“Welcome freelance writer!” 
I want to specially welcome you to Part 3 of our Freelance Writing Series. We’re done with Part 1 and 2 which shows you how to make money writing for clients.
Part 2 deals with preparing your blog to land writing gigs that pays well.
If you missed out on Part 1 and 2, please read them below, then come back and enjoy the Part 3.
>> How I Make 3000 Monthly Writing Simple Articles Part-1
>> Freelance Writing How I Make 3000 Monthly Writing Simple Articles Part-2
The truth of the matter is that anyone who is ready to work hard can make money online. Becoming a freelance writer is not that difficult. In fact, you already have all it takes to achieve success.
Although, you can’t turn a millionaire overnight, and looking at this business as a get-rich-quick scheme would lead you to frustration.
Freelance writing is legitimate. It works and I’m a living testimonial. When I started writing for clients, the first thing that I considered was how much they’re willing to pay. So, today, I want to show you how to earn decently, from clients.
Even though you don’t have clients banging at your door, you’ve to get prepared or lose out heavily.
Forget Elance, Odesk And Sisters – Brand Yourself Instead!
I need you to make me a promise. The promise is that you’ll totally forget about Elance and every other job bidding site out there. This sounds like a rule, right? Right!
I was once a member of the above job sites. I scoured, continually competing with thousands of great writers. At the end, I didn’t earn any substantial income. I think I earned $0.0000 after 4 months of being an active member of Elance.
Does it mean that these job sites are fake or what? No, No, No!
There is nothing wrong with the job sites. The only thing wrong is the people there. If everyone is running for the prize, the motivation to continue will be lost.
Come to think of it, how do you intend to win a writing gig when there are established copywriters who have won awards and showcased how experienced they are?
For God’s sake, you’re just starting out. In our last Episode – Part 2, I walked you through the entire process of creating a blog that attracts paying clients to you. Isn’t it lovely that entrepreneurs who need your writing services will locate you, rather than you bidding against 1000+ fresh bids?
Target Entrepreneurs Who Need Freelance Writers
Now, do you know that there are more writing jobs outside Job Board environments? I’ve come to realize that the best paying gigs are not advertised.
BTW: a gig is a term used to describe writing job – please bear that in mind.
The main focus of building your blog is to target entrepreneurs who need freelance writers. Several entrepreneurs, especially the successful ones don’t have time to write articles. It’s a boring task to them. They would prefer a professional writer to help them.
And they’re willing to pay for your services. These are the people you should be targeting. They’re available and only you can explore and prove yourself. I’m not asking you to plead with entrepreneurs to hire you. On the contrary, they would BEG for your professional services. How would you do that?
Prove Yourself by Writing Guest Posts
My first 2 clients came after they read my quality guest posts somewhere (I can’t recall the actual site now).
As I said earlier, the best paying gigs are not advertised.
Entrepreneurs who have budget for exceptional contents are looking for those who have proven track records.
And how best can you show your expertise if not by writing relevant contents and getting published.
Don’t you realize that if a popular blog or website publishes your guest article, it shows you’re qualified to handle any writing project? Sure, you should know by now.
For those of us who wants to earn $50 and more from a single article, you’ve to be serious with your business. You shouldn’t aim for the money, rather, build your CREDIBILITY and the rest would follow.
Where Entrepreneurs Hangout Often
When you’re starting out in your freelance business, you would be hidden from the target audience. It’s would seem as though you’re living in a rock.
Your writing skills can’t pay off at this point. You need to get out there and prove to the world that you’ve what they’re looking for. As a freelance writer, entrepreneurs are your WORLD. You must be marketing to them where they are.
And you know what? You need to get featured in business-related blogs and websites if you want to get noticed. There are specific niche sites you must target and if you’re passionate and creative like me, nothing can stop you from getting hired.
Some of the sites where you can guest post, so that potential clients can hire your writing services are:
- Problogger.net
- Freelanceswitch.com
- Socialmediatoday.com
- Johnchow.com
- BloggingTips.com
- ZacJohnson.com
- Bosmol.com
- Business2Community.com
- Lifehack.org
- Noobpreneur.com
- Copyblogger.com
Etc.
If I Guest Post At These Blogs, Will I Get Hired For Sure?
I can’t guarantee anything. I’m only guiding your every step. I’ve gotten several clients from problogger.net and I know it works. But it takes hard work to truly make it there. You need to craft exceptional article before they can listen to you.
There are other places where you could attract potential clients. Social media is one of them. But rather than tweeting and expecting someone to hire you, I advice you concentrate on LinkedIn connections.
LinkedIn is a social media network for business people. Facebook and Twitter doesn’t work to get you clients – but LinkedIn does.
What You Should Do Now
Make sure you don’t price yourself so low. Any job that wouldn’t pay $50 or more isn’t worth your time. Don’t be scared of losing clients who can’t afford you. A lot of people will try to rip you off. I believe that writers should be paid handsomely and respected.
However, there are some writing projects that would allow you to link to your business blog. Let’s assume a client decides to hire you for $30/post but decides to compensate you with an author bio.
Grab the offer immediately. If you play your role correctly, the right clients would trail you and this is priceless.
So, it’s no longer how much a particular client can pay, but the extra exposure and other benefits you could get from working with them.
Tell me, now…
Have you gotten your first writing client yet? I want everyone to share their success stories and if you’re still looking out for clients who can hire you, let me know. I might offer some helpful tips in Part 4.
Photo Credits: Demandstudios | Freelancersincome | Prematurenolstagia
Great article with a nice detailed explanation on what to do and what not to do. Its nice to know that there are ways to legitimately make money freelancing.
This series was truly helpful. It’s like a complete guide in itself. I need to focus on my content first then.
I knew about cornerstone content before but I’ve never given myself a time limit. I better do that now.
Thanks!
Yes, focus on your content first, before going out to advertise yourself. Cornerstone content works Glori.
Great article and straight to the point. I am not sure if this is in
fact the best place to ask but do you people have
any ideea where to employ some professional writers?
Thx
If you’re looking for a professional writer, let’s discuss your project. I might just write for you.
I do believe all of the concepts you’ve offered for your post. They are very convincing and will certainly work. Still, the posts are very quick for beginners. May you please lengthen them a little from subsequent time? Thanks for the post.
Thanks for a nice list of sites that accept guest posts. It is definitely a great way to get freelance writing clients. I have published on ProBlogger myself and know it can be challenging. However, it has a good brand recognition, so always works great to have a sample from ProBlogger. Those in the business will know its value.
Yes, problogger is a great place to submit guest post. I’m glad you enjoyed my post.