Freelance Content Writing is a growing market in India as most businesses are going online. If you are looking to become a freelance content writer in India then this is the best guide you will ever read.
I started writing content just by chance…
Working as a programmer, having an infant, juggling a day job and parenthood, pushed me to find ways to earn a living from home.
That’s when I started Blogging…
My initial blogs were so bad …
Along the way I learnt there is something known as SEO, you need to understand copywriting skills and most importantly your writing should have some purpose.
I quickly learnt that writing can be magical when it can help solve someone’s problem.
This led me to learn keyword research and understand what the target audience really wants.
I think the best thing I did was to purchase this copywriting book. It was a game-changer…
It just shifted my thought process totally and has been a valuable resource.
What is a Freelance Content Writer
This post first appeared on indianmomvlogs.com
A freelance writer is a writer who works on a project basis and is not a full time employe of any one company. Rather they work with multiple clients and operates as a one man business.They either charge per project or by the hour.
How to become a Freelance Writer
To become a freelance writer you need to have good writing skills. You also need to learn specific writing techniques based on the type of writer you want to be.
For example, if you want to become an instructional writer you need to get a certification or have experience in training and teaching.
If you are going to be a technical writer you need to have a technical background and understand complex processes and terms.
To get this experience you can do the following:
- Get degrees or certifications in the chosen areas of writing
- Work with successful people in this profession
- Get a job in a company as a full time writer
- Work on as many projects as you can
Writer skills
Regardless of the type of writing, you need to have good writing skills and communication ability.
You also need to have creativity and lateral thinking ability.
The ability to connect through words to a wide range of people is key to success in the field.
Other than the above skills you also need specific knowledge and experience in your chosen area.
For example, if you are going to be an SEO writer you need to have an understanding of search engine marketing and keyword targeting.
To be a copywriter you need to have sales and marketing knowledge and skills.
For each type, there is specific knowledge and experience that will be needed which you need to have.
You will also need to type fast as well as be able to conduct proof reading and editing quickly.
Other skills and abilities you need to build are:
- Time management ability
- Client handling skills
- Interpersonal skills
- Negotiations skills
- Speed reading ability
How to Become a Content Writer without experience
The best easy to become a writer without experience is to focus on getting experience. This can be done by doing a few project free initially to those known to you.
Bundling up a portfolio is crucial without which you will no samples to show and no way in which the client will be able to gauge your ability.
You can start with having your own blog and then regularly posting content. This will build over time and you can have a sample for your clients to see as well as improve your writing skills simultaneously.
You can also start networking and building your contacts list. The more people come to know of what you do the more the chances of getting references.
Websites like LinkedIn and Facebook are useful in achieving this end.
So if you are passionate about writing and want to make it big in this career, it is possible.The opportunities are huge in this digital era. Getting started is 50% of the work. The rest is about continuous learning and networking. So get started, success awaits you.
What are the Types of Freelance writing jobs
As a freelance writer, you have many options. You can specialize in any of the following areas:
Web Content Writer
Here you will be working on creating web content suitable for your client’s sites. You may be writing on various topics and niches. Apart from the engaging writing style, adaptability and quick learning is necessary to do well at this type of writing.
Seo Writer
This is specialized writing to obtain search engine rankings. The seo content writer should be well versed with aspects of keyword analysis and keyword density which are crucial. Not many would enjoy this type of writing as it requires analysis and ensuring content has the keywords in the density required.
Technical writer
A technical writer writes technical documents and usually writes product specifications documents, user manuals,white papers and research articles.
This requires an impersonal writing style that is objective as well as the ability to break down complex technical jargon in easy to understand language.
To be successful as a technical writer you not only need good writing skills, you also need to have a technical background or aptitude.
Copywriter
A copywriter writes sales content that can persuade customers to buy. Thorough knowledge of customer buying behavior and marketing is necessary to be successful as a copywriter. A copywriter is a marketing consultant who can also advise a business on how to get more customers and even helps design offers, promotions, and pricing strategies.
News and Periodical writer
A news or a periodical writer is more of a journalist who is able to create an engaging write up about news and events. Online news websites, newspapers and magazines hire such writers and pay per article or keep on a retainer.
Instructional writer
Instructional writers create learning content. This is the content you will see when you take a course.
The instructional design plans out the learning experience of the student and the easy to evaluate the learning. This requires a background in training and teaching or specialized training in this type of writing.
Universities, online course creators, and e-learning companies use instructions designers for course creation. Additional tools such as Captivate or articulate along with skills in storyboarding are important for this work.
Ghostwriter for Authors
Famous people who want to be published do not have the time or the skills to write good books. The ghostwriter writes the books for other people and gets paid handsomely. The only issue is that they cannot take credit for the writing as it will be published under the name of someone else.
Legal writer
Legal writers work with law firms and help them draft legal documents and contracts. A background in law and knowledge of the judicial process is necessary for this work.
Digital Marketing Content Writer
Digital Marketing content writers can literally write both digital marketing content as well as SEO content.
They can use their knowledge of digital marketing to write for various sub niches.
Learn more about digital marketing content writing
SAAS Content Writer
SAAS software as a service is a growing industry. SAAS Content writers have a demand which is highly targeted as well as pays well. Check out the Guide to becoming a Content writer for SAAS.
How much do Freelance writers get paid
Freelance writer’s fees vary by region and by experience. If you are a freelance web content or SEO writer and just starting out you may offer your services at a low rate may be 50 paise per word.
As you improve in skills and confidence in your ability to provide client satisfaction blossoms you can charge higher.
An average writer in India may charge around 1 -2 rupees per word and an experienced and professional writer may charge Rs 3 per word and higher.
If you are a freelance copywriter then the game is different entirely as you will be working with businesses to improve their sales.
Your writing is not just an assembling of words but should get in a response from the customer.
The more the businesses profit from your copy the more you can charge. A good copy for a product can range anywhere from Rs 8000 and above. But remember, it is a much more intense task requiring an understanding of the business and expertise in marketing and customer behaviour. Rather than a writer you are a marketing consultant.
All the other types of writing such as technical writing, instructional writing or ghostwriting usually is project-based and in some cases hourly-based.
How to get hired as a Writer/How to get hired as a freelance writer
First, it is necessary that you identify what type of writer that you want to be. It will be based on your background, knowledge, interest, and demand in the market.
Once you decide on the type of writing that you want to pursue you need to start creating a portfolio. A portfolio is a collections of your work samples that you can share with the client. It has to be well done and impressive. You need to have an online portfolio as well as printed samples in case you are meeting your clients face to face.
Start by letting people know that you are looking for this type of work, Have a website,blog, or any online page which will showcase your skills, samples, and contact information. You also need to print out business cards to hand out as you never know when you may run into a prospective client. The business card will have your website or page link where they can see your portfolio as well professional profile. Treat clients well, repeat customers and references are key to building a successful writing business.
Try to have as many meetings and send in many proposals. Your writing skills are tested by the responses you receive. Keep working on your writing and improving your skills constantly.