As a freelance writer, making a decent income can be a challenge, but it's not impossible. Recently, I made $805 from just a few writing gigs, and I want to share how I did it.
First, I contacted some websites that pay for guest posts. I pitched them a few story ideas, and fortunately, two of them were interested. One offered me $200 for a 1,500-word article, while the other offered $150 for a 1,000-word piece. These were good rates, as some sites pay as little as $50 for a similar article.
Next, I reached out to a small business that was looking to improve their website's SEO. I offered to write and optimize their website copy to help improve their ranking in search results. They agreed to pay me $300 for the work, which took me about four hours to complete.
Finally, I was able to sell a few articles I had already written to a content agency. These were pieces I wrote on spec, meaning I wrote them without a specific buyer in mind. I spent some time looking for a buyer who would be interested in them, and eventually found a content agency that was looking for pieces on similar subjects. They paid me $155 for the two articles combined.
Overall, it took me about a week to complete all of this work, but it was worth it. Here are a few tips that helped me earn this income:
1. Be persistent: Don't give up if your pitches are rejected. Keep trying and eventually, you'll find someone who is interested in your work.
2. Write on spec: Sometimes, it's worth your time to write something without a specific buyer in mind. This gives you the flexibility to sell your work when you find a buyer who is interested.
3. Offer multiple services: If you have skills beyond just writing, offer those as well. In my case, I was able to offer website optimization, which helped me secure a higher paying job.
Now, let's take a closer look at each gig:
1. Guest posts: Writing guest posts for websites can be a great way to earn income and build your portfolio. Make sure to research the website and follow their guidelines before submitting your work. And don't forget to negotiate your pay – it never hurts to ask for more than their initial offer.
2. Website optimization: If you have experience with SEO, offering website optimization services can be a great way to earn money as a freelance writer. Not all businesses have the budget to hire a full-time SEO expert, so they may be willing to pay a freelance writer to help improve their website's ranking.
3. Selling articles: If you have a stockpile of articles you've already written, don't let them go to waste. Spend some time searching for buyers who are interested in pieces on similar topics.
In conclusion, making a decent income as a freelance writer can be challenging, but it's possible. By being persistent, offering multiple services, and getting creative with your income streams, you can earn a great living doing what you love.