Mompreneur Series: Become A Freelance Writer

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Welcome to the Mompreneur Series – we’re looking at ways moms can start their own business and start working from home on their own terms.

The inspiration for this series came after speaking with many moms who expressed wanting to work at home at their own business but weren’t quite sure how to get started.

The way moms can work has certainly changed.

You no longer have to commute to an office to earn an income.

Thanks to the internet as long as you have a connection you can create a business.

In this post, we’ll be looking at how to become a freelance writer – if you’ve ever wanted to be a writer you’ll be happy to know you can create a lucrative home business by offering your services to businesses.

Let’s dive in and see how…

What is Freelance Writing for Beginners?

If you’re new to freelance writing as a concept it’s a good idea to start with defining exactly what a freelance writer is.

A freelance writer is someone who writes for others, either blogs or other publications, on a self-employed basis.

In other words, freelance writers are free to make their own schedules, work from home, and take on as many projects as they see fit.

Some freelance writers choose to work solely with one company, while others will take on several projects for different companies.

How Do Freelance Writers Make Money?

There are two ways you can make money as a freelance writer:

1. Work for an outsourcing company that finds your writing jobs.
2. Start your own freelance writing business.

The most lucrative choice is starting your own freelancing business.

It allows you to control how many writing projects you take on, how much you charge per job, and how you fit them into your schedule.

(So essentially you’re creating your own work and making your own schedule!)

If you chose to use an outsourcing company to find jobs you might be offered a contract position (which means you may have to travel to an office) or another arrangement.

Basically, you may not have the freedom you’re hoping for.

As a mom who wants to work at home on her own business, I’m willing to bet you’re more interested in pursuing your own freelance writing business so the remainder of this post will help you get started with that.

How to Become a Freelance Writer

Becoming a freelance writer is no different than setting up any other kind of business – it will take some setup work and a small investment to get your name out there.

Follow the quick start action plan and you can start the ball rolling today.

STEP #1

Brainstorm a name for your freelance writing business.

TIP: I’ve noticed many freelance writers simply use their own names since it’s them offering the writing service.

That said, don’t be afraid to create a unique and brandable name for your freelance writing business.

Check out my post about how to come up with Mom blog name ideas – the post doesn’t target freelance writing businesses specifically but the principles outlined are the same for brainstorming a name.

STEP #2

See if the domain is available for your desired freelance writing name.

If possible, I highly recommend you choose a domain where the .com extension is available.

You can buy your domain name for around $9 depending on where you choose to register it.

TIP: Check out namesilo.com to see if your name or other desired domain is available. I register all of my domains through namesilo.com because their price is lower than other registrars AND they give you FREE privacy for the first year!

STEP #3

Now, it’s time to get your freelance writing website up and running.

Here are two resources to help you set up your freelance website:

✿ My tutorial about starting a blog (you follow the same steps no matter what website you’re creating).

✿ This course by Elna Cain who happens to be a very successful freelance writer. (I highly recommend it especially if you want to fast track your success).

Upload any writing samples you have to create a portfolio to send potential clients.

If you don’t have any writing samples, consider writing the following:

✿ A blog post.
✿ An editorial piece.
✿ A how-to article.
✿ Any other long-form pieces.

What you’re trying to do is showcase your abilities so that potential clients will want to hire you.

PRO TIP: Make sure your portfolio has writing pieces about different topics that way you will show you can research and write about any subject.

STEP #4

Research freelance writing as much as possible.

Live and breath freelance writing in your spare time.

It’s the best way to give yourself confidence to start putting your name out there for hire.

Want to fast track your freelance business growth? Check out this course – it teaches you the steps from the ground up.

STEP #5

Sign up, create profiles and browse writing jobs on the following websites:

• Upwork.com
• Freelancer.com
• Fiverr.com
• FreelanceWritingGigs.com
• FreelanceWriting.com

If your freelance writing portfolio site is up, try your hand at bidding for a job that you might be good at.

Again, if freelance writing is something you want to pursue, consider enrolling in Writeto1k so that you can basically have your hand held and get your business going the right way.

(It’s taught by a very successful freelance writer who just happens to write for clients in many different industries PLUS runs numerous successful blogs!)

How to Become A Freelance Writer with No Experience

Okay, you know freelance writing sounds perfect but how do you become a freelance writer with no experience?

Make sure to write pieces and add them to your portfolio site.

This step is crucial because whether you have experience or not, potential clients will want to see writing samples before hiring you.

Another idea is to reach out to blogs and offer to guest post.

Doing so will build experience and give you the authority you’re looking for by having somewhere to send clients to check you out other than your own website.

At the end of the day, don’t let the fear hold you back, okay?

The only way to gain experience as a freelance writer is to get started!

If you’re really wondering how to become a freelance writer with no experience then head over and check out Elna Cain’s Writeto1k – she’ll take care of you!

Who the course is for: 

✔Those who want a step by step guide to getting their freelance writing business off the ground.
✔Newbie freelance writers.
✔A Mom who wants to work from home as a freelance writer and wants a clear direction to make her wishes come true.

My quick action steps mentioned above will get the ball rolling but this course will accelerate you to actually fulfilling your desire to become a successful freelance writer!

The Pros and Cons of Being a Freelance Writer

Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of becoming a freelance writer so you can decide for sure if it’s the right path for you.

FREELANCE WRITING PROS:

✔Set your own schedule to complete writing projects.
✔Quit your 9-5 job and stay home with your babies.
✔Give yourself something to do as a stay at home Mom.
✔Add to your family’s income all while working from home!
✔Save money on gas if you’re commuting.
✔The ability to work wherever you are.
✔Use your creativity every day.
✔You’ll likely be able to work part-time and make a good income. Certainly beats full-time work somewhere else!

FREELANCE WRITING CONS:

✔There will be some work to attract your ideal client. Keep your end goal in mind!
✔Dealing with receiving payments for clients. You will need to keep on top of collecting your money.
✔You won’t have any company benefits (but if your husband has a job, this might not be a big deal).

There you have it, mama!

Freelance writing is a very viable business idea if you follow the steps to success.

There really aren’t many cons to freelance writing which is great and you don’t have to worry about having no experience either – you will gain it over time.

The first step is completing my quick-start action plan.

Then, consider enrolling in the course I mentioned to fast track your freelance writing business.

(Check the course out here).

If you have any questions at all, drop it in the comments and we will chat!

Missed a post in the series?