So you want to learn how to become a full-time freelance writer? That’s cool.

I’m going to walk you through the process of becoming a full-time freelance writer in about 10 minutes.

Whether you’re a newbie looking to start a freelance writing career or you’re a part-time freelance writer that’s planning to make freelance writing a full-time job, you’ll find timely and actionable tips that you can implement in this guide.

So sit back, relax and grab a cup of coffee while I demystify the process in an easy-to-understand format.
Before you start…

If you’re in a job already, don’t quit yet. Consider making freelance writing a side job where you can earn passive income. Set a time limit for yourself (three months) but register it in your mind that you’re going to pull out within three months. This timeline will give you a psychological push to reach your goal quickly.

In my own case, I left after two months because I was already earning more than my current salary at the end of the second month. So I took the risk and submitted my resignation letter.

5 Proven Ways To Get Regular Freelance Writing Jobs

The biggest challenge every freelance writer faces is getting work on a regular basis. While there are several methods you could explore to get regular freelance writing jobs, a combination of two or more of these 8 proven methods will just be enough to set the ball rolling for you.

1. Use freelance bidding platforms

If you’re just starting out, freelance bidding platforms are your best friends. There are quite a number of freelance platforms where you can bid for jobs and get paid upon completing your client’s job. However, you must be very careful not to fall victim of cheap work.

Bear in mind that you have to be at your best to win bids. The reason is that there are many freelancers looking to outsmart others through the quality of their bids. In addition you must select a platform that’s flexible and less competitive.

2. Create a freelance writer’s website

The importance of having a freelance writer’s website cannot be over-emphasized. This has helped me get few clients that I still work with till date. The website serves as a portfolio for all your past work and also allows web users to learn about your services faster.

Since most web users rely on the internet to search for products and services, optimizing your website for search engines is a very nice option.
Once you have set up your website, create pages that indicate your services as a freelance writer.

Essentially, you need a ‘hire me’ page, an about page, contact page, and a portfolio of your best works. You should also consider adding a blog to your writer’s website. This gives you credibility, increases readers’ trust in you, keeps your readers engaged, and improves your search engine ranking.

3. Search the internet for freelance writing jobs

Just like having a website where you can announce your freelance writing services to, you can also benefit from websites that announce freelance writing jobs or sites that pay writers. These jobs are usually specific, so you’d know on the spot if you qualify to apply.

To make your search easier, consider using search terms with relevant keywords. Examples of search terms you could use are: “write for us”, “guest bloggers wanted”, “become a contributor”, “submit an article”, “become an author” etc.

While you might likely get results which do not specify whether you’d get paid or not, you could try search terms that are more specific to your need. Add “+ paid” to your search terms. For example, “write for us + paid”, will return search results that pay contributors. You get the catch?

4. Send cold pitches to prospective clients

Cold pitching is the act of introducing your freelance writing services to people or companies that you want to work with. This method is fast and easy, and the opportunities are limitless. Smart freelance writers know how valuable cold pitching is, and that’s why they don’t joke with it.

Bamidele Onibalusi is one freelance writer that has benefitted so much from cold pitching. For example, he earned $5,025 from a single cold pitch and explains in details the strategies which he used to nail a perfect pitch.

Now, you might think this method works only for the pros, and that nobody would open your mail. Really, you don’t have anything to lose by sending out mails. The worst thing that could happen is for your mail to be deleted, marked as spam or abandoned. But you could also be lucky to come across those who’d like your pitch and hand you a mouth-watering contract. Really, you don’t lose anything by trying.

5. Write guest posts

Guest posting is one of the best ways to establish your credibility as a writer. The implication is that your article is good enough to feature on other peoples’ blogs. But apart from this, it helps you get new clients and win more jobs.

After publishing my best guest post so far with over a thousand social media shares, I started getting an influx of invitations from clients looking for unique content. Some even wanted me to promote their products or come on their on-going projects.

To increase your chances of getting new clients, use your writer signature on every blog you write guest posts for, and create a gravatar profile that helps to link your website to your guest posting bio. Also, consider writing for websites that pay you to write. You’d definitely earn a decent pay if your writing style is top-notch.

In conclusion, becoming a full-time freelance writer within three months is achievable. However, it has to be a calculated move. Ensure that you’re already earning sizable income as a part-time freelance writer for some time before taking the final plunge. If you follow the advice and tips shared herein, you’d be surprised how much progress you can make within a short period of time.

NB: This is an abridged version. Read full version here https://freelancingpro.net/full-time-freelance-writer/