The New Year is all about fresh perspectives and perhaps its time to find a new career for yourself. Have you considered becoming a business freelance writer?
Answer these questions truthfully –
If you just nodded your head in agreement on more than one of these statements then freelance writing is a possible work-from-home option for you. Here are the basics of what is business freelance writing, the skills needed to become a freelance writer, and how to get started.
1. Who is a Business Freelance Writer?
Today all businesses must have an online presence – their own website, blogs and social media accounts. This means that businesses in India and abroad, businesses of all shapes and sizes, are in constant need for online content that they can publish to keep their websites fresh and their customers engaged. Most business owners either don’t have the skill to do a good job of writing content or don’t have the time to research and write relevant content themselves.
That’s where you as a business freelance writer can be of service. Having understood the business – its product/ service, customer target segment, competitors, content requirements, you will be responsible for creating the following types of content –
2. Skills Needed to Become a Business Freelance Writer
As a freelance writer you will be constantly learning ways to improve the quality of your writing. Also, every client/ writing assignment. will teach you new aspects of managing your business. But to begin with, you must have the following 10 skills to become a freelance writer.
3. How is Internet Content Different from Content Written for a Magazine?
If you are a person of a few words, then internet content writing is just the thing for you. The internet audience is spoilt for choice – there is an abundance of information available on any topic. The average internet reader spends but a few seconds on any website, before deciding to read on or press the back button. This means that the content has to stand out and be easily grasped. In contrast, a person who picks up a magazine is more likely to be doing so at leisure and is therefore willing to spend more time reading what you have to say.
Content written for the internet must be clear and concise, while also being engaging. As Shakespeare himself remarked, ” Brevity is the soul of wit”. A relevant and succinct article headline, subheadings, bullet points, highlighted text and paragraphs that flow seamlessly are some of the skills that the business freelance writer must use to maximum effect.
4. Getting Started as a Business Freelance Writer
Different freelance writers will differ in their response to this question, simply because everyone has different strengths, skills, and opportunities.
In my opinion, a good place to find clients to work with are international freelancing websites such as Elance. Read these previously published blogs to understand how these sites work and what you need to do to reach potential clients.
5. Online Tools to Get Started as a Freelance Writer
Apart from creating your online freelancer profile on two or three job portals, there are several online tools to make your work look professional, help you collaborate with clients, and make it easier to get the job done. In fact every writer that you talk to has their favorite online tools. Here are 20 online tools that I regularly use for my writing business.
In addition, ensure that you have a blog/ website that showcases your work and your understanding of what it takes to write quality online content.
As a freelance writer, there is no end to your learning. All you need to do is make a beginning. If you think its too late in the day for you to switch careers, here is an inspiring infographic on how so many successful entrepreneurs started their business much later in life.
Are you a freelance writer with a story to share? Do you have a question on freelance writing opportunities in India? I would love to hear from you and maybe even have you guest post on my blog.