Want to work as a freelance writer? Find out how in this article!

Do you want to work as a freelance writer, but don't know where to start? Read the text and find out everything about the profession!

What does a freelance writer do?

Did you know that around 3.5 billion searches are performed on Google every day? The data is from the website Internet Live Stats.

This platform also reveals the number of websites in real time, and the number reaches almost 2 billion.

The tendency is for this number to increase, because more and more people use the internet and search engines to resolve their doubts before purchasing a product or service.

You probably searched for: “How to work as a freelance writer” on Google, the world’s leading search engine, and this text appeared among the results.

Well, that’s exactly what a freelance writer does. They create content to inform, educate, influence and connect.

THE web writer, as he is also known, is the professional who creates content for the web, that is, for the internet.

Web writing is a little different from normal writing, there are techniques and skills that need to be integrated into the text with a focus on results.

Additionally, the language and style need to suit the target audience or persona of the contractor.

A web writer can develop content for websites, blogs, emails, e-books, social networks, videos, subtitles, transcribe audio, etc.

It is a very broad area, where it is possible to develop different materials using writing as a base.

Other than that, for work as a freelance writer, you need to understand a little about other professions, for example:

Revision;
Advertising and Propaganda;
Copywriting;
SEO Analyst;
Communication;
Journalist.

It is not an absolute rule, but knowing some rules and concepts of certain professions can make you a better and more complete professional.

ACCESS LIVE STATS ➔

How does the profession work?

THE text for web is part of a Digital Marketing strategy. Its main objective is to promote a service or product.

However, before that, he needs to win over, attract, inform and, finally, lead the reader to make a decision.

For example: you are a dentist and want to attract more clients. You already have a website where you advertise your services, but it is not very functional and efficient.

So, you decide to hire a copywriter to write articles for the blog on your website. This professional will not say in his/her texts that you are the best dentist in the area and that people should make appointments with you.

He will start creating informative texts. The writer can use what we call a sales funnel to develop the content.

The sales funnel is divided into top, middle and bottom. The top of the funnel is when readers learn and discover something.

Texts must attract and inform the target audience. In the middle of the funnel, readers recognize that they have a problem, and at the bottom of the funnel, the solution to the problem is presented.

The background texts should lead the reader to decide or take an action, based on the example, hiring the dentist's services.

However, this must be done in a light and respectful manner and texts play an important role in this stage, as they connect the reader with the brand.

For the text to attract and connect the brand and target audience and/or persona, it must meet the customer's needs.

What is the best college to work as a freelance writer?

This is another advantage of working as a freelance writer, as you can choose from different college courses.

Typically, the market may require a freelance writer to have training in:

Letters;
Communication;
Advertising and Propaganda;
Digital Marketing;
Journalism.

However, the profession is not limited! For example, if you are an accountant and identify with writing, you can be a web writer for the finance niche.

It is possible to be a copywriter by vocation too, but you must master SEO techniques, at the very least.

To do this, it is important to take technical and professional courses in the area. There are excellent courses that will help you become a copywriter, and some of them are even required by companies.

Among the alternatives, we can recommend:

Digital Results;
Rock University;
Udemy;
HubSpot;
Google Atelier.

You can start with the free courses offered by Rock Content: Web Content Production, Content Marketing, SEO, Web Content Review and Practical Copywriting.

Where to work as a freelance writer?

A freelance writer can write texts for agencies, companies, educational institutions and individuals.

Additionally, you can search for vacancies on service provision platforms, for example:

Workana;
99freelas;
Freelancer.com;
Contentools;
GetNinjas;
My Editor;
Trampos.com;
Rock Content.

If you prefer to work for a permanent company, that is also possible. This way, you can have a little more stability in your career.

How much does a freelance writer earn?

To work as a freelance writer You can charge for your service in different ways: per word, hour, page, project, etc.

When pricing, it is important to consider many factors, for example: delivery time, number of words, subject matter expertise and customer requirements.

For beginners, it's best to charge by the word until you know exactly what the best way to price your work is.

The average salary for a writer working under the CLT regime is R$3,028.00, according to the Glassdoor. The lowest average is R$2 thousand and the highest is R$7 thousand.

A web writer can earn according to the work demand.

ROCK CONTENT ➔

Tips for getting started as a freelance writer

If you wish provide services as a freelance writer, but still don't know where to start, this topic can help you.

In it, you will find some tips for starting your career. Check it out!

#Search for certifications in the area

If you don't yet have a higher education degree that can help you work as a web writer, The ideal is to seek certifications in the area.

In fact, in this text you have already found suggestions for platforms to take courses, go back three spaces!

Without a higher education degree and without any SEO course, for example, you will hardly be able to enter the field.

Therefore, the first step is to invest in professional qualifications.

#Build your portfolio

The portfolio is essential for anyone who wants to provide services as an online writer. With this material you will be able to demonstrate your skills and mastery of the subject.

In many cases, you can enter the job market with just a good and diversified portfolio.

#Practice

Even if you haven't landed your first client yet, don't forget to practice your writing.

Start by writing about topics that you identify with or ask acquaintances to suggest topics. This way, in addition to developing your skills, you can use the best topics in your portfolio.

#Conquer customers

In addition to platforms, you can win over your customers in other ways, for example, on social media, directly on company websites and in writing groups.

Don't forget to create a LinkedIn profile, as it is the best social network focused on professional contacts.

HOW TO CREATE A LINKEDIN PROFILE ➔

#Find out what your niche is

With the right skills and techniques, you will be able to develop a variety of topics. However, it is good to have a niche in which you work, so that you will feel more comfortable when writing.

I have written about many topics and at the beginning of my career I would take on any challenge. However, my main area of expertise has been writing texts for rehabilitation clinics.

I have written many texts about chemical dependency to the point where it is challenging to innovate and not be repetitive.

I remember hating writing about accounting or anything finance related, it was challenging and took me completely out of my comfort zone.

However, at some point in my career I had to start writing for the finance niche. At first it was quite complicated, but over time I identified with the subject and currently I love writing about finance and credit.

Today I am in my comfort zone, but I know it is a good niche and with great demand, so I decided to seek more knowledge in the area to be a better professional and have more authority on the subject.

It's not good to limit yourself to a single niche initially, but writing about what you like is much better.

So, find a niche that you identify with, it may be something you are already familiar with. However, learn the skills needed to develop any topic efficiently.

Web writing is a mix of technique, skills and passion. There will be topics where we will work more automatically, that is, with techniques.

But there will be topics where we feel more comfortable and the words flow naturally.

Conclusion

So, did you enjoy finding out how work as a freelance writer?

Just like any other profession, being a writer has its challenges and not everything will always be rosy.

Along the way you will encounter good and bad clients, one month you will have a full schedule, but the next, no work.

But it is important to be persistent, know your worth and go through the process. These are important steps to gain experience and maturity as a professional.

You might like to find out 🔜 where to look for home office jobs and what types there are. Read our text!

Nara Sampaio October 5, 2022

Career