If you are someone who likes the security of a full-time job with a regular income and benefits, then freelancing may not appeal to you. But if you have a regular job and would want to venture into something that you can do, then freelancing is a good option. This is feasible if you can spare some time for freelancing. Despite all this, you realize that your passion to write is not leading to a requisite number of writing jobs. Then, how do you ensure that you get sufficient number of writing jobs?
1. Be positive
This may sound clichéd. Maintaining a positive frame of mind helps you to focus your efforts in finding the right writing job. If you harbour negative thoughts and then search, half of your effort is wasted as you have already lost hope even before you search for a job. Hence, it is important to have a positive mind set and to keep your pre-conceptions or self-doubts at bay.
2. Scour high-quality job boards
There are many job postings online that may sound convincing but may actually fool you. If you want to get into proper freelance writing jobs, then you ought to be more selective about the job boards you check out. There are plenty of shady folks looking to hire people at crappy rates. Forget the crappy part; they may not even pay you for your job. Check out sites like Elance, Odesk, Problogger Job Board or Freelance Switch Job Board.
3. Use your networking skills
In this age of digital explosion, networking plays a crucial role. Check out the multiple job groups on Facebook. Ask your friends or your local community. Ask your fellow writers. They will definitely know about who is prompt to pay or who will give you an interesting writing assignment. Find these networking groups, online or offline.
4. Team up
One effective strategy to land more freelance writing jobs is by partnering up with somebody who has your complementary skillsets. For instance, if you have excellent writing and editing skills then try partnering with somebody who is good in web design. Together, you can offer your services as a package. This will sound more attractive to clients who prefer convenience and do not wish to hire many people.
5. Create a lead-generating website
Create your writing portfolio and stack it up on your website. You should also use Search Engine Optimization (SEO) techniques and make your site visually appealing by incorporating the right combination of design and text. Such a website will land up in Google searches and potential clients may approach you. Use tools like Squarespace or Drupal to create your online portfolio.
Last, but not the least is to promote your success. How do you do it? Once you have successfully completed an assignment, make sure that your client endorses that on your profile. Ask your client to leave you feedback on the work you have done. You can add this to your online portfolio.
Image credit: photologue_np on flickr and reproduced under Creative Commons 2.0
I’m Smitha Abraham. I love traveling in my flights of imagination and use these flights to craft short stories and poetry. I am a budding writer from India. My passions are reading, creative writing, listening to music, learning new languages, meeting new people, getting acquainted with different cultures and traveling. Authors like Isabel Allende, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Carlos Ruiz Zafón, genres like magic realism, historical romance, and writing styles that are imaginative and flow effortlessly fascinate me. I love to unwind with a book curled up on a sofa or by gazing at the stars by the sea shore. I am a nature lover and spending time admiring the sunset and sunrise is relaxing for me.