One of the questions that freelance writers often ask – especially those just starting out – is if they can make a living from freelance writing. While it is not easy, there are some ways that you can work towards the goal of making a living from writing.
Jack of all trades - If you are just starting out as a freelance writer, you might not know what type of writing you are going to enjoy the most. You may not even be aware of what you can do to find out what your strongest writing style is. In this instance, you may take the “jack of all trades” versus the “niche writer” approach for beginning a freelance writing career. This could work out great until you get yourself established.
Freelancing sites - If you are looking for help in getting your freelance writing career started, you may want to look into freelancing sites. These sites offer you many benefits including:
- Creating a useful profile – Most freelancing sites offer you the opportunity to create an online profile to highlight your skills. Take advantage of them.
- Relevant Skills Tests – Freelancing sites are generally partnered with other sites that allow you to take various skills sets and highlight various knowledge levels. Take advantage of these tests to highlight your strong points.
- Portfolios – Unless you are active on a writing site like Helium, or have your own freelancing blog, you should consider placing a portfolio on an online freelancing marketplace.
Your own website – While it’s not critical that you have your own website (or blog) you may find that this is the best option for marketing yourself. Explore the possibilities before deciding if a website is right for you.
Resources:
Make sure that you take advantage of the numerous resources that are a available to you. Here are some articles that could help you get started as a freelance writer:
Simple ways to make money online – Options that require no investment of money and you do not need your own website.
How to write effective SEO copy – One the secrets to learning about effective web writing is understanding SEO. This overview can help.
Is online writing really a profitable business? – Explore freelance writing as an option for a profitable business.
Handling slow and no-pay clients – Regardless of how big or small your freelance writing business is, you will probably experience slow and no pay clients. Here are some solutions.
Tips on how to write articles that earn money – Whether it’s articles that you are crafting for a client or articles that you hope to sell, these tips will help you write great articles.
How to make money with Private Label Rights articles – Private Label Rights articles can be useful, especially if you are just starting out.
Freelance Website Review – oDesk - This is a brief overview of oDesk.
Hopefully these will help you get started. Feel free to post additional questions or read more about online jobs.
About Doreen Martel
Well-rounded freelance writer who contributes to various blogs, paid to write sites and revenue sharing sites. Doreen is legally blind and has worked at home for more than 10 years. She uses the lessons learned from this experience to enhance her writing and share information with others.
Contently Portfolio
Doreen, this is a great post, and I am loving your whole blog. I visit every few days to see what is new and what I have missed. I’ve recently started a blog called Writing for a Living and would love to use a blurb from this post with a read more link to direct readers here, you have a lot of valuable information for anyone who is considering becoming a freelancer or who is struggling with the many challenges freelancers face. The blog is located at http://www.writing4aliving.blogspot.com and I’ll be doing a new post tomorrow.
Very nicely done! Feel free to link if you find the information helpful!! Doreen
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Great blog! I just wrote a similar one on all the different kinds of freelancing work one can do, whether you write, code or even consult. I totally agree with your points and really appreciate the awesome blog post
So many people just kind of halfway do their blogs but your writing is great. Also like the WP theme 
Cheers!
Thanks! If you can provide me the link to your blog, I’ll be happy to add to blog roll! The more people who have access to this info the better!! Doreen
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