Resources for Freelance Writers
This is the second in a series of blogs about the benefits of using freelancers. Take note that we’re talking about freelancers who are disciplined and highly skilled in their craft – not the thousands of unskilled contract workers unfortunately found on the majority of platforms that exploit freelancers for hire. Read the first entry here: 11 Ways a Freelancer Can Benefit Your Company.
Freelance writing can be a rewarding full-time career for anyone who has the skill and is tired of the 8-5 office life. There is more to solo work than just writing well.
If you are new to the freelance life, getting started can be difficult if you don’t have the right tools. If you aren’t prepared for the nuances and time management required for the job, you can become overwhelmed very fast.
For those looking to get started either in a part-time or full-time capacity, there are plenty of resources that can help you stay on top of your workload. Before getting started, here are nine of the best resources for freelance writers.
9. Job Boards
Whether you are just getting started or you are experiencing a lull in your workflow, the best resource for freelancers is a job board. Clients use websites like these to pull in the best freelancers to complete their tasks. You can find almost any kind of writing gig on a job board from blogs to web copy. BlogginPro, Flexjobs, ProBlogger Job Board, or WeWorkRemotely are just a few of the options to choose from. These job sites can lead you to long-term or short-term contracts. It’s never a bad idea to keep looking for work, even if you have a full clientele.
8. Social Media
Social media is a great tool to get your name out there. You can share your work from clients, build a business page, or connect with other freelancers. Social media can also be a great communication tool. You can connect with clients and advertise your small business. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn are just a few of the platforms you can utilize.
7. SEO Knowledge and Training
If your writing is web-based, knowing how to use keyword research and having knowledge of SEO is essential. Any training in google analytics, keyword research, or study on search engine optimization can be an asset. You don’t need to be an expert – just get an understanding of the basics. Take a class or read up on examples and simple instructions. Having a little knowledge can put you ahead of the curve.
6. Freelance Tools
Having good organization is invaluable as a freelancer. Working on your own means finding ways to manage your time, communicate, and sell your services. There are several apps and programs that can help you manage your time and tasks efficiently. Trello, Evernote, and Todoist are some great tools to manage your writing jobs and they are available for little to no cost!
5. Websites
Surprise! One of the greatest tools for freelance is the internet itself. You can explore freelance writing blogs, online guides, and brush up on your writing style with writing labs. The Purdue Writing Lab can help you tweak your grammar and structure. You can also get an idea of common rates and get a ballpark figure of how much you should be charging your clients per job. It’s important to come up with prices that are fair for you and your clients.
4. Invoice Programs
As a freelancer, it’s important to keep track of the money you are bringing in. You are running your own small business, after all. You don’t have to be an accountant; there are plenty of resources for monitoring your income and taxes for the year. Quickbooks, Freshbooks, and PayPal can help you organize your invoices, payments, and anything else that comes with running a small business.
3. Apps and Extensions
Some of the most helpful tools are the simplest. When you are pushing through deadlines, the last thing you want to worry about is easy grammar mistakes. You can use a free grammar-check app like Grammarly to check your documents, e-mails, and messages. Another helpful – and free – tool that can be useful is Google Docs. You can store your work on the drive and pick it up almost anywhere you have internet access. Sometimes the best tools are free.
2. Books! Books! Books!
For any writer, the best resources available are books! Whether you want to tweak your style, research your client work, or brush up on your grammar, there are plenty of books that can help. You can look to classics like The Elements of Style by J.K. Strunk or explore new publications on SEO or blog writing styles. Before taking any book as gospel, however, check the sources; be vigilant with your research.
1. A Solid Portfolio
The greatest resource any freelancer could have is an impressive portfolio. All writers should have a collection of their best work to show to prospective clients. You can go hardcopy for local clients or build a web-based design for writing jobs online.
You can utilize programs like WordPress or Google Drive to showcase an impressive display of your work. Your portfolio is an example of what you have to offer and a reflection of you. Take advantage of these resources and take the job boards by storm.
