Freelance Writer Basics How To Get Started

Getting started as a freelance writer couldn’t be simpler. Unfortunately most new writers make it too complicated. Please be aware that there are only two things you need to do: get writing jobs, and then do those jobs.
I’m sure you have some “yes, but… ” objections, such as, “Yes, but what about a business license?” or “Yes, but what about business cards?”
Don’t worry about it. Until you have clients, and are getting paid, you don’t have a business.
Just follow these steps to start your new career.
1. Get Your First Gig
Who do you know? It’s easiest to get your first gig from someone who knows you. Perhaps you have an acquaintance, or a friend, who needs a writer. If you can’t find anyone in your circle of acquaintances, place an advertisement for your services on a free classifieds site like Craigslist.
Just keep asking around, and do a little advertising, and sooner or later you’ll get hired. Please don’t make this more complicated than it needs to be. Just get your first job, do the job, and get paid.
Congratulations, you’re now a freelance writer.
2. Ask for Referrals
You’ve got a client. Your next step is to get three referrals from that client. Ask for the names and contact details of three of your client’s contacts.
Pick up the phone, and call these people. They may not have any writing work for you at the moment. Ask them for three contacts too. Can you see that the circle of people who know that you write for money is getting wider?
Again, keep it simple. Getting work these days is laughably easy. All you need to do is make enough people aware that you’re available and are willing to write for them, and you’ll get hired.
3. Set up Your Online Presence
You need a website. I’ve no idea why some writers are still nervous about developing an online presence. They’re shooting themselves in the foot and are crippling their potential income. The time you spend on your website or blog will pay off for you for years to come.
Your marketing starts with your website, and successful writers never begrudge the time they spend on marketing.
4. Focus on Getting Clients and Getting Paid
You now know everything you need to know to get paid for your writing.
Just continue doing what you’ve been doing. Your sole focus should be on getting clients, completing their writing projects to their satisfaction, and getting paid for those projects.
The above four steps are very simple. Follow them, and before you know it, you’ll have established your freelance writing career.