A Guest Post by Davis Jameson

The freelance work model has been around for a while, but the rising trend of people becoming freelancers has become undeniable in recent years. Most Gen-Zers are opting for the freelance lifestyle, and other working generations are taking advantage of ample opportunities. And if you’re a writer, you’re perhaps in the ideal position to succeed as a freelancer.

But what’s all the fuss about? What’s so great about being a freelancer? Below, The Excellent Writers discuss the benefits of becoming a freelance writer and provide tips for how you can set the stage for long-term success.

The Benefits of Becoming a Freelance Writer

So, let’s start with a few of the most prominent benefits of working as a freelance writer:

Writers are needed.   

First of all, most businesses need high-quality content on their websites, social media accounts, and other marketing channels. Healthcare, food and beverage, business and marketing, politics, sports and fitness, and many other fields offer abundant writing opportunities.

This means that you don’t need a degree to get your foot in the door. As long as you can research and write well, you can build your career.

You’re the boss.

As a freelancer, you are your boss. This means that you get to choose your workload, schedule, the clients you provide services to, and even your salary (to some degree). Freedom comes with responsibilities, but it is still great to control your destiny.

You’ll have plenty of opportunities to learn.

If you hope to succeed as a freelance writer, particularly in the early days, you will likely have to write about many different topics for many other clients. You may also need to write content in various forms, whether website blogs, email marketing newsletters, social media posts or white papers. Researching a range of information tends to keep your job interesting and engaging.

Practical Tips for Freelance Writing Success

Now that you understand some of the perks of becoming a freelance writer, let’s discuss some simple ways that you can help ensure your success:

Form a business.    

Even if you are starting part-time, think of your writing services as a business. For example, you will need to choose a business structure that works for you.

Establishing an LLC will protect you from liability, give you specific tax advantages, and require less paperwork than some other entities. However, each state has regulations related to forming, managing, and maintaining an LLC, so make sure you understand the rules before beginning the process. Working with a formation service is an excellent way to save yourself time and stress.

Constantly look for jobs.

As a freelancer, you are responsible for finding clients. And you also don’t have paid time off, which means that downtime can result in loss of income. Until you have carved a niche for yourself and have more work than you can handle, accept that you will always need to be on the lookout for jobs. Reach out to your personal and professional network, scour online job boards, and communicate with other writers who can help you connect with different opportunities.

Allow yourself to transition.    

You may want to dive into the freedom and flexibility of a freelance lifestyle. But the truth is that it can take some time to build a reliable income as a freelancer. So, don’t rush into it by quitting your day job before you have enough work to make a living. Give yourself time, and it will pay off over the long haul.

Edit your content.

Every piece of content that you write should be as impactful, accurate, and well-written as possible. Even if you are not the editor, take time to ensure that you provide clean copy and consistently seek to improve your storytelling, grammar, and other areas. Think of it this way: You want the editor’s job to be as easy as possible. If you consistently turn in stellar assignments, it will help you make a name for yourself.

Embrace variety.

We touched on how most freelance writers have to start by writing on various topics. However, it’s possible to carve a niche in a specific industry or discipline, and if you do it well, you can build a reputation in your niche and become an in-demand writer.

With that said, it can still benefit you to broaden your horizons and learn as much as you can about as many industries and topics as possible. Say yes to different assignments, and it can pay off when it is time to win over new clients.

Conclusion

If you are ready to explore the freelance lifestyle, becoming a writer is one of the best ways to do it. Many benefits come with the job, but you must also prepare for the challenges. Keep the tips above in mind as you lay the groundwork for your freelance writing career. And always seek other ways to improve your craft and position yourself for a flourishing career!

Davis Jameson is an experienced entrepreneur and business owner. He created Business Is Fun to spread the word about the joy that he thinks should come with owning a business. With the advice and resources he offers on the site, he hopes to help small business owners who are in a slump get their mojo back.