Freelance writing can be a great way to make a solid income while working from home. It’s also an exciting career that allows you to make your hours, work when and where you want, and set your rates.
If you are just starting in the world of freelance writing, here is some advice that will help you on your journey:
| Takeaways |
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| 1. Explore the iGaming Landscape: Familiarize yourself with the world of iGaming, including online casinos, gaming platforms, and eSports, to understand the industry’s unique writing demands. |
| 2. Develop Gaming Expertise: Gain in-depth knowledge of various gaming genres, trends, and player preferences to create compelling content that resonates with the target audience. |
| 3. Build a Solid Writing Portfolio: Create a diverse portfolio showcasing your gaming-related writing samples, demonstrating your ability to craft engaging articles, reviews, and guides. |
| 4. Network with Industry Professionals: Connect with gaming companies, bloggers, and gaming communities to expand your network and discover potential freelance opportunities. |
| 5. Stay Updated on iGaming Trends: Stay abreast of the latest developments in the iGaming industry, including new games, technological advancements, and regulatory changes, to offer up-to-date and relevant content. |
| 6. Adapt to Different Writing Styles: Be versatile in your writing approach, catering to different platforms, such as blogs, websites, social media, and marketing materials, to diversify your freelance opportunities. |
| 7. Pitch and Market Yourself: Proactively pitch your ideas to gaming websites, magazines, and businesses, showcasing your unique writing style and expertise to land freelance gigs. |
| 8. Deliver Quality and Meet Deadlines: Ensure the quality of your work is top-notch and always deliver projects on time to build a reputation as a reliable and skilled freelance writer. |
| 9. Stay Persistent and Resilient: Freelancing in any industry requires perseverance; stay motivated and persistent in pursuing your goals as a freelance writer in the iGaming sector. |
| 10. Seek Feedback and Continuous Improvement: Seek feedback from clients and peers to refine your skills and continuously improve as a freelance writer, enhancing your chances of long-term success in the iGaming industry. |
Determine What Type Of Writer You’ll Be
As a freelance writer, you may be able to work from home, or in an office. You can also choose to focus on one area and become a specialist.
Freelance writers who are generalists may write about many different topics and industries. These types of freelance writers generally need to have a wide range of knowledge so that they can research each topic thoroughly before writing about it.
Specialized freelance writers typically only write in one specific field such as gaming, sports, or travel writing but they still need to know how their subject matter works to produce quality content.
In addition to determining what kind of writer you’ll be and where your work will take place, you should also consider whether or not your job will require any particular skills or education:
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Set Your Freelance Writer Rates
Rates are a touchy subject for freelancers, but the truth is that you will have more success if you know your worth and set rates accordingly. The best way to do this is to look at similar companies and their rates.
If it’s an open rate, then try to be competitive but not too cheap. Also, take into account the time spent on each project: the longer it takes for a company or person to hire you, the more money it should cost them.
If there are no other numbers available for comparison, don’t be afraid to ask other freelancers what they charge! You can also find information online about average industry pay ranges based on experience level (or use our recommended resource below).
Find The Right Clients
The next step is to find a client, and the best way to do this is to look for clients with a good reputation.
You want to find clients that have a good track record in the industry, have been around for a while, and are well-established. It’s also important to consider whether or not you’d be able to work with them how easy would it be? Would they pay on time?
Build A Writing Portfolio
To get started as a freelance writer, you’ll need to build a writing portfolio. A solid portfolio will help you land work and make sure that your clients are getting the best content possible for their money.
Your portfolio should include samples of your work in the form of articles, blog posts, or other pieces of writing. Ideally, these should be relevant to the topic at hand (if you’re applying to write about poker then you want to include poker-related examples).
When selecting what content goes into your portfolio or when deciding which pieces not to include consider how strong it is on its merit and how well it showcases your skillset as a writer.
Good portfolios can come in many forms: maybe it’s an online folder full of links or an offline binder filled with printouts.
Whatever form yours takes, just be sure that it shows off all sides of who you are as both a writer and individual person while being professional enough so that potential employers feel confident hiring someone based solely on this material alone (which could happen!).
So what makes up good vs bad portfolios? Bad portfolios usually contain typos/errors; lack structure/flow; look unprofessional/spammy/generic…etc..
Good portfolios tend not only to have correct spelling & grammar but also flow nicely between ideas without seeming forced or disjointed; look cleanly designed so as not to distract from reading instead enhancing enjoyment at first glance etc…
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Choose A Niche
Once you’ve decided to become a freelance writer, the next step is choosing a niche. A niche is a specific area of interest or expertise that you can write about.
Ideally, it should be something that’s close to your heart and which you’re knowledgeable about; if so, this could lead to higher quality work and more satisfied clients.
But don’t worry if your chosen profession isn’t one of your passions just because you aren’t excited about it doesn’t mean there won’t be people who are!
However, keep in mind that if your passion lies somewhere else (e.g., fashion), then your work on this topic may be less enthusiastic than that of someone whose main focus is gaming.
When choosing a niche for yourself:
Choose something you’re passionate about it will make writing easier and more enjoyable! And as long as there are people out there who share those interests with you (and there will always be), then it shouldn’t be too difficult finding clients for these types of pieces
Network With Other Writers
Networking is an essential part of any business, especially for freelancers like us. Our industry has become more and more competitive in recent years and it’s important to know who’s out there and what they’re doing.
Networking can help you find out about new opportunities, keep up with the industry, find clients or even get into contact with someone who can help you achieve your goals as a freelance writer.
Decide Where To Look For Gigs
The first step to becoming a freelance writer is deciding where you’ll look for gigs. There are many places online where writers can seek out freelance opportunities, including:
- Google – The search engine giant has its job board and a dedicated section for writing gigs
- LinkedIn – LinkedIn has been known to post writing jobs on their site, but they tend to be more corporate-oriented positions rather than content writing roles
- Craigslist – Craigslist can be hit or miss, but it’s worth checking out if you’re looking for short-term contracts, such as blog posts or press releases
- Freelance Writing Agencies – Like Google and Reddit (see below), some agencies may have opportunities available that aren’t posted elsewhere
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Set Up A Website Or Blog To Get Found Online
A website or a blog are great ways to get found online. A website gives you a stable platform where you can build your brand and showcase your skills in an organized way. If you want to be highly visible on search engines, then having a website is essential.
A blog also helps you get found online. Blog posts are indexed by search engines much faster than web pages, so if there’s something specific that someone wants to learn about, they will find it quicker on your site if it has been indexed by Google or Bing.
Your website or blog should contain the following pages:
Home page (explains who you are and what services/products you offer)#ENDWRITE
Create A Home Office (If You Work From Home)
One of the most important things to do when you’re working from home as a freelancer is to create a space in your home that’s dedicated to working. This can be anything from a corner of your bedroom or kitchen table to an entire room dedicated solely to being used as an office.
It doesn’t matter what you use a cozy corner, a spare bedroom, or even just hanging up some sheets on the walls as long as it feels like a professional work environment and has all the tools you need for completing your tasks comfortably.
Work On Your Discipline And Productivity Skills
Discipline and productivity are key to success as a freelancer. They’re the difference between being able to choose your hours and living within the means of your income or slaving away for someone else because you can’t get anything done.
If you want to be successful as a writer in any industry, especially if it’s one where several other writers are vying for jobs or assignments (like freelance writing), then you’ll need to get into the habit of working on your discipline and productivity skills from day one.
Be Prepared To Take Risks And Try New Things
The first step to becoming a successful writer in the gaming industry is being prepared to take risks and try new things. There are no two ways about it: you will need to accept that some of your ideas won’t work out, and you will need to be prepared for criticism as well as success.
However, this should not discourage you from trying something different if something isn’t working out. You may find that an idea that failed at first can still work if tweaked slightly or has another opportunity presented itself later on. The key here is flexibility!
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How To Manage Client Expectations
Set realistic client expectations. For example, suppose you are writing an article for the publication of a major gaming company. In that case, they might expect you to be able to write in-depth content about their new game, including screenshots and videos.
If this isn’t your specialty and if you don’t have time to learn how to do it, then it would be better not to accept that job at all.
Manage client expectations with regular communication about the status of the project and what needs to happen next for them or their product.
Make sure they understand that there may be delays due to unforeseen circumstances like illness or family emergencies; tell them what is happening so they can be aware and not feel ignored (and also don’t forget yourself!).
There should always be some kind of progress update every week or two weeks depending on how much work is going into producing each piece together with its deadline date.
Set boundaries between yourself and other people’s personal lives when it comes down to being close to yours (friends/family members), especially if these people live nearby!
This can get tough sometimes because it’s hard enough emotionally dealing with our problems without having others thrown onto the top of those too; however, we must remember:
No matter where we go in life there will always be something else happening around us whether good bad is indifferent.
So as long as everything seems okay then let go of whatever else outside influences may come from others around us since what matters most here again is keeping the peace between ourselves first before anything else comes along our path today!
Do What You Love And Love What You Do
When it comes to freelancing, one of the most important things you can do is find something that you’re passionate about and love. If you’re not excited about what you’re writing, it will show in your work.
The next step is to find clients who appreciate your talent and want to work with you because they know what a great writer you are.
The most successful people in this industry are those who do what they love, because if they don’t love their job, then there’s no way that anyone else will either.
Keep Track Of Your Time, Payments, And Receipts (You Will Need Them!)
As a freelance writer, you will be responsible for keeping track of your time and payments. While this can be tedious, it is necessary if you want to earn the amount of money that you deserve.
You will also want to keep receipts for any expenses related to your work because these are deductible from your income when tax season rolls around.
As a bonus, if there’s ever any confusion about an expense or payment method (or lack thereof), having documentation on hand makes things much simpler!
Always Get It In Writing
Whether you’re a one-man show or part of an agency, it’s important to have a written contract with your client. This can help ensure that you get paid on time and for all the work you do.
It’s also necessary to make sure that if something isn’t working out, both parties are aware of the situation.
If one party fails to live up to their end of the deal, then there is something in writing about how things will be handled moving forward and who will pay what costs are associated with fixing or exiting the relationship.
Participate In The Writing Community Online And In-Person (Local Groups)
There are plenty of ways to get involved with the writing community and make connections. Participating in local writers’ groups can help you network with other writers, and learning from them is a great way to improve your own writing skills.
Online groups are another excellent resource as they allow you to connect with people who share similar interests, even if they’re on the other side of the world. Both types of groups can help you learn more about what it takes to be a successful freelance writer in this industry!
Create A Work Schedule That Works For You And Stick To It!
If you are a freelancer, you will have to set your schedule. This means being disciplined and sticking to it. Don’t let other people’s schedules dictate yours!
A typical day for me starts around 8:00 AM and ends around 6:00 PM with an hour break in between. Some days I work more than others, depending on my workload, but this is the general outline of my daily schedule.
Remain Professional With Everyone No Matter What! (Even If They Don’t)
You are a professional, and you should always act like one. The client is paying for your work, so you should behave accordingly.
This means always being polite and respectful, even when the client is not. If an issue arises that makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe in any way, report it immediately to the poker site’s customer support team.
If a client has been abusive towards you in any way (whether it’s via email or over chat), don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself! It’s fine to politely decline their request if it doesn’t align with your values as a writer.
Learn Your Rights As An Independent Contractor Or Employee So You Know What’s Expected Of You From Both Sides Of Any Agreement!
One of the most important things you will do as a freelance writer is negotiated your contract. If you are unsure of what rights are expected from both sides, it can be difficult to know whether or not you are being treated fairly.
The best thing to do is educate yourself on what kind of contracts exist, and what they mean for the parties involved. Here are some common types of contracts:
Independent Contractor Agreement: An independent contractor is hired by an employer, but works independently and has little control over the nature or details of their work (they should have no input into policy making).
They also receive no benefits like health insurance or paid time off this is because they are not considered employees under any legal definition.
Independent contractors may be paid per project rather than hourly wages; however, some projects may be categorized as “gigs” with prices set by marketplace pricing algorithms (such as Upwork).
Employee Agreement: An employee agreement involves a formal relationship between an individual and his/her employer where he/she receives compensation in exchange for performing tasks set forth within his/her job description as well as other duties which may fall under company policy guidelines (such as working late hours during crunch times).
Employees receive benefits such as health insurance
Monetizing your freelance writing business is within reach! Check out our actionable strategies on how to monetize your freelance writing business and turn your passion for writing into a sustainable income stream.
To Be A Successful Freelance Writer, You Need To Know How Much You’re Worth. Then Set Your Rates Accordingly
Be prepared to negotiate, but don’t give in too quickly. Know the market and what people are willing to pay for your services.
Take the time to research your market and keep up with the latest trends. Learn how to write in different formats (ie: blog posts, articles, etc.). Learn how to write for different audiences as well (ie: mobile/desktop/web).
Conclusion
If you have a passion for online gambling, then you’re probably interested in becoming an igaming writer. This can be a rewarding career, but it’s also important to understand what it takes before you jump into the industry head first.
After all, there are many different types of writing jobs and they all require different skillsets! Thankfully, we have outlined some key points that will help guide your journey towards success as an igame writer today.
Further Reading
How to Become a Freelance Gaming Writer: Learn the essential steps to kickstart your career as a freelance writer in the gaming industry.
How to Become a Video Game Writer: Explore the path to becoming a video game writer and discover the skills required to excel in this exciting field.
Freelance Video Game Writer Career Overview: Get an overview of what it takes to pursue a career as a freelance video game writer and the potential opportunities in the industry.
FAQs
How can I become a freelance gaming writer?
To become a freelance gaming writer, start by building a strong portfolio of gaming-related content. Network with gaming industry professionals, pitch your ideas to gaming publications, and showcase your expertise in the field.
What skills are essential for a video game writer?
A successful video game writer needs exceptional storytelling abilities, a deep understanding of game mechanics, creativity, and the ability to collaborate with game developers and designers.
How do I find freelance opportunities in the gaming industry?
You can find freelance opportunities in the gaming industry by connecting with game developers, exploring job boards that specialize in gaming, and reaching out to gaming publications or websites that accept freelance submissions.
What are the typical responsibilities of a freelance video game writer?
As a freelance video game writer, your responsibilities may include creating engaging narratives, writing dialogues, developing character backgrounds, and collaborating with the game development team to ensure the storyline aligns with the game’s vision.
How can I improve my chances of getting hired as a freelance video game writer?
To improve your chances of getting hired, continuously work on honing your writing skills, stay updated with gaming trends and technologies, and be willing to showcase your passion for gaming through your writing and pitches to potential clients.
What Is It Like To Be A Freelance Writer In The Igaming Industry?
I’m a freelance writer in the igaming industry, and I love it! It’s an exciting and fast-paced industry that requires me to be my best self every day.
There are so many different ways that you can make money as a freelance writer in the igaming industry, and if you’re willing to put in the time and effort, there’s no limit to what you can earn.
Do I Have To Have A Degree In English?
No, but it helps! While I don’t have any formal training in writing or journalism (I studied business), I was able to get ahead because I knew how to do research, write clean copy, and meet deadlines.
The skills that you learn as a writer will help you no matter what kind of job you end up doing later on down the road.
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.