more cash on hand later on when it matters most!
- Pack snacks for work instead of buying lunch every day it saves about $10/day, which adds up quickly over time
Instead of buying coffee every morning at Starbucks (which can cost around $5-$6), buy an Aeropress coffee maker that makes delicious brews with just hot water and grounds this way you save even more
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from personal experience: frugality is an essential part of life outside corporate America
Built The Skills I Didn’t Have
In addition to learning how to write, I also had to learn how to write quickly. Now don’t get me wrong: I’m not saying that every freelance article needs to be written in a few minutes. But if you’re going to make money as a freelancer, your writing skills must be sharp enough that you can get the job done quickly and well (see what I did there?).
The key here is learning how the process works how long it takes for an editor or client to respond, what questions they might ask of you during a review session and when they will ask them, etc., and then working within those parameters.
For example, if an editor asks for five pages of copy by Friday at 5 pm EST/4 pm CST/3 pm MST/2 pm PST (just for fun), then YOU need at least four days of lead time so that you can take into account any outside factors.
Such as calling sources and conducting interviews; researching topics; collecting information from research materials like books or academic journal articles; proofreading and fact-checking; editing for style and voice consistency throughout different sections…the list goes on!
Created A Website And Portfolio
Create a website that showcases your work and helps potential clients find out more about you. I recommend creating an easy-to-navigate site with a professional look, details on what services you offer, and contact information so they can get in touch with you if they’re interested.
Make sure it has an “about me” page where people can learn more about who you are and what makes you unique as well as short bios of some of your past clients (with links to their sites). The more options for clients to see how awesomely skilled at writing/editing/content creation (etc.) we are, the better!
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Stayed Positive
This is the hardest one. The biggest challenge to staying positive while you’re trying to freelance is that it’s so easy to get down on yourself. You’ll hear from people who think your writing isn’t good enough, or that you’re too old, or too young. You may have subpar days where nothing seems to go right and everything makes you feel like giving up.
I’m going to let you in on a secret: I’ve had my fair share of bad days, weeks, and months where I couldn’t see the point in doing anything but laying in bed all day writing negative thoughts about myself into a notebook.
But every time I thought about quitting writing altogether, something inside me would stop me from doing it a little voice reminding me how passionate I was about my work and how much joy it brought me when things were going well.
So instead of quitting, I went back at it with renewed vigor and determination until eventually, those moments became less frequent (and then finally disappeared altogether).
Built An Email List
Build an email list: I built my email list by using a free tool called MailerLite. It’s super simple to use and there is no risk (if you don’t like it, you can return it up to 30 days).
One of the best things about building an email list is that it enables you to have conversations with your audience regularly. As they get to know you, they’ll be more likely to become customers or clients in the future when they need your services!
Use an email list: Now that you have an audience who knows what kind of content their favorite freelance writer produces, how do you use this relationship? Well firstly make sure all of your social media accounts are connected so people can easily follow along across platforms.
Then send out a weekly newsletter full of tips for freelancers based on things like time management or productivity hacks so anyone who signs up for updates gets good content in their inboxes every week as well as being reminded about upcoming blog posts/events etcetera (see below).
If someone likes what they see in this newsletter then ask them if they wouldn’t mind sharing some feedback with us via survey monkey – this helps us keep track of what topics matter most so we always know where our next post should go!
Started Investing In Myself
While I was still working my corporate job, I started investing in my education. I took the time to learn what skills would help me become a better writer and built those skills while I was still at my day job.
I learned how to write an effective resume, build a website from scratch, build an online portfolio and even edit articles for other people.
This was important because I knew that if this whole freelance writing thing didn’t work out for me (and it very well might have not), then at least I could find another job as a writer based on the skills that I had developed over time.
Wrote Guest Posts (For Free)
Guest posting is an excellent way for you to build your freelance writing portfolio and get people to notice your writing without paying.
It’s not exactly a “hack” because it takes work, but it’s worth doing. The best places to find guest posting opportunities are:
The Google Keyword Planner tool – will show you which keywords people are typing into Google when they want information about a particular topic or service. Type in some of the most popular ones related to your niche and look at how many searches there were for each one over the past 12 months (you can also adjust the date range at the top).
If there have been enough searches on those keywords recently, then there will be plenty of sites that are desperate for content related to that topic and would be willing to publish an article written by someone like yourself.
You can use any keyword research tool like Ubersuggest or Ahrefs Keywords Explorer, but I prefer using just plain old Google itself because I think it’s easier than other tools out there right now.
Freelancing can be a liberating experience, but it’s not without its challenges. Learn how freelancing helps individuals overcome the fear of missing out and embrace the freedom it offers in our article on How Freelancing Helps People in Reducing the Fear of Missing Out.
Learned From Courses And Programs
If you want to learn new skills, take courses and programs. They can be a great way to expand your knowledge and network with other freelancers.
However, they’re not always free. Courses are usually priced by the course credit or hour of instruction time, while programs usually charge a flat rate for participation (be careful these can add up quickly).
If these options are out of reach financially or otherwise too much work for your schedule, consider asking if any local colleges will offer classes at no cost or low cost through community education centers or adult education programs in the area.
You may also be able to find online classes through sites like Udemy which often have introductory courses available for free; just make sure they’re reputable before signing up!
Did More Than I Was Paid To Do
I’m not sure why, but as a child, I was always the kid who gave more than I got. It’s weird to think about this now because my parents certainly didn’t raise me that way (to give without expecting anything in return).
But it’s true. Whether it was cleaning up after other kids or bringing an extra plate of food for someone who didn’t have any dessert, I just always did things like that naturally and instinctively without thinking about how it would benefit me or what others might think of me if they saw me doing something nice for someone else.
As an adult working as a freelance writer (and probably still doing some of these things), I’ve found myself drawn toward jobs where there is an opportunity to give beyond just writing content and completing assignments on time.
In fact, when I started out freelancing full-time back in 2019, one of my first clients told me that they liked working with me because they could see how much passion and energy I put into each project; as if she was looking into my soul. Their words were both flattering and validating: “Yes! This is exactly what I want from every client!”
Got Testimonials And Reviews From Editors And Clients
Let’s say you’re a freelance writer. You’re in your cubicle, punching away at the keyboard as usual, when your boss walks by and asks what you’re working on. “A testimonial,” you reply. “For who?” he asks. “Someone,” you say vaguely (because if they wanted to know this information, they would have asked).
He looks at his watch and says something about how it’s 5 o’clock on Friday and if he could just get through another hour of his life he’d be able to go home and enjoy the weekend with his family and oh yeah, did I mention that our website was hacked again last night?
Suddenly there’s an emergency meeting for all employees of the company (everyone except those who were fired earlier that day).
The CEO comes out with a microphone and announces that there is going to be a change in leadership starting immediately: She will be taking over as COO while her husband takes over as CFO!
Everyone cheers loudly while silently wondering what they’re going to do next, but no one is really worried because she’s been around this company longer than anyone else has been alive well most everyone anyway so we kind of trust her decision-making skills.” But then she tells us all about how important reviews are these days.
Even if you lack prior experience, you can still pursue a fulfilling career as a freelance writer. Find out how to make the leap and become a full-time freelance writer by exploring our guide on How to Become a Full-Time Freelance Writer Even If You Have Zero Experience to kickstart your journey.
Found A Mentor Or Three
Being a freelancer can be challenging, especially when you’re just starting. You might not know where to start or what you should be doing to meet your goals. That’s where mentors come in handy.
Mentors are people who’ve been there before and can help you navigate this new path of freelancing so that you can make the most of it. They can teach you new skills, help guide your career decisions and even connect with other people who may have work opportunities.
Formed Connections With Other Writers For Collaboration And Support
The importance of networking and forming connections cannot be overstated. I was lucky to have been introduced to other writers through my college’s alumni network, but there are also plenty of online forums where you can go in search of collaborators and support.
LinkedIn has a great section for freelancers called “Professional Connections,” where you can find people who work in related fields, as well as ask questions about the industry in general or ask for freelance opportunities.
Freelance writer groups on Facebook are another great resource for connecting with people who share your interests and goals, especially if you’re trying to break into specific markets (such as publishing). You may even be able to find some collaborators this way!
Didn’t Expect (Or Ask For) Some Kind Of “Special Treatment” From Editors Or Friends
I knew that, as a writer and editor, I needed to be able to get the job done on my own. I didn’t want to look like a freeloader who only got hired because he or she was connected with someone who already had a successful career in this field.
I also didn’t expect any kind of special treatment from editors who were already successful with freelancing (like asking them for “a favor” because they’re your friend). And I certainly never asked friends in the industry if they could give me any advice on how to be successful at what I was doing!
Instead, I just focused on working hard and not expecting anything from anyone else but myself.
Didn’t Care What Anyone Else Thought About My Career Choice
You can’t let others’ opinions affect your decisions, self-worth, happiness, or success. If you find yourself constantly being torn between two paths and are looking for confirmation that one path is right or wrong don’t. Because only you know what makes you happy and fulfilled in life.
People will make assumptions about what they think your career should be based on their own experiences and perspectives (it’s human nature). But their opinions don’t matter compared to yours!
The landscape of work is evolving, and freelancing plays a significant role in this transformation. Discover the impact of freelancing on how we work and live by delving into our thought-provoking article on How Freelancing Is Changing How We Work and Live. Embrace the future of work today.
Final Thoughts
No matter what stage you’re at on your path, remember that the journey is about learning and growing as a person, not just becoming a successful freelancer. If you can keep this in mind and know that with patience, hard work, and perseverance you will get to where you want to be. With the right attitude and dedication, all things are possible!
Further Reading
How I Became a Freelance Writer After Escaping Corporate America: Discover the personal journey of a freelancer who transitioned from the corporate world to a successful freelance writing career.
How I Left My Job to Become a Freelance Writer and How You Can Too: Learn from someone who made the leap from traditional employment to freelancing and find inspiration to pursue your own freelance writing path.
10 Ways to Make Six Figures as a Freelance Writer: Explore proven strategies to boost your earnings and achieve a six-figure income as a freelance writer.
People Also Ask
Why Did You Decide To Become A Freelance Writer?
I had been working at a large, corporate-style company for over 6 years. It was a job that I enjoyed and grew in, but when I started to feel like I was not being challenged anymore, I decided it was time for me to move on.
I knew that if I stayed at the company, my salary would continue to rise and so would my responsibilities. However, as an individual contributor (IC), there is no room for growth without changing departments or titles within the company.
It is also hard for us to get promoted because they are competing against other ICs who might be more experienced than them or have more education than them.
What Skills Do You Think Helped You Succeed As A Freelance Writer?
I think my writing skills helped me succeed as a freelance writer because they were already well-honed before I became one. However, another skill that helped me succeed is my ability to manage my time efficiently and effectively while still getting things done on time!
What Are Some Things You Enjoy Most About Being A Freelance Writer?
I love that each day is different. There are always new projects coming up, which keeps things exciting. Also, there’s no room for boredom when you’re working from home you have to work hard or else you won’t succeed.
How Did You Go From Being An Employee To Becoming A Freelancer?
After leaving my job, I decided that being in charge of my schedule would be much better for me than the constant stress of working for someone else. It took me a while to get started with freelance writing, but once I did, it was an amazing experience!
What Has Surprised You About Being A Freelancer?
The most surprising thing about being self-employed is how much freedom it gives me! Being able to work from home and set my hours allows me to spend more time with my family and friends while still earning enough money to pay the bills each month.
What Are The Biggest Challenges You Faced While Working As A Writer?
The biggest challenge I faced was balancing my personal life and having a career. There were days when I had to stay up until 2 AM working on an article for work, and then wake up at 6 AM for an interview with a client who lived on the other side of town.
It was tough to be able to do it all and still have time for my friends and family. But I learned that if you want something, you can make it happen I just had to be willing to put in the extra hours if needed.
The thing I love most about freelancing is that there are no limits to the type of work you can do. You can write whatever you want whenever you want, which makes it feel very freeing in comparison to having a traditional 9-5 job where you have to work on projects that interest other people rather than yourself.
Costantine Edward is a digital marketing expert, freelance writer, and entrepreneur who helps people attain financial freedom. I’ve been working in marketing since I was 18 years old and have managed to build a successful career doing what I love.
