If you’re anything like me, you’ve been a student of cars for as long as you can remember. You started by building model cars from kits, then progressed to reading car magazines and books, and eventually developed your blog on the subject. (If not, that’s cool too.)
Now it’s time to take your car obsession to the next level: earn some money writing about these four-wheeled beauties! But how do you get there? That’s where this guide comes in.
I’ll outline my own experience getting into automotive writing, explain what skills and qualities will be most helpful to someone who wants to follow a similar path, and offer some tips on breaking into an exciting new career.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| 1. Develop strong writing skills and knowledge of the automotive industry. |
| 2. Build a portfolio showcasing your automotive writing samples. |
| 3. Network with automotive industry professionals and potential clients. |
| 4. Create profiles on freelancing platforms to find automotive writing gigs. |
| 5. Market yourself through social media and professional websites. |
| 6. Produce various types of automotive content, such as car reviews, industry news, and buyer’s guides. |
| 7. Seek out freelance writing opportunities in the automotive field through job boards and networking. |
| 8. Stay updated on the latest trends and developments in the automotive industry. |
| 9. Develop strong research skills to gather accurate and up-to-date information. |
| 10. Time management and self-discipline are crucial for meeting deadlines and handling multiple projects. |
Write Automotive Articles Or Reviews Regularly
You should write articles or reviews regularly. This is important because it will help you to create an interesting portfolio of work and establish yourself as an authority in your area of expertise.
You should aim to write at least one article every month, but if you can write more than that, all the better.
How do you come up with ideas for your articles? Start by researching topics that are relevant to car buyers and enthusiasts, then brainstorm how these topics could be written about in different ways. For example:
- “10 Things You Should Know Before Buying Your Next Car” would make a good piece for someone looking for advice about buying their first car or upgrading their current model;
- “The 5 Best Cars That Cost Less Than $5,000” would be helpful for those who have limited funds but still want quality transportation;
- “Tips For Finding Good Automotive Dealerships On The Internet” might appeal to people who don’t know where they can find trustworthy dealerships online;
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Read Everything You Can Get Your Hands On And Continue To Read Widely
One of the best parts about being a freelance automotive writer is that you can read as much as you want.
Reading is an essential part of becoming a writer because it helps you to learn what other writers have done, how they’ve written their copy, and how they’ve approached topics in the past. You’ll also get ideas for your work by reading what’s out there.
I highly recommend taking advantage of this opportunity by reading everything you can get your hands on, including books about writing by authors like Stephen King or Ernest Hemingway if that’s up to your alley.
You should also make sure that you’re keeping up with new developments in the automotive industry and any topics related to it;
This will help ensure that your articles are relevant and interesting to readers who are looking for information on those subjects specifically (while remaining useful to people who aren’t).
Make Connections
Make connections. When you’re just starting, it’s important to make connections with people who are already in the field. You can make friends on LinkedIn or other social media sites, or attend industry conferences or events that bring together freelancers and potential employers.
If you’re lucky enough to have an established relationship with someone who works in automotive writing, they may be able to recommend your services as a writer.
Or even give you inside information about upcoming assignments at their publication information that can help put your name on the list of writers who are being considered for these opportunities.
Look for work outside of traditional publications (which tend to pay very poorly). As mentioned previously, freelance automotive writers usually earn most of their income from non-traditional outlets such as blogs and websites;
However, there are still some companies willing to offer payment for freelance contributions through traditional means like periodicals like magazines and newspapers.
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Start A Blog
To become a freelance automotive writer, you’ll need a blog. A blog is an online journal that people read to get information and entertainment. It’s also a platform for writers to share their content with others while earning revenue from their writing.
Why Should I Start A Blog?
A personal or business website is crucial if you want to build credibility as an automotive journalist and establish yourself in the industry for future jobs or freelance gigs.
When someone searches for “car reviews” on Google, they will see your site at the top of the results page and that could lead to some big opportunities!
How Do I Start One?
Start with WordPress or Squarespace (both are easy-to-use platforms).
Once you’re able to set up your site, use it as a hub for all of your articles so readers can easily find all of this information in one place instead of having scattered links across various social media accounts like Facebook, Twitter, etc…
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Take Writing Courses To Hone Your Skills
In addition to learning about the automotive industry and writing styles, you can also take courses that help you learn how to write a resume and an article. These courses will teach you grammar, how to write a blog post, or how to write a book.
You’ll want to make sure that any course or class is approved by your school. If it isn’t approved by your school then it will not count towards your degree and may delay graduation if taken after graduation requirements have been met.
Take this opportunity for further education seriously because there are many benefits of taking classes as an adult learner:
You get more time on campus than other students (not everyone has family commitments). Your child care responsibilities might be minimal if they are in school full time so they won’t need babysitting while in class with Mommy!
It’s much easier than juggling work schedules around theirs’ when everyone’s schedule changes every week/month depending on which shift they work next week/month etc…
Build A Solid Portfolio Of Clips Or Samples
Build a solid portfolio of clips or samples.
You can start by offering to write for free not as a freelancer, but as an intern or apprentice at some publication you like. That way, you’ll get your foot in the door and show off your skills while getting paid to do something that will look great on your resume.
Once you have some clips under your belt, use them to build up relationships with editors and writers in the industry so they know who you are when they need someone new on their team (or when they need someone who can handle deadline pressure).
Your portfolio should include samples of things you’ve written (especially articles) as well as links to any freelance gigs/contributions/projects where they can see what else is out there.
Also be sure to include relevant experience from school projects or internships anything that shows how good of an editor/writer/researcher etc., etc., etc., the person you are!
Create Your Website
Create your website. If you want to become a freelance automotive writer, you must have your website.
You can use the free WordPress platform or go with a paid option like Squarespace. If you don’t know how to create one, there are lots of tutorials out there that will walk you through step by step.
Decide what features should be on your site. When creating your site, think about what information potential clients might need before hiring you for their next project. Will they need links for contact information? References?
Maybe testimonials from previous clients? What kinds of services do they offer (such as ghostwriting or writing press releases)? Include some sample articles so visitors can see how much experience and expertise they’ll get with their new writer!
Get people interested in visiting your site by promoting it everywhere possible: social media platforms like Facebook groups related to cars; local newspapers/magazines;
Forums where other writers are discussing topics related to automobiles (like Reddit); even virtual communities made up solely by car enthusiasts who love talking about their favorite models!
Start An Online Presence On Social Media
A great way to get started is by building up an online presence. Social media can be a powerful networking tool, as well as a place for you to promote your articles and build your brand. It’s also a great way to find new clients and opportunities!
Start with LinkedIn. If you want to be taken seriously as an automotive writer, start with LinkedIn and don’t just create the account and leave it dormant until you need it.
Make sure that all of your profiles are up-to-date (including Twitter), especially because many companies use LinkedIn profiles as part of their hiring process.
Create an author profile at Automotive Marketing & Media Association (AMMA). You’ll need this profile anyway if you want AMMA memberships or other benefits from the organization.
But it’s an important step toward increasing visibility in the industry if done right: according to AMMA President Ken Zdybicki, “membership in AMMA is voluntary but those who aren’t members do not get access.”
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Get Experience In The Field By Working, Interning, Or Volunteering With Auto Publications Or Outlets
Building a network of relationships is an important part of becoming an automotive writer. The more you get out there, the more opportunities you’ll have to meet new people who can help move your career forward. Here are some ways to build such a network:
Join local associations and attend as many meetings as possible. It’s a great way to learn about trends in the industry and meet other members of the community who might be interested in collaborating with you on projects later on down the line.
Join online communities that offer similar interests and viewpoints as yourself (e.g., Facebook groups for car enthusiasts). You never know when someone will post something interesting related to what you’re currently working on!
Take Photographs Of Damaged Vehicles And Write Up Repair Estimates For Automotive Repair Shops (And Keep A Copy Of Your Work)
You can take photographs of damaged vehicles and write up repair estimates for automotive repair shops.
This is a good way to get your foot in the door with larger organizations that have their digital marketing teams or you can even freelance with them on Fiverr, Upwork, or Freelancer.com.
You would need some basic software like Photoshop or Word to help you create these documents, but once you’ve learned how to use these programs it will be much easier to continue taking on work like this when needed.
Find Out What Clients Are Looking For, And Then Write About Their Needs
You’ll need to find out what clients are looking for and then write about their needs. To do this, you should read some of the automotive magazines and websites that your potential employer reads.
Take note of the types of content they publish regularly, as well as what types of writers they hire (and don’t hire).
If you want to write for an automotive magazine, call up a few local car dealerships or repair shops and ask them if they could use any freelance writers.
Find out how many stories they need to be written per month and whether those stories need to be researched before being written or not and whether or not there is a deadline attached to each story.
Learn How To Use Computer Software Such As Photoshop, Word, And Other Programs That Will Help You In Your Career As An Automotive Writer
Learn how to use the latest software. There are many different programs that you can learn and use in your career as an automotive writer. These include Photoshop, Word, and other programs for writing or reviewing cars.
Learn how to use the latest technology. As a freelancer, you will also need to become familiar with new technologies that come out to stay relevant in your industry like driverless cars or electric vehicles (EVs).
Learn how to use the latest tools. You will need various tools to write an article or review a vehicle such as tablets, laptops, and phones.
So that writing can be done anywhere at any time without having access only through computers at home or work offices only available during business hours on weekdays Monday through Friday.
While weekends might be off-limits due either due seasonal vacation plans (i..e summertime) which means not being able as easily accessible by phone/email/skype when needed most.
Or else because everyone else who has access too said equipment–and thusly unable even though willing–to help out due to their limitations too…
Be Passionate About Automobiles And Also Be Passionate About Writing!
Your passion for automobiles and your passion for writing must be equal to or greater than your love for freelance automotive journalism. If you’re not a fan of cars, or if you don’t like to write, this career choice just won’t work out.
It’s very important that you enjoy both elements equally or at the very least, that you have an equal appreciation for both disciplines.
Now that we’ve gone over what it takes to succeed as a freelance automotive writer and made sure that both your skillset and tastes are in line with the requirements of the job, let’s look at how one goes about getting started on this path!
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Conclusion
We hope this gives you a clearer idea of what it takes to be an automotive writer. As we’ve discussed, if you’re looking for a career in writing, the automotive industry is a great place to start there’s always something new and exciting happening.
Remember to be persistent with your writing, as well as research new topics on your own so that you can build up knowledge over time.
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources that can provide further insights into becoming a freelance automotive writer:
ZipRecruiter: What Is Freelance Automotive Writer? – Learn more about the role of a freelance automotive writer and the steps to pursue this career path.
Scripted: Freelance Writing Jobs in Automotive – Explore freelance writing opportunities in the automotive industry and discover potential gigs and projects.
Edmunds: How to Become an Automotive Journalist – Delve into the world of automotive journalism and gain insights into what it takes to become an automotive journalist.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Become A Freelance Automotive Writer?
The first step is to write about cars. A lot. The more you write about cars, the more experience you will have and the better your writing will become. This means that you should start by writing for free, to build up a portfolio and gain some good references.
How Much Money Can I Make As An Automotive Writer?
Generally speaking, freelance writers make anywhere between $10-$50 per article they write. The payment depends on how much the publication is willing to pay for the article, how many words it has, and whether or not it’s accepted for publication (or rejected).
What Kind Of Car Should I Buy?
That’s up to you! If you’re just starting as a freelance writer, we recommend buying something affordable so that if things don’t work out for some reason, at least your car won’t be an expensive loss.
Do I Need Any Special Skills Or Training?
No! The only thing you need is basic computer skills and access to the internet. Many people who are interested in this career start by writing blogs or websites without any formal training at all.
However, if you’re planning on writing for print publications then it will help if you have some previous experience writing articles or columns that were published in newspapers and magazines.
What Kind Of Equipment Do I Need?
You only need a laptop computer or tablet device with internet access so that you can conduct online research when needed and send emails directly from your device (which is often faster than using phone lines).
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.